The Royals failed to take sole possession of first place in the AL Central. Kansas City lost to the Cleveland Guardians 7-5 in the four-game series finale at Progressive Field. Vinnie Pasquantino was 4-for-5 and hit his 19th homer of the season on a solo shot in the first inning. Michael Massey and Bobby Witt Jr. also homered in the setback. L Erceg was charged with this fourth loss and blew a save after allowing one run through an inning of relief. The Royals are second in the division at 75-and-59. They travel to play the Houston Astros tonight. Right-hander Brady Singer is slated to start against Houston righty Hunter Brown.
>>Royals Place Michael Lorenzen On 15-Day IL
The Royals are losing a member of their starting rotation due to an injury suffered on Tuesday. Kansas City has placed right-hander Michael Lorenzen on the 15-day injured list due to a strained left hamstring. Lorenzen was injured while covering first base during a victory over the Cleveland Guardians. Kansas City acquired the 32-year-old in a trade with the Texas Rangers on July 29th. He is 2-and-0 is a 1.85 ERA through five starts with the Royals. In a corresponding move, the Royals recalled right-handed reliever Steven Cruz from Triple-A Omaha.
