Brian Dozier is out of the lineup Thursday against the Royals, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Dozier is out of the lineup Thursday against the Royals, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Analysis:

Dozier has rebounded from a four-game hitless streak record hits in back-to-back contests, but still owns just a .230 batting average on the month. Eduardo Escobar will take over for him at the keystone on Thursday, in what appears to be a maintenance day for the regular second baseman.