Michael Massey's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

The Kansas City Royals reinstated infielder Michael Massey (back) from the 10-day injured list on Monday and optioned outfielder Nelson Velazquez to Triple-A Omaha in a corresponding move. Massey is in the starting lineup on Monday against the visiting Miami Marlins and right-hander Roddery Munoz, serving as the designated hitter and batting fifth. The 26-year-old Massey will return from his second IL stint due to back issues after playing in five minor-league rehab games with Triple-A Omaha. He should eventually resume playing nearly every day at the keystone in Kansas City and is worth a roster spot in deep-mixed leagues in an improved Royals lineup after hitting .294 (30-for-102) with six homers and 23 RBI before his second back injury. Velazquez clubbed eight homers in 205 at-bats but hit just .200 with 61 K's in 64 games to earn a trip to the farm.

Kansas City Royals second baseman Michael Massey (back) was placed on the 10-day injured list on Sunday afternoon. The 26-year-old injured his back on Friday night and did not play on Saturday. Nick Loftin was recalled from Triple-A Omaha as a corresponding move. It is an unfortunate injury for Massey as he was swinging a hot bat over the past two weeks. Veteran infielder Adam Frazier is starting at second base and batting sixth on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Rays. Frazier will likely see the majority of playing time against right-handed pitching while Garrett Hampson or the aforementioned Loftin could draw in against lefties. None of those options are all that attractive for fantasy purposes.

Kansas City Royals second baseman Michael Massey (back) is being held out of the starting lineup on Saturday against the Tampa Bay Rays after injuring his back on Friday night in the series opener. Massey left Friday's 8-1 win in the sixth inning with lower-back tightness and will be held out as a precaution for the second game of the series. Fantasy managers should consider the 26-year-old second baseman to be day-to-day for now. The good news is that he went 2-for-3 with a three-run home run before departing. Veteran Adam Frazier is starting at the keystone on Saturday and is hitting sixth against Rays right-hander Aaron Civale. Massey is in the midst of a fine season so far, batting .294 (30-for-102) with six home runs, 23 RBI and 17 runs scored for the upstart Royals. Check back on Sunday to see if he's in the starting lineup.