Lopez was placed on the 10-day injured list by the Royals on Tuesday due to appendicitis, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Presumably, Lopez will need a few weeks of recovery time following an appendectomy. The infielder hasn't had a set starting position this season but has essentially been a regular between third base, second base and shortstop. Maikel Garcia is taking his roster spot.

Lopez is out of the starting lineup for Sunday's game against the Twins.

EDGE Analysis

Lopez has been swinging the bat better as of late with hits in three of his last four appearances, but he's one of several regulars for the Royals who are getting Sunday off. Hunter Dozier is getting the start at third base with Matt Duffy lined up at second.

Lopez is not in the starting lineup Friday versus the Twins, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Lopez will take a seat after he went 3-for-10 with an RBI and two strikeouts over the last three contests. Hunter Dozier will draw the start at third base and bat eighth against Minnesota.

Lopez is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Diamondbacks.

EDGE Analysis

Lopez will take a seat against southpaw Tommy Henry for the first game of the series against Arizona. Michael Massey will get the start at second base while hitting sixth in his absence.

Lopez is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Angels.

EDGE Analysis

The lefty-hitting Lopez has now sat three times in four games, with all of his absences coming against left-handed starting pitchers. The Royals will turn to Michael Massey at second base and Matt Duffy at third base to complement the team's everyday starters, Bobby Witt and Vinnie Pasquantino, in the infield.

Lopez will sit Saturday against the Angels.

EDGE Analysis

Lopez sits for the second time in three games, a stretch which followed a run of six straight starts. With a .175/.313/.300 slash line on the season, he's not making a great case for everyday at-bats. Hunter Dozier, proud owner of an even worse .146/.167/.220 slash line, will take over at the hot corner.

Lopez will sit Wednesday against the Rangers.

EDGE Analysis

After going 4-for-18 with two doubles, an RBI and two runs scored while starting the last six games, Lopez will get a breather in Wednesday's series finale with Texas. Matt Duffy will take over at second base and bat seventh versus the Rangers.

Lopez will start at shortstop and bat eighth in Monday's game against the Rangers.

EDGE Analysis

Lopez will make his fifth consecutive start Monday, this time filling in at shortstop while Bobby Witt serves as a designated hitter. The 27-year-old had previously made three starts at third base and one at second base over his last four contests, going a collective 4-for-12 with two doubles, two walks and two runs in those games. The keystone likely represents Lopez's clearest path to playing time moving forward, given that incumbent Michael Massey has struggled to a .116/.111/.140 slash line so far this season and is being benched Monday for the second straight game.

Lopez went 1-for-2 with a triple, two walks, two RBI, a stolen base and two runs scored in Monday's 9-5 win over the Blue Jays.

EDGE Analysis

The Royals' offense was virtually non-existent for the first couple games of the season, but they were active Monday. The steal was Lopez's first of the season, and he also sparked a four-run rally in the fourth inning by plating Jackie Bradley and Hunter Dozier with his triple. Lopez's speed is about the only appealing part of his profile -- especially since he doesn't have an everyday spot in the lineup to begin 2023, though he could certainly earn one if he plays well.

Lopez went 8-for-16 across four games for Italy during group-stage play at the World Baseball Classic.

EDGE Analysis

It's a great showing for the light-hitting infielder, who also had seven RBI and a stolen base in those games. Lopez struggled at the dish in Cactus League play prior to the international competition, going 0-for-6 with two walks and two strikeouts across three games with the Royals. Lopez's best path to playing time is likely at second base, where he could challenge second-year infielder Michael Massey for a starting role. Lopez is also versatile enough to see time at third base and shortstop, so while he might lack an everyday role, he could push for playing time by carrying over his strong hitting from the WBC into the regular season.