Infante still out as Royals visit Chicago for first time since wild-card-clinching win
CHICAGO -- For the fourth straight game, Omar Infante was out of the Royals' lineup Thursday, as he recovers from a left groin strain.
Infante said he may be back in the lineup for Friday's game, adding that he has kept to the same routine each day -- taking batting practice and groundballs and running -- but doing so more strenuously each day.
"He's getting to the point where he's ready to play again," manager Ned Yost said. "Early in the year, we don't want to push it. We'll see how he does in drills today and if he feels good, he'll go here in the next day or so."
During Sunday's win over Oakland, Infante pulled up lame at second base after doubling to left-center. One batter later, he exited the game in favor of Orlando Calixte, who pinch ran and finished the game.
Christian Colon has been starting at second base. He has three hits, two walks and two RBIs in his last three games.
PREGAME NOTES
• Kansas City returned to Chicago for the first time since it clinched the franchise's first playoff berth since 1985 with a 3-1 win over the White Sox on Sept. 26.
"The celebration was fun," Yost said. "We were still focused on trying to win the division at that time. We were glad that we clinched the wild-card spot. To watch the boys celebrate was special."
Watch the Royals Live pregame and postgame shows before and after every Kansas City Royals game on FOX Sports Kansas City.
Lorenzo Cain occupied the same locker that he was in seven months ago, when a champagne celebration followed the Royals' victory.
"To us, we've moved on from last year," Cain said. "It's a new year. We're not dwelling on last year. We know it's a new year."
• Closer Greg Holland, on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right pectoral, will be re-evaluated Saturday, Yost said. Then, Holland may start to play catch.
You can follow Matthew DeFranks on Twitter at @MDeFranks or email him at matthew.defranks@gmail.com.
