Dyson likely to miss at least 2 weeks with oblique strain

The reigning World Series champions couldn't make it through their first Cactus League game unscathed, as Kansas City Royals outfielder Jarrod Dyson suffered a right oblique strain in Wednesday's spring opener against the Texas Rangers, reports Rustin Dodd of the Kansas City Star.

Dyson, who's vying for an everyday role this season following the departure of Alex Rios, started in right field at Surprise Stadium, but was replaced by Travis Snider in the top of the third after hurting himself while grounding out in the bottom of the second. According to manager Ned Yost, Dyson will likely be out at least two weeks, though he expects to have a clearer timeline Thursday after Dyson undergoes an MRI.

Last season, Dyson hit .250/.311/.380 (87 OPS+) with 26 stolen bases in 90 games for the Royals, and center fielder Lorenzo Cain said last week that the 31-year-old deserves to play everyday in 2016.

"He's been here," Cain said. "He's been in the grind. He's been in the fold for so long. It’s time for him to be playing every day. I know he's definitely excited to get an opportunity to play every day."