Cheslor Cuthbert placed on the disabled list with a back strain

It has been a tough season for Cheslor Cuthbert. He probably thought he was going to get a shot at the regular third base job with Mike Moustakas departing via free agency. When the market dried up for Moose, the Royals brought him back, leaving Cuthbert’s status in doubt. With no options remaining on the young third baseman, manager Ned Yost has tried his best to find time for Cheslor, putting him at third when he can, having him play an unfamiliar first base, or DHing him on occasion.

That tough season hit another road bump today when the Royals announced that Cuthbert will be placed on the 10-day disabled list with a lower back strain. Cuthbert had been suffering from back spasms that had kept him out of action since Monday. In 30 games this year, Cuthbert is hitting .197/.282/.301 with three home runs in 117 plate appearances.

In his place, the Royals will call up infielder Ramon Torres up from AAA Omaha. Torres was up with the Royals for 33 games last year, hitting .243/.291/.284 in 79 plate appearances. He was not faring well in the minors this year, hitting .229/.280/.307 in 39 games.