Kansas City placed Juan Gonzalez on the disabled list yesterday. Gonzalez began feeling pain in his back while running to first base during the Royals' May 21st game in Oakland. At the moment, the injury is being described merely as tightness in his lower back and no timetable has been set for his return. Since the move was made retroactive to May 22nd, Gonzalez will be eligible to rejoin the team on June 6th. Kansas City seems to believe he will be able to return at that time, barring setbacks.

The Royals called up OF-R Byron Gettis to replace Gonzalez on the roster. Kansas City signed Gettis as a nondrafted free agent out of high school in 1998, but the Royals moved him slowly through their system, only allowing him to reach AA last season. At the time of his promotion, the 24-year-old was hitting .246 with a .364 OBP and .373 SLG on 33 H, 5 2B, and 4 HR with a 27:45 BB:K and 2/3 SB% in 134 AB at AAA Omaha in the Pacific Coast League. Gettis possesses impressive plate patience, substantial power, and modest speed skills. Without additional preparation at AAA, Gettis likely will struggle with his batting average in the majors due to contact problems. However, he certainly appears to possess the potential to develop into at least a decent reserve outfielder if not a solid starter. He developed cramps while running out a grounder in the eighth inning of his major league debut last night, but provided he is healthy, I expect the Royals to allow him to start in right field for at least a few more games.

Kansas City has been fickle when assigning outfield playing time this season and probably will move Gettis to a reserve role or return him to the minors if he does not produce within a week. With the Royals scheduled to play in National League parks beginning June 8th as interleague play commences, the team is considering using Mike Sweeney in the outfield on an experimental basis, so that both Sweeney and Ken Harvey can remain in the lineup even when the designated hitter is temporarily eliminated. If the club chooses not to go in that direction, Kansas City may give Brandon Berger or Aaron Guiel additional starting opportunities in Gonzalez's absence.

Guiel hit the disabled list on May 16th due to blurred vision, which led to laser surgery on his left eye. However, he recently resumed baseball activities, so he should be prepared to rejoin the team sometime soon.