On Thursday night, the Kansas City Royals faced a tough loss against the Houston Astros, resulting from a critical play that led to a significant injury. As a consequence, the Royals will be without their first baseman for an estimated two months.
Vinnie Pasquantino, the team’s first baseman, is expected to be sidelined for 6-8 weeks due to a broken right thumb, as confirmed by the official announcement made by the Royals on Friday. The injury occurred when a throw from pitcher Lucas Erceg struck the outside of Pasquantino’s glove.
Vinnie Pasquantino has a broken right thumb, and further tests are scheduled today. He could return in six to eight weeks.
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) August 30, 2024
Kansas City suffered a 6-3 defeat against the Astros after conceding four runs in the bottom of the 8th inning in Houston. The pivotal moment came with a failed barehanded catch that resulted in an unsuccessful throw to first base, causing injuries to both Erceg and Pasquantino, forcing them to leave the game prematurely.
In a single play, the Royals lost their first baseman, their reliever, the lead, and ultimately, the game.
Pasquantino began his Major League Baseball career with the Royals in 2022 and had secured the starting first baseman position this season. His absence is projected to extend through the remainder of the regular season and potentially into the playoffs.
While Erceg’s injury status remains undisclosed, it appears less severe than Pasquantino’s.
This setback poses a significant challenge for the Royals, who currently hold a 75-60 record and are trailing the Cleveland Guardians by only 1.5 games in the AL Central division. Despite being in contention for a wild-card spot, Kansas City must maintain a strong performance to secure a playoff berth, now without their primary first baseman.
The team has three more games against the Astros before returning home to face the Guardians in an upcoming series.