Hamilton left Thursday's game against the Mariners on a cart after colliding with the outfield wall while trying to make a catch, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

The nature and severity of the injury are not yet clear, but Hamilton appeared to be in some pain while leaving the field. An extended absence could open up at-bats for Terrance Gore or cause the Royals to shift a corner outfielder to center field and move Jorge Soler out from the designated hitter spot.

Hamilton is not in Thursday's lineup against the Mariners.

EDGE Analysis

He is hitting .237/.286/.237 with two steals in 38 at-bats so far this season. Terrance Gore will patrol center field and hit ninth.

Hamilton went 3-for-3 and stole two bases Sunday against the Tigers.

EDGE Analysis

All three of Hamilton's hits were singles, and although he reached second base twice on a pair of stolen bases, the Royals were unable to bring him home either time. The 28-year-old put together a solid series in Detroit and collected five hits over three games (10 at-bats).

Hamilton went 0-for-3 with a walk, a run scored and a stolen base in Wednesday's 7-6 loss to the Twins.

EDGE Analysis

The steal was his first of the season. Hamilton's offense doesn't seem to have improved in his new digs -- he's 3-for-18 with four strikeouts through five games -- but even if he struggles to get on base consistently, the 28-year-old is a threat for 30-plus stolen bases in 2019.

Hamilton will hit ninth and man center field Tuesday against the Twins.

EDGE Analysis

Hamilton has slotted in at the bottom of the lineup for each of the Royals' previous three games, with all three of his hits on the season coming in Saturday's 8-6 win over the White Sox. The speedster has yet to attempt any steals this season, but he should receive the green light on almost any occasion he reaches base while functioning as a de facto second leadoff man for Kansas City.

Hamilton has gone 14-for-42 at the plate (.333 average) in 16 Cactus League games and has gone 4-for-4 on stolen-base attempts.

EDGE Analysis

Putting the bat on the ball has never been much of an issue for Hamilton, but making quality contact and reaching base at an acceptable clip have been bigger challenges for the speed maven since he broke into the big leagues in 2013. After the Reds pulled the plug on Hamilton over the winter, the Royals inked him to a one-year deal in December, presumably with the plan to install him as their everyday center fielder. Hamilton still looks like to break camp as a member of the Opening Day lineup, though the Royals' spring lineups suggests he'll likely be ticketed for the ninth spot in the order. The impact hitting at the bottom of the lineup will likely have on his number of plate appearances could hurt Hamilton's chances of re-emerging as 50-steal threat, but he should be in good position to at least reach last season's mark of 34.

Hamilton will sign with the Royals on Monday, pending a physical, Jim Bowden of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Through six season with the Reds, Hamilton stole 277 bases but hit just .245/.298/.333, leading to a non-tender at the end of November. Those steals have made the center fielder a fantasy stud in the past, but he'll need to play frequently enough to rack up a total high enough to overcome his severe drawbacks in other categories. His speed also took a hit last season, as he swiped just 34 bags after grabbing at least 56 in each of the four previous seasons. The Royals have no established center fielders or top prospects for him to compete with, but he'll still be competing with Brett Phillips and Brian Goodwin for playing time.

The Reds will decline to tender Hamilton a contract for 2019, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hamilton made $4.6 million in 2018 in his second year of arbitration eligibility and would have been set to receive a salary bump after slashing .236/.299/.327 with 29 RBI and 34 stolen bases in 153 games. The center fielder will be able to sign with any team once this move becomes official. His departure will give way to increased playing time for Phillip Ervin alongside fellow outfielders Scott Schebler and Jesse Winker (shoulder).

Hamilton is not starting Sunday against the Marlins.

EDGE Analysis

Hamilton has just a single hit in his last eight games. Gabriel Guerrero will get the start in center field in his absence.

Hamilton is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Brewers.

EDGE Analysis

Hamilton will sit after starting five consecutive games, slashing .214/.353/.429 with a pair of extra-base hits, a 3:3 K:BB and one stolen base over that stretch. In his absence, Mason Williams will patrol center field and hit seventh.