Royals Brett Eibner Leaves Game With Ankle Sprain

The Royals rookie outfielder has hit .462 with three doubles in his first four big league games before leaving tonight’s game in the 5th inning.

The Royals had already been dealt a rough hand when it came to injuries, before Brett Eibner was added to that list tonight with a left leg injury.

After doubling and scoring in the 4th inning, Eibner injured his left leg in the following half inning, chasing down what turned into a Brad Miller triple.

Eibner was called up following a flurry of injuries to Alex Gordon, Mike Moustakas, and Lorenzo Cain, along with guys like Whit Merrifield and Cheslor Cuthbert.

Eibner’s injury specifically is a real bummer, with the former second-round draft pick playing in 541 minor league games before making his Major League debut in his age-27 season.

It is also worrisome with Eibner’s injury history, with the outfielder missing time in 2011 and 2014, as well as time in 2015.

Those injuries were to his thumb, abdomen, and foot, respectively.

Eibner eventually was carted off the field, as this scene transpired around him.

Dodd also gave the update on Eibner’s status.

The Royals still have Dyson and Paulo Orlando in Kansas City to hold down the corners for now, although Orlando needed to be assisted by trainers after being hit by a pitch in the 6th.

However, if Eibner heads to the DL, which is likely, that will leave the Royals with three outfielders.

The Royals have plenty of outfield options, however, most notably in Reymond Fuentes and Jorge Bonifacio.

Fuentes was the Royals opening day starter in right field this season and hit .238 in six games before being sent back down to Triple-A.

He is currently hitting .302 with six stolen bases and a .717 OPS for the Omaha Storm Chasers.

Bonifacio, on the other hand, was at one time viewed as arguably the top Royals power prospect, before struggling mightily in 2014 and not seeing that power translate.

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However, he is still just 22 and is coming off his best full season power wise, hitting 17 homers in 125 games last season.

That has continued into 2016, this time with Triple-A, with Bonifacio hitting nine home runs in just 48 games, while also hitting .308 and slugging at a .557 clip.