Coats is expected to start Thursday against the Royals, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Coats has put on a show at Triple-A Charlotte this season where he's hitting .329/.390/.512 over 65 games. The rookie has struggled in limited MLB action, having played in just 12 games and gone just 2-for-22 with nine strikeouts. If he does get the nod to start for the injured Avisail Garcia, he'll likely join an outfield containing Adam Eaton and Melky Cabrera.