Kansas City Royals: Ned Yost suffers broken pelvis in fall from tree

Kansas City Royals manager Ned Yost reportedly suffered a broken pelvis over the weekend. The injuries occurred after a fall from a tree stand, but he is expected to make a full recovery.

Ned Yost is known for being an outdoorsman. The Kansas City Royals manager is known for hunting and fishing. Yost suffered injuries working on a tree stand on his Georgia property. The club confirmed the 62-year-old sustained a broken pelvis. According to Rustin Dodd of the Kansas City Star, his accident occurred “over the weekend.”

A report from ESPN claims Yost also had “several ribs” broken in the fall. It also states Royals spokesperson Mike Swanson said Yost was at Atlanta’s Grady Hospital, but he would be moved to a rehabilitation facility on Thursday or Friday. Dodd writes that Dayton Moore expects that Yost will be easily recovered in time for the start of the 2018 season. The article also states it’s possible that Yost could be back in time for Winter Meetings.

Next year marks the ninth season for Yost in charge of the Kansas City Royals. After last season’s 80-82 record, his overall record with the club is just a notch under .500. He has a 629-632 mark over his first eight seasons. Although, since the franchise turnaround in 2013, Yost has 431 wins to 379 losses.

Yost’s future

It’s possible 2018 proves to be Yost’s final year. This injury not withstanding, his contract expires after this season. During the offseason, the Kansas City Royals have seemingly planned for Yost’s retirement. Dale Sveum moved from hitting coach to bench coach following the 2017 season. It sets up the possibility of Sveum replacing Yost in 2019, or maybe further down the road if Yost sticks around.

With plenty of in-house promotions, Sveum is the only remaining member of the group with MLB managing experience. In 2008, he led Milwaukee for 12 regular season games and four postseason games after the Brewers let Yost go late in the season. He also led the Cubs from 2012-13. Chicago went 61-101 and 66-96 in his two years there. The rest of the coaching staff has little MLB experience.

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That makes Yost’s recovery even more important. Ideally, Yost could return for those Winter Meetings in December. However, his ability to be back for Spring Training is much more vital — not to mention being healthy for Opening Day.