Royals' Jorge Soler: Could be DL-bound with oblique injury

Soler is dealing with a strained oblique and could open the season on the 10-day DL, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

Analysis:

Ticketed for a full-time role in right field entering spring training, Soler struggled through much of Cactus League play prior to suffering the injury, batting just .143 with two homers in 49 at-bats. While the Royals haven't indicated that Soler's injury will put him at risk of a long-term absence, the possibility that he'll miss Opening Day could allow speedster Terrance Gore to make the club as a reserve outfielder. Paulo Orlando can be expected to serve as Soler's primary replacement for however long he's sidelined.