The Kansas City Royals could be getting one of their best players back just in time for the playoffs. First baseman Vinnie Pasquantino has missed the last month after breaking his thumb against the Houston Astros on Aug.

In an interview during the team’s broadcast of last night’s game, GM J.J. Picollo noted that Pasquantino “felt good” after the session but that the club will need to evaluate him today before deciding whether to activate him or have him continue rehabbing in hopes of impacting the club deeper into the playoffs,

Among numerous scenarios with which they’re wrestling, the Royals could decide to activate first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino from the 10-day injured list. Pasquantino has made expedited strides since undergoing right-thumb surgery for a fracture suffered ...

If Pasquantino is truly healthy enough to return early, it would be a major boost to Kansas City’s offense. In 131 games with the Royals this year, the 26-year-old has hit a respectable .262/.315/.446 with 19 homers in 554 trips to the plate and a 108 wRC+.

The Royals don’t like talking about last year. This entire season, they’ve insisted that they don’t think about 2023. All that matters, manager Matt Quatraro says, is today.