Alex Gordon will be activated from the disabled list and join the expanded roster of the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday.
The All-Star left fielder missed seven weeks with a groin strain but reached base in 16 of 33 plate appearances during a rehab assignment at Triple-A Omaha.
Gordon comes back to a team with a much different make-up, even before the roster expansion to 40 players on Tuesday.
Acquired during his absence were Tuesday’s starting pitcher, Johnny Cueto, and versatile utilityman Ben Zobrist. Zobrist filled in primarily in left field with Gordon out since being acquired via trade from the Oakland Athletics.
Manager Ned Yost said Zobrist will move to second base with Gordon in left field.