Massey (back) will start at designated hitter and bat leadoff in Monday's game versus the Twins.

EDGE Analysis

Massey was scratched from the lineup ahead of Saturday's 8-3 win over the Cardinals due to back tightness. His back has often been an issue for him this season, but Massey is feeling well enough after a scheduled team off day Sunday to give it a go in the series opener in Minnesota.

Massey was scratched from the Royals' lineup ahead of Saturday's game versus the Cardinals due to back tightness, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Massey was originally in line to start at second base, but his back injury will force him to leave the starting nine. He's being viewed as day-to-day by the team, and he'll have the benefit of a scheduled off day Sunday to give him additional time to recover. In the meantime, Maikel Garcia will move over to the keystone Saturday while Paul DeJong covers third base and bats fifth.

Massey went 3-for-4 with a run scored and two RBI in Friday's 8-5 loss to the Cardinals.

EDGE Analysis

Making his third straight start at second base while hitting leadoff, Massey produced his first three-hit effort since May 20. While the Royals still limit his exposure to left-handed pitchers, Massey's current form is making a strong case for him to be an everyday player. Over his last eight games, he's batting .370 (10-for-27) with two doubles, a triple, two home runs, five RBI and eight runs scored.

Massey went 1-for-5 with a solo home run in Tuesday's 6-5 loss to the Red Sox.

EDGE Analysis

Massey has started four of the last six games at second base, as he's lost out on playing time as the designated hitter with Freddy Fermin and Salvador Perez more frequently in that role. Since the end of July, Massey has found more consistency at the plate, going 6-for-19 (.316) with five extra-base hits, including a pair of solo shots. For the season, the second baseman is slashing .255/.280/.480 with 10 homers, 31 RBI, 32 runs scored, 10 doubles and two triples over 58 games.

Massey is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Tigers, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports.

EDGE Analysis

Righty Alex Faedo is starting Sunday for Detroit, but the lefty-hitting Massey is on the bench since Faedo is serving as an opener for lefty Brant Hurter. Salvador Perez will rest his legs as the designated hitter while Freddy Fermin starts behind the plate.

Massey is absent from the lineup for Friday's game in Detroit.

EDGE Analysis

Ace left-hander Tarik Skubal is toeing the rubber for the Tigers, so it makes sense for Massey to be sitting this one out. Vinnie Pasquantino is getting a start at designated hitter while Salvador Perez occupies first base.

Massey is absent from the lineup for Wednesday's game versus the White Sox.

EDGE Analysis

The White Sox have a right-hander in Drew Thorpe on the rubber, but the left-handed-hitting Massey will nonetheless begin the contest on the bench. With Massey out of the lineup, Freddy Fermin will serve as the Royals' designated hitter, while Maikel Garcia starts at second base.

Massey is not in the Royals' starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

The lefty-hitting Massey will begin Saturday's contest in the dugout with the Cubs sending southpaw Shota Imanaga to the mound. Maikel Garcia will start at second base and bat in the leadoff spot.

Massey is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against Arizona.

EDGE Analysis

The lefty-hitting will dodge a matchup with lefty Jordan Montgomery on Tuesday. In Massey's place, Maikel Garcia will hold down the keystone.

Massey is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the White Sox.

EDGE Analysis

Massey went 3-for-8 with a triple, three RBI and a run in the first two games out of the second half but will head to the bench for Sunday's contest. Garrett Hampson will receive a start at second base and bat sixth in the series finale.