SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Kansas City Royals outfielder Jarrod Dyson is expected to miss the start of the season after straining his oblique while batting during the World Series champions' spring training opener.
Dyson was removed from Wednesday's game against Texas and taken for an MRI that revealed the Grade 2 strain. That type of injury typically takes about six weeks to heal, and manager Ned Yost said Thursday that Dyson will likely begin the season on the disabled list.
"It really affects everything he does: running, fielding, throwing hitting," Yost said. "We have to get that inflammation out of there, seven to 10 days of no activity. Then build him up on a progression."
The speedy Dyson played 90 games for the Royals last season, hitting .250 with two home runs and 18 RBIs. He was expected to help fill the void in right field left by Alex Rios, whose option was not picked up in the offseason.
"I just got to think positive," Dyson said. "I can't stay mad about what happened. Just get over it, rehab and try to get out there as soon as possible."
Dyson was expected to platoon with Paulo Orlando in right field.
Orlando now becomes the front-runner for the everyday job, though the Royals have an abundance of options. Veteran Travis Snider, prospect Brett Eibner and Reymond Fuentes each could earn time there.
"We'll see how it all plays out," Yost said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
