Spring training is supposed to be an exercise in evaluation, but for several AL Central clubs, the final week before Opening Day has become an exercise in triage. A wave of injuries across the division is already shaping the early-season landscape and forcing managers to dig into their depth charts.

The Kansas City Royals have been the hardest hit. First baseman Tony Garner was placed on the 14-day injured list retroactive to March 20. The attrition continued late in camp when shortstop Rogelio Minott suffered a quadriceps strain while running the bases, an injury expected to sideline him for five days. Center fielder Tony Ayala also sustained a mild hamstring strain while throwing and is day-to-day for a week. Kansas City will need to lean heavily on its bench and minor league options to navigate the season’s first month.

Minnesota faces a similar challenge on the mound. The Twins placed starting pitcher Nelson Tapia on the 14-day injured list, retroactive to March 20. The rotation will have to absorb his absence while the pitching staff finds its early-season rhythm.

In Cleveland, the Guardians will be without reliever Rich Pearson for the foreseeable future. Pearson suffered shoulder inflammation while pitching and is expected to miss five to six weeks. The bullpen will require immediate patching as the club opens the year.

The Chicago White Sox are also managing delayed timelines. Mario Cervantes suffered a setback in his recovery and is not expected to return for another week, pushing his availability further into the spring.

As the division prepares for the opener, health will be the early deciding factor. The clubs that successfully navigate this spring injury bug and stabilize their rosters will set the initial pace in the AL Central.

Notebook

2051-03-23

  • Kansas City Royals: Activated RP Scott Boxsell from the 60-day injured list.
  • Kansas City Royals: Activated RP Scott Boxsell from the 60-day injured list.
  • Kansas City Royals: Placed 1B Tony Garner on the 14-day injured list, retroactive to 03/20/2051.
  • Minnesota Twins: Placed SP Nelson Tapia on the 14-day injured list, retroactive to 03/20/2051.
  • The Seattle Mariners traded 26-year old RHP Yin-ti Leong to the Chicago White Sox, getting $1 in cash in return.
  • The St. Louis Cardinals traded 26-year old LHP Danny Ortega, 30-year old C Edwin Diaz, 20-year old minor league CF David Kunderan, and $1 in cash to the Chicago White Sox, getting $1 in cash in return.
  • [G]Released by the Texas organization.
  • Placed LF Willie Figueroa on the active roster.
  • Activated LF Willie Figueroa from the injured list.
  • Optioned RF Matt Gray to Triple A Toledo.
  • Optioned RP Sergio Arellano to Triple A Toledo.
  • Placed LF Willie Figueroa on the active roster.
  • Activated LF Willie Figueroa from the injured list.
  • Optioned RF Matt Gray to Triple A Toledo.
  • Optioned RP Sergio Arellano to Triple A Toledo.
  • Placed RP Sergio Arellano on the International League 7-day injured list, retroactive to 03/20/2051.
  • Promoted 1B Elijah Jenkins from High-A West Michigan to Double A Erie.

2051-03-24

  • [I]Injured (dizziness and nausea),day-to-day for 3 days.
  • [G]Signed a 1-year minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies organization.

2051-03-25

  • [G]Signed a minor league contract out of Dominican Republic with the Detroit Tigers organization.
  • Signed international amateur 3B Alfredo Perez out of Dominican Republic to a minor league contract.

2051-03-27

  • Minnesota Twins: Signed international amateur SP Emeric Castillo out of Venezuela to a minor league contract.

2051-03-29

  • [I]Injured (viral infection),day-to-day for 2 days.

2051-03-30

  • [G]Was claimed off waivers by San Diego while with Chicago.
  • [I]Injured (fractured finger),out for 6 weeks.

2051-04-03

  • Kansas City Royals: Promoted international complex member 1B Willie Moreno to Rookie League 23 Kansas City (DSL23).
  • Kansas City Royals: Promoted international complex member C Jesus Montoya to Rookie League 23 Kansas City (DSL23).
  • [G]Promoted from the international complex to Rookie League 23 Detroit (DSL23).
  • [G]Named the #96 prospect in the LOTP
  • [G]Signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres organization.
  • Promoted international complex member SP Mel Camunez to Rookie League 23 Detroit (DSL23).