DeJesus, Ankiel, Callaspo And A-Rod: Major Storylines Develop In Royals' 10-4 Loss To Yankees

The Royals lost 10-4 to the Yankees on Thursday, but the game itself was hardly the story of the night. From David DeJesus to Rick Ankiel to Alex Rodriguez, there were several significant storylines developing.

DeJesus sprains his thumb

Royals OF David DeJesus sprained his thumb going after a long Derek Jeter fly ball against the outfield wall. He was removed from the game.

The latest word is that the Royals are sending him to a hand specialist in Cleveland and he could be "out a while."

This is not good news for the Royals with the trade deadline looming. DeJesus was their most important trading chip and were holding onto him to hear more offers as the deadline gets closer.

Royals trade Alberto Callaspo to the Angels

Less than an hour before Thursday's game against the Yankees, word broke that the Royals had traded Callaspo to the Angels for pitcher Sean O'Sullivan and minor leaguer Will Smith.

This now moves Wilson Betemit to third base on a full time basis as the Royals hope Mike Moustakas is ready for 2011 opening day.

Rick Ankiel makes his return

Ankiel was suffered a strained quad on April 24 that was deemed a minor injury.

Three months later and he finally returned. Hardly minor.

The timing on Ankiel's return was actually good as DeJesus was injured and he promptly took his spot.

Alex Rodriguez hits No. 599

Sixty-eight percent of you said you didn't want A-Rod to hit No. 600 against the Royals. Unfortunately for those 68 percent, he hit No. 599 on Thursday night.

He's now just one home run shy of 600 with three more to go against the Royals.

By the way, do you know who he hit no. 500 against? Yeah, the Royals.

Derek Jeter's Inside-The-Park Home Run Eerily Similar To First Career Inside The Park Home Run

On the same play in which Royals OF David DeJesus sprained his thumb, Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter ran the length of the bases for an inside-the-park home run.

The last time that happened? It was 1996, in similar circumstances.

Jeter and the Yankees were playing the Royals on Aug. 2, 1996, when he had an inside-the-park home run against Jeff Montgomery. So the two career inside the parkers came against the Royals.

What's strange is that a Royals player was injured on the first one as well. In fact, a Royals center fielder was injured on the play. Tom Goodwin injured his shoulder on the play.

So ... same team, same position injured and his only other career inside-the-park home run.

Strange.

Alex Rodriguez Hits 599th Home Run Against Royals

We conducted a poll this week asking if you wanted to see Alex Rodriguez hit his 600th home run against the Royals.

68% of you said no.

A-Rod is now one at-bat closer to accomplishing the feat. On Thursday night against the Royals, the Yankees third baseman launched home run number 599 to give the Yankees a 6-4 lead.

Now we wait for 600.

Down Goes DeJesus: Royals OF Injured, Leaves Game After Jeter's Inside-The-Park Home Run

In the bottom of the third in the Royals' series opener against the Yankees, Derek Jeter hit a long fly ball to center field. David DeJesus went back tracking the ball in the air as it passed the warning track.

DeJesus jumped against the outfield wall to make a play on the wall and jammed his right wrist at nearly a 90 degree angle on the outfield wall.

The ball dropped and Jeter rounded the bases for an inside the park home run.

DeJesus stayed down clutching his wrist as the Royals' trainers came onto the field. DeJesus somewhat quickly was walked off the field by the trainers and headed to the locker room.

For the Royals and DeJesus, the injury comes at a terrible time with the MLB trade deadline just a week away. Here's to hoping it's not serious.

Taking his place is Rick Ankiel, who was just activated from the disabled list this afternoon.

The game is now tied at three in the bottom of the third.

Alberto Callaspo Trade Forces Last Minute Change To Royals Lineup

This afternoon we posted the Royals lineup and Alberto Callaspo was batting sixth.

Of course you've heard by now the Royals traded Callaspo to the Angels before the start of tonight's game with the Yankees.

This means now that Wilson Betemit takes Callaspo's spot in the lineup and at third base.

The rest of the Royals lineup remains the same.

Rick Ankiel Not In The Royals Lineup, Takes Batting Practice

Here's the Royals lineup for Thursday's series opener against the Yankees in New York:

1. Scott Podsednik
2. Jason Kendall
3. David DeJesus
4. Billy Butler
5. Jose Guillen
6. Alberto Callaspo
7. Mike Aviles
8. Willie Bloomquist
9. Yuniesky Betancourt
   

Notice there's no Rick Ankiel in that lineup. He was taking batting practice in New York today.

And Bruce Chen is your pitcher. He's facing C.C. Sabathia.

Royals Try To Do In New York What They Haven't Done In 11 Years

Terez Paylor of the Kansas City Star passed Thursday morning an incredible statistic: The Royals haven't won a series in New York against the Yankees since....1999!

That's 11 years for a stadium they visit every year.

I know the Yankees are among the best in the business but you'd think over 11 years luck would come into play a few times during a series and you'd walk out a winner.

Royals OF David DeJesus told the Star that they can't let the past become part of this series.

"I think a lot of teams go there and have trouble," David DeJesus said. "They are a (high-)quality team with four No. 1 pitchers, and they have a home-field advantage because it’s always packed."

The Royals are putting out Bruce Chen, who has gone 5-3 with a 4.06 ERA. Meanwhile, Mr. Ace C.C. Sabathia takes the ball for the Yankees. He's gone 12-3 with a 3.13 ERA this season.

The Royals have won five of their last seven series so there's reason for optimism here.

We'll be keeping an eye on the Royals lineup when it comes out Thursday afternoon. On Wednesday, Royals manager Ned Yost gave Jason Kendall, David DeJesus and Scott Podsednik the day off.