Blanco dealt with the problem this spring, too, so the Royals are going to give him some rest here. The pinch-running specialist swiped two bases and scored twice while getting one at-bat in the Royals’ first three games.

Blanco, 31, is considered day-to-day. The speedy outfielder will take a seat with Joey Wiemer getting the start in the outfield in Blanco’s absence.

No reason given for the scratch, but these things tend to happen during the exhibition season. Joey Wiemer will instead get the start in center field.

It was Blanca’s fourth home run of the season and third in the last two games. Blanco hit a solo shot off Andrew Abbott in the fifth inning. He could be worth rostering in AL-Only leagues if he continues to start over MJ Melendez. Blanco is hitting .257 with 22 stolen bases this year. While his power surge could wear off, he has the speed to fall back on as long as he hits enough to play regularly.