Vinnie Pasquantino -- Injury Report

Vinnie Pasquantino returned to the Kansas City Royals' starting lineup Friday against Seattle after missing two games with lower back tightness. Playing first base and batting third, Pasquantino had a productive night at T-Mobile Park, going 2-for-5 with a home run in the Royals' 7-6 victory. He started his day with a morning walk and two hours of pregame treatment before the game. He contributed an RBI single in the first inning (107.3 mph exit velocity) that helped spark a four-run frame, then launched a 404-foot home run in the sixth inning off Bryan Woo on a 2-0 pitch (107.2 mph exit velocity), his fourth of the season. Manager Matt Quatraro noted postgame that Pasquantino "took some good, aggressive swings" and showed no signs of compensating for his back injury. Pasquantino acknowledged "still got a lot of work to do physically" but expressed optimism about his availability going forward, saying he expected to play the following day as well.

Vinnie Pasquantino is cleared to return to the Kansas City Royals' lineup for Friday's series opener against the Mariners after missing two consecutive games with lower-back tightness. The first baseman was available as a pinch hitter in Thursday's loss to the Athletics and has progressed sufficiently in his recovery to resume regular playing time, batting third and starting at first base.

Pasquantino has struggled offensively this season, posting a .165/.274/.320 slash line with 3 home runs and 14 RBI through 124 plate appearances. The injury had been a lingering issue for the player prior to his recent multi-game absence.