The Kansas City Royals made a decision after an injury update.
The Kansas City Royals are dealing with another early-season injury concern, and this time it involves one of their key offseason additions. Left fielder Isaac Collins suffered a right knee contusion on Tuesday after crashing into the left-field wall and tumbling into the stands at Comerica Park during the first inning of a game against the Detroit Tigers.
He exited immediately and has not played since, leaving the Royals uncertain about his short-term availability. On Thursday, the club provided its first meaningful update from Kansas City's manager, Matt Quatraro.
“#Royals manager Matt Quatraro said Isaac Collins was hitting pregame in the batting cage and testing out his right knee contusion. John Rave is on the taxi squad. He is here in Detroit with the team,” reported Jaylon T. Thompson of The Kansas City Star.
The decision to bring up John Rave on the taxi squad signals that the Royals are preparing for the possibility that Collins may need time on the injured list, even as he continues testing the knee.
It also makes it clear that Rave will be the replacement if Collins misses extended time. The Royals will know more when they release their lineup for Friday’s series opener against the New York Yankees.
Collins arrived in Kansas City this past offseason after spending the first two years of his MLB career with the Milwaukee Brewers. Expectations were high after he finished fourth in National League Rookie of the Year voting in 2025, but his start with the Royals has been underwhelming.
Through 16 games, the 28-year-old switch hitter is batting .214 with a .327 on-base percentage and .636 OPS. Even so, Collins provides reliable defense and the sample size remains small enough that the Royals believe he can settle in once healthy. The knee contusion, however, is an unfortunate setback at a time when he was trying to find his stride.
As for Rave, he would be the immediate replacement if Collins requires an IL stint. The 28-year-old outfielder can play all three spots and appeared in 72 games for Kansas City last season, giving the Royals a familiar and versatile option. His presence on the taxi squad ensures the team can make a quick roster move if Collins’ knee does not respond well.
The Royals enter Friday’s game with a 7-12 record, searching for stability after a disappointing start. Losing Collins for any stretch would be another blow, and Kansas City is hoping his knee responds well enough to avoid that outcome.