Royals place Mondesi on IL with oblique strain

The Kansas City Royals will be without their starting shortstop to open the season, as they placed Adalberto Mondesi on the 10-day injured list with a right oblique strain.

Mondesi's IL stint is retroactive to March 30. Infielder Nicky Lopez was recalled from the alternate training site in a corresponding move.

Mondesi started the Royals' final spring game Monday against the Cleveland Indians, going 0-for-2 with a strikeout before being removed. It's unclear when the injury might have occurred.

The 25-year-old hit .256/.294/.416 with six homers, 22 RBIs, and a league-leading 24 stolen bases in 2020, along with four defensive runs saved at shortstop. The pandemic-shortened season was his first without at least one IL stint.

Mondesi enjoyed a strong spring training, hitting .303/.343/.606 in Cactus League play.