Back from injury, KC Royals’ Michael Massey trying to figure things out as DH for now

Starting pitcher Cole Ragans and the Kansas City Royals were unable to beat the Cleveland Guardians on Saturday at Kauffman Stadium.

The Royals lost 7-2.

The fifth inning probably was the turning point for Kansas City, when the Guardians went ahead for good.

But just three innings prior, it looked like the Royals might be in for a fourth straight home win and against their division rivals.

That was thanks, in no small part, to Michael Massey, the Royals’ temporary designated hitter.

“He’s a huge part of what we do,” Royals manager Matt Qautraro said. “You know, he’s only (designated hitting) for now, but he’s a really good offensive player for us. We need him to be good if we’re going to do what we want to do.

“Today was a good day for him.”

Massey, in his fifth game back since missing a month of playing time with a lower-back strain — his second of the season — notched two hits, the first of which was a 381-foot solo home run in the second inning that gave KC a 2-1 lead.

When asked about his home run, Massey kept it simple.

“I was just really looking to keep over the plate,” Massey said. (Looking) for a pitch to hit. Luckily, I caught the inside of that one, and I had the wind behind me.”

Massey made a big impact for the Royals in just his fifth game back despite the loss, but as he continues to progress toward being fully healthy, he’ll be unable to contribute in the way he’s used to. For now, the second baseman is only playing as the DH.

That’s something he’s trying to embrace.

“I’m trying to stay ready,” the third-year veteran said. “Keeping my legs moving in between at-bats, and really trying to not treat it any differently (than) if I was playing second base. Once I’m in the box, I’m in the box. … My whole routine stays the same. I’m just trying to buy into it.”

Massey and the Royals will get another shot at Cleveland Sunday afternoon, as the two teams will meet for the fourth day in a row. Again, he won’t be fielding, but he’ll certainly look to have a similar impact to the one he did in third game of the series.

After all, the Royals “need him” to be good.

“We’re playing well,” Massey said. “(The Guardians) are a good team. They’ve got good pitching … they scratch and claw offensively, and we do the same thing, so we’re going to have some good battles with them.”

First pitch from Kauffman Stadium for the final game of the series against Cleveland is set for 1:10 p.m.