Royals' Hosmer out for Astros series with sprained finger

Eric Hosmer is not expected to play in the Houston Astros series after suffering a sprained ring finger Saturday.

The Kansas City Royals first baseman took a stab at being the designated hitter Sunday, but a day later, he's elected to shut it down until the finger heals.

It doesn't appear as though a DL stint is necessary, though he'll sit out the next few games in order to expedite the process.

On another front, Alcides Escobar was a late scratch after initially being slotted to bat leadoff and play shortstop, despite a split finger nail on his index.

All that said, there's at least some good news on the injury front. Lorenzo Cain, who pulled up lame on the same double steal that Hosmer hurt his finger on, will bat as the designated hitter Monday.