Isbel (hamstring) is starting in center field and batting eighth Wednesday against the White Sox in his return to the lineup.

EDGE Analysis

Isbel missed the previous five games with a tight hamstring but is feeling well enough to give it a go in this one. He and his teammates will be squaring off against Touki Toussaint.

Isbel (hamstring) remains out of the lineup for Tuesday's contest versus the White Sox.

EDGE Analysis

Isbel hasn't played since Friday because of a tight hamstring. The Royals consider the injury to be minor and expect Isbel to avoid the injured list, but the longer his absence drags on, the odds of an IL stint certainly increase. Drew Waters is in center field again Tuesday.

Isbel hasn't played since Friday due to hamstring rightness, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Isbel is missing a third straight start Monday, but the hamstring issue is considered mild and his pregame workouts haven't been interrupted. It sounds like he has a good shot to avoid the injured list.

Isbel is not in the lineup for Monday's contest versus the White Sox.

EDGE Analysis

Isbel has now been on the bench for three straight games, and this is the second one that's been against a right-hander. Drew Waters is in center field and Nelson Velazquez is in right.

Isbel isn't in the Royals' lineup Sunday against the Red Sox.

EDGE Analysis

Chris Sale will start Sunday's game for the Red Sox, so the left-handed bat of Isbel will retreat to the bench for the start of the game. Dairon Blanco will man center field in Isbel's absence and bat ninth.

Isbel is not in Saturday's lineup against the Red Sox.

EDGE Analysis

Isbel will head to the bench despite having the platoon advantage (against Tanner Houck) for the second time in the last three games against right-handed pitchers after starting regularly against righties prior to Aug. 29. The righty-hitting Nelson Velazquez has been getting more starts in the outfield recently while the Royals cycle players through the designated hitter slot.

Isbel is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Pirates.

EDGE Analysis

The 26-year-old will usually sit against left-handed pitchers, but he'll take a seat Tuesday despite Pittsburgh's opener (Colin Selby) and expected bulk pitcher (Luis Ortiz) both being right-handed. It is Isbel's second absence in Kansas City's past nine games, and he's gone 5-for-21 with a home run and five RBI during that span. Drew Waters will man center field while Dairon Blanco and Nelson Velazquez start in the corner outfield.

Isbel went 2-for-3 with a home run, a walk and three total RBI in Friday's 7-5 loss to the Mariners.

EDGE Analysis

Isbel was productive from the bottom of the order with an RBI single in the second inning and a two-run blast in the seventh. This was his fifth multi-hit effort in August, and he's now batting .290 (18-for-62) with 11 RBI over 20 contests this month. The outfielder is at a .246/.277/.394 slash line with five homers, 27 RBI, 32 runs scored and six stolen bases through 71 contests while maintaining a regular role in center field.

Isbel is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Athletics.

EDGE Analysis

Isbel will be the odd man out of the Kansas City outfield while MJ Melendez, Drew Waters and Dairon Blanco form the Royals' starting trio from left to right. The move to the bench comes while Isbel has enjoyed a productive run at the dish over the past five games, going 5-for-14 with a double, a walk, four RBI and two runs.

Isbel will be on the bench Saturday against the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

Isbel sits after starting seven straight games. He's hitting .252/.270/.389 in 40 games since returning from a hamstring injury in late June, which represents only a modest improvement from the .209/.250/.352 line he recorded prior to the injury. Drew Waters starts in center field Saturday.