Royals Put Michael Massey On Concussion List

As the Kansas City Royals try to hang around in the AL wild-card race, injuries can hit a little bit harder.

Second baseman Michael Massey was placed on the seven-day concussion list Thursday by the Kansas City Royals. The Royals also optioned right-handed reliever Mason Black to Triple-A Omaha, while selecting the contract of left-handed reliever Anthony Gose and recalled infielder Josh Rojas, both coming up from Triple-A. Also, the Royals pulled right-hander Beck Way from his rehab assignment.

Massey was injured in Tuesday's 5-3 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. He fielded a grounder from Nathan Lukes as he ranged to his right and made an off-balance throw for the out at first base for the second out in the fifth inning. But he hit his head as he crashed to the ground. He was removed from the game. Massey is a key part of the Royals' offense, putting up a .276/.310/.444 slash line with 11 homers and 44 RBIs. Massey also started the season on the injured list with a strained left calf.

Rojas is up for the third time this season. In his previous stints, he had a .224/.253/.303 slash line with one homer and nine RBIs in 30 games.

Black pitched two perfect innings in Wednesday's 3-0 loss to the Jays. His demotion is all about getting a fresh arm in the bullpen and Gose, who hasn't pitched in the majors since 2024, got the call. Gose intended to start the season in the Mexican League, but then signed a minor-league deal with the Royals on April 28. In 39 games and 46 innings for Omaha, he has a 4.89 ERA with 29 walks and 58 strikeouts. He last appeared in the majors with the Cleveland Guardians in 2024, pitching in just three games.