Kansas City Royals: What’s the latest on Jorge Soler?

Jorge Soler hit the disabled list in mid-June with a fractured toe. Since his injury, the Kansas City Royals have bolstered their outfield crew by acquiring Brian Goodwin and Brett Phillips through trades.

Before Jorge Soler was placed on the DL due to injury, and it was originally thought that he would remain there for six weeks. Now, it is looking like it may be longer. He is likely to be off crutches soon. However, there is still time needed for recovery before he can rejoin the Kansas City Royals.

In fact, Ned Yost told Rustin Dodd of The Athletic that Soler is not close to returning, He is working on rehabbing on an underwater treadmill, but he has already missed over a month of action. And, he has plenty more steps of recovery to go, including a rehab assignment once he is near full health.

It is possible he could be out for the rest of the 2018 season. In that case, the Kansas City Royals luckily have enough good outfielders, with the acquisitions of Brian Goodwin from the Nationals and Brett Phillips from the Milwaukee Brewers. Plus, Whit Merrifield can eat up some innings in the outfield. Or even Alcides Escobar, though most would frown upon that decision.

When Soler comes back, the outfield will be crowded. With Rosell Herrera, Phillips, Goodwin, Alex Gordon, Jorge Bonifacio, and others in the mix, there will be decisions to be made.

Before the injury

Soler had a great month of May, yielding a batting average of .259. In the beginning of June, he started to falter a bit. Hopefully, when he returns from the injury, he will find a hot streak at the plate. Granted, he will have been out of baseball for nearly two months, so it may not happen.

The good news, though, is that if he cannot perform, there are plenty of other young guys primed and ready to step up and help move the Kansas City Royals towards a winning future.