Royals’ Vinnie Pasquantino exits Saturday’s game with injured hand: what we know
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- Vinnie Pasquantino left Saturday’s game grimacing and clutching his side after a swing.
- Jac Caglianone moved to first in the following inning amid defensive changes.
- Pasquantino had prior low back tightness and was removed April 28, missing one game.
Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino departed early from Saturday’s game against the Houston Astros at Kauffman Stadium.
In the fifth inning, Pasquantino grimaced in pain after a swing at the plate. He popped out to Astros third baseman Isaac Parades to begin the inning.
Pasquantino ran to first base and appeared to clutch his side. Then he immediately went down the stairs leading back to the Royals’ clubhouse.
The Royals announced later in the game that Pasquantino has a hamate injury in his right hand.
“We’re going to know more tomorrow,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said after the KC lost 8-7 to Houston. “But we anticipate it being an IL situation.”
That would be unfortunate news for a team already without starting centerfielder Kyle Isbel and a host of pitchers.
The Royals made wholesale defensive changes in the field the inning after Pasquantino’s Saturday night exit. Jac Caglianone moved to first base and Lane Thomas shifted to right field. Isaac Collins came in to play left field.
“As far as I know, it’s just this at-bat,” Quatraro said when asked when the injury occurred. “The hamate is that kind of thing that just kind of goes.”
Pasquantino has dealt with tightness in his lower back this season. He was removed from an April 28 game against the Athletics in West Sacramento.
Pasquantino missed one game at that time. He got a pinch-hit opportunity two days later and progressed to full action during that same road trip.
Pasquantino was 1-for-3 before leaving Saturday’s game. He had an RBI single in the third inning off Astros starter Mike Burrows.
“I saw as soon as after his swing that he favored his hand,” Quatraro said. “I didn’t know what it was at that point. But (we) took him up and examined him and stuff. And we’re pretty confident that’s what it is.”
Pasquantino has hit safely in 12 of his last 15 games. He has 18 hits and nine RBIs in that span.
“Yeah, it stinks a lot,” Royals catcher Carter Jensen said. “You know, he’s a big part of our team. He’s a leader on this team. So to see him go down, it’s never fun.
“But we’re backing him up and wishing him a speedy recovery. And for him to get back and help us win some games, just like he does every night.”
This story was originally published June 13, 2026 at 8:23 PM with the headline "Royals’ Vinnie Pasquantino exits Saturday’s game with injured hand: what we know."
