Colmenares out 2-3 months, Young returns to the NABL
Everything had been going so smoothly for this years Royals(46-23) team, people wondered how long the cruise control could last. But they hit a rather huge speed bump last night when first baseman
Melvin Colmenares took a pitch off of his face and suffered a fractured cheekbone.
It happened in the very first inning against the last place Detroit Tigers(30-38). With the Royals starting a three game series against them, the were looking to extend their 10 game lead in the Central Division but luck wasn't on their side.
"Its a freak accident and I feel terrible for Melvin," said manager
Antonio DeLeon after the game. "We are just hoping for positive test results from the hospital and for him to make a speedy recovery. I have heard it could be anywhere from two to three months so lets hope for the sooner than the later."
Colmenares currently leads the team in home runs with 18 and is second in runs and RBI's with 51. It will certainly be a huge hole to fill for the next few months and hopefully the Royals can tread water till he returns.
In response to Melvin's injury the Royals have turned the clock back a few years and brought back first baseman
Walter Young. Yes that Walter Young. The 31 year old player who averaged over 30 home runs per year from 2006-2009.
He lost his swing early in 2010 and was sent down to the minors. He dominated A ball in 2010 by hitting .399 in 65 games. He started the 2011 season in A ball but was promptly moved to AAA where he is hitting .325 this season. He racked up a ton of awards while in the minors and they are as follows:
"I am excited to be back in Kansas City. My swing feels as strong as ever and I hope to contribute a lot over the past two to three months. Melvin and I are great friends and I wish him a speedy recovery because he is this teams leader and we all need our leader." stated Young when reached by cell phone.
With the Royals currently nine games up on second place Minnesota Twins and nine and a half games up on the White Sox, the Royals will have to play some solid baseball to overcome the loss of Melvin. It won't be an easy task but the players are still upbeat and are looking forward to tomorrow. Lets go Royals!!