Colon in, Escobar out at shortstop for Royals on Thursday

Perhaps unsurpisingly, Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar was not in the starting lineup on Thursday against the Tigers. Escobar left Wednesday's game against the Indians after being hit by a pitch in the face and has been diagnosed with a left cheek contusion.

Christian Colon made the start at shortstop on Thursday. Colon has had limited playing time in 2015 and is hitting .269 (7 for 26) with a double and a stolen base.

Left fielder Alex Gordon will move up to the leadoff spot in the lineup for the first time this season. Escobar has been the Royals' leadoff hitter in all but two games in 2015. Gordon is currently ranked ninth in the American League with a .413 on-base percentage. 

Escobar is hoping to return to the Royals lineup on Friday or Saturday, according to the Kansas City Star