Vinnie Pasquantino's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Not only was Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (thumb) included on the team's playoff roster for the wild-card series this week, but he's serving as the designated hitter and batting third in Game 1 on Tuesday versus the Baltimore Orioles and right-hander Corbin Burnes at Camden Yards. Pasquantino was activated from the 10-day injured list on Tuesday after recovering from a fractured right thumb that required surgery in early September. The 26-year-old left-handed slugger healed rapidly to give him a shot to contribute for the up-and-coming Royals in October. However, given the layoff and the nature of his injury, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Pasquantino struggle at the plate upon his return. Yuli Gurriel is starting at first base and is batting fifth against Burnes. Pasquantino hit .262 on the year with 19 homers and 97 RBI in his 496 at-bats for KC.

The Kansas City Royals are hoping that first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (thumb) will be on their playoff roster for the wild-card series against the Baltimore Orioles that begins on Tuesday at Camden Yards. Manager Matt Quatraro said that Pasquantino was going to test his fractured right thumb by hitting in the cages on Monday to see if he'll be included on the wild-card roster on Tuesday. If the 26-year-old left-handed slugger is included on the roster this week, he will only be used as a designated hitter and won't play on defense. Pasquantino needed surgery on his thumb earlier this month but has apparently made very good progress to give himself a shot to be available for the postseason. He'd provide the Royals with a power boost in the lineup, but it also remains to been how effective he'll be swinging the bat if he's available. The Royals used catcher Salvador Perez often at first base with Pasquantino injured, leaving Freddy Fermin to do the catching.

Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (thumb) took batting practice at Nationals Park on Thursday before the team's series finale against the Washington Nationals. It's another step in Pasquantino's recovery after suffering a right-thumb injury that will keep him out through the end of the regular season this Sunday. The 26-year-old left-handed slugger needed surgery to fix a fractured right thumb, but it's good to see that he's already swinging a bat over three weeks removed from going under the knife. The Royals must first clinch a wild-card spot in the American League before the Royals will begin discussing whether Pasquantino has a shot to join them if they make a deep playoff run in October. Catcher Salvador Perez has seen more time at first base for KC since Pasquantino's injury, with Freddy Fermin filling in behind the dish.