Robbie

Grossman

That means no Robbie Grossman, who was acquired to play against lefties but wound up going just 4-for-32 over the final month of the season. Reliever Will Smith was a candidate to be activated after missing the end of the year with back spasms, but it seems the Royals didn’t want to mess with what’s working in the pen.

Grossman gives Kansas City another experienced corner outfield option moving forward as they attempt to keep their postseason hopes alive. The switch-hitting 34-year-old veteran was put on waivers earlier this week by the defending World Series champions after playing sparingly in a reserve role. He’ll be eligible for the postseason, if the Royals wind up getting there.

It looks like Justin Foscue is already falling out of favor; after going 1-for-13 in his first four games with the Rangers, he’s on the bench for a second straight game today. That opened a spot for Grossman, who typically only plays versus lefties. He’s hit .164/.279/.206 in 86 plate appearances against righties this season.

Grossman also drew a walk. The left-handed hitter had been really struggling since coming over to the Rangers with just two hits since May 8, but he was able to match that total while bringing home a couple of runners Saturday.

García was originally listed as the starting designated hitter, but he’ll now be out Sunday with Robbie Grossman taking his place. The outfielder is undergoing imaging, but the hope is that he’ll get Sunday off and be able to return to the lineup Tuesday after the Rangers’ off-day.

Carter was scratched from the lineup Saturday with stiffness in his lower back, and the 21-year-old will miss at least one more game. Robbie Grossman is hitting sixth and starting in left field in Carter’s absence.

The 34-year-old veteran spent the 2023 season with the Rangers where he slashed .238/.340/.394 across 420 plate appearances. He’s had a poor season with the White Sox and is on pace for his worst OPS since 2015 when he was with the Astros. He’s likely to add depth to Texas’ outfield, but he’s a non-factor for fantasy managers.

Vaughn, 26, has swung the bat much better as of late with his average rising to .196 from the .157 mark he carried on April 24. He’ll get a day off with Gavin Sheets handling first base and Robbie Grossman starting in right field.

Grossman hit leadoff on Sunday and he’s back in there Monday with right-hander Triston McKenzie on the hill for Cleveland. Andrew Benintendi will once again hit fifth in the depleted Chicago lineup.

Grossman will join the active roster with Eloy Jiménez placed on the injured list with an adductor strain. The 34-year-old spent the 2023 season with the Rangers last season where he slashed .238/.340/.394 across 420 plate appearances.