Royals Report: Bullpen Collapse Busts Winning Streak

2) Alex Gordon Takes Batting Practice

After hitting off a tee earlier in the week, Alex Gordon took batting practice before Wednesday’s finale against the Cleveland Indians.

While Gordon splashed some balls into the fountains at Kauffman Stadium, he’s still not entirely up to snuff. He told Kansas City Star beat writer Rustin Dodd on Wednesday:

"“I can still feel it a little bit,” Gordon said. “But as far as baseball activity, throwing, swinging, it doesn’t bother me at all.”"

According to Dodd, Gordon told him that he’s still a few days away from starting a rehab assignment in the minor leagues, though Gordon believes that it’s coming soon. Gordon has discussed a timetable with KC Royals head trainer Nick Kenney, but the team isn’t sharing that information with reporters.

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The team sure could use a healthy Alex Gordon back in the lineup. Losing both Gordon and Mike Moustakas is a considerable loss from last year’s core. Add in Kendrys Morales struggles at DH, and it’s no surprise that the Kansas City Royals run production has suffered a significant hit from last season.

Gordon broke a bone in his wrist May 23, and the KC Royals expected him to miss three to four weeks. We’re already past the three-week mark right now, and I’m guessing Gordon will require at least a another seven days in Omaha before returning to Kansas City. At this point, I think we’re looking at a return around June 25 to July 1.

Next: Brett Eibner