Vinnie Pasquantino aiming to return to struggling Royals on Friday

Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Vinnie Pasquantino aiming to return to struggling Royals on Friday

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Jul 9, 2026 4:04 PM ET

After making a run to the ALDS just two seasons ago, the Kansas City Royals have not been able to capitalize off any of the momentum from that magical 2024 season.

With the 2026 season running out of time, a potential returning bat to the lineup may be the final hope of turning a disappointing season around.

Vinnie Pasquantino aiming to return from IL

According to Royals manager Matt Quataro, first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino is aiming to return to the Kansas City lineup on Friday.

Pasquantino has been out of action since June 14 with a right hamate fracture. He has one more rehab start at Triple-A Omaha on Thursday before a final decision will be made prior to Friday's series opener against the Baltimore Orioles.

Matt Quatraro says Vinnie Pasquantino has one more rehab start tonight and suggested he could return as soon as tomorrow in Baltimore
— Joel Goldberg (@goldbergkc) July 9, 2026

It's been a struggle for Vinnie Pasquantino in 2026

Prior to going on the injured list, Pasquantino had been struggling at the plate, hitting just .224 with six home runs. The decrease in power comes just a season after Pasquantino hit a career high 32 home runs.

Strikeouts have also been a major issue, as Pasquantino has been sent down on strikes 51 times in 254 at-bats, putting him on pace to far surpass the 107 times he struck out last season.

Kansas City still may not have enough offensive firepower

Even with a returning Pasquantino, the Royals still sit 18 games under .500 at 38-56. It is unlikely that the offensive production from Pasquantino and the rest of the order would be enough to make Kansas City a sneaky AL wild card threat down the stretch.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

More must-reads: