Drew Waters Injury News & Updates

Waters (quad) is not in Sunday's lineup against the Yankees.

He exited Saturday's game with left quadriceps tightness, so it's no surprise to see Waters out of the lineup for the final game of the regular season. Dairon Blanco will start in center field and hit seventh.

Waters was removed from Saturday's game against the Yankees with left quadriceps tightness, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Waters was replaced in the fourth inning by Dairon Blanco. It's unclear whether Waters will be available for Sunday's season finale.

Waters is not in the lineup Friday against the Yankees.

Kyle Isbel will start in center field and bat ninth with left-hander Carlos Rodon toeing the slab for New York. The switch-hitting Waters has slashed just .208/.279/.312 in 86 plate appearances versus lefties this season.

Waters went 0-for-3 with a walk and a stolen base in Sunday's 6-5 win over the Astros.

Waters is now 6-for-7 on stolen base attempts in September, and he's hitting .264 (14-for-53) this month. The outfielder has had some growing pains in his first full big-league campaign with a .234/.308/.386 slash line over 94 contests. He's added 16 thefts, eight home runs, 32 RBI and 39 runs scored while seeing a starting role, albeit not an everyday one, down the stretch.

Waters isn't in the Royals' lineup Friday against Houston.

The switch-hitting Waters holds just a .613 OPS against left-handed pitching this season, so he'll take a seat against southpaw Framber Valdez. Kyle Isbel will get the nod in center field and bat ninth.

Waters went 2-for-3 with a double, a run scored and two steals in Wednesday's 6-2 win over the Guardians.

Waters is now 4-for-7 with three doubles in his last two games after going 0-for-12 with nine strikeouts in his previous five contests. With his two steals Wednesday, the 24-year-old outfielder improved to 15-for-19 on stolen base attempts this season. Overall, Waters is slashing .237/.309/.392 with eight homers, 39 runs scored and 32 RBI across 317 plate appearances as he looks to earn a spot on the Royals' 2024 Opening Day roster.

Waters is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Guardians.

Waters went 2-for-4 with two doubles and two RBI versus Cleveland on Monday but has a .256/.430/.326 slash line and 30 percent strikeout rate through 15 games in September. Kyle Isbel will handle center field and bat ninth Tuesday.

Waters will be on the bench Saturday against Houston.

Waters has struggled to a .203/.306/.297 slash line over his last 25 games, though he does at least have six steals over that stretch. Dairon Blanco will get the start in right field Saturday.

Waters isn't in the Royals' lineup for Game 2 of Tuesday's doubleheader against the White Sox.

Waters struck out in all four of his plate appearances during Tuesday's first game, and he'll start on the bench for Game 2. Waters' absence will allow Dairon Blanco to start in right field and bat ninth.

Waters isn't in the Royals' lineup Friday against the Blue Jays.

Waters will take a seat Friday after beginning September 7-for-21 with two RBI and five runs scored through six games. MJ Melendez, Kyle Isbel and Dairon Blanco will make up Kansas City's outfield Friday while Waters is out.

Waters went 2-for-3 with a walk and a stolen base in Wednesday's 6-4 loss to the White Sox.

Waters accounted for half of the Royals' hits in the game. He's hit safely in five of six games in September, going 7-for-21 (.333) with three walks and two steals this month. Waters is slashing .236/.307/.391 with 12 steals, eight home runs, 29 RBI and 37 runs scored through 81 contests. He should be in the lineup a majority of the time as a switch hitter, but the Royals' crowded outfield could prevent him from seeing an everyday role.

Waters went 1-for-1 with a walk, a stolen base and a run scored in Sunday's 7-3 loss to the Red Sox.

Waters has moved out of an everyday role with the success of Nelson Velazquez. Despite that, Waters is hitting .267 with two steals over his last nine contests -- enough to keep him in the lineup most days. He's slashing .231/.302/.393 with 11 steals, eight home runs, 27 RBI and 36 runs scored through 78 games overall. In addition to Waters, Kyle Isbel (hamstring) has also lost playing time lately as the Royals try to balance playing time for up to five players in the three outfield positions.

Waters isn't in the Royals' lineup Sunday against Boston.

Waters will get a breather Sunday after charting hits in each of the first two games of the Royals' series with the Red Sox. Samad Taylor, Dairon Blanco and Nelson Velazquez will make up Kansas City's outfield while Waters rests.

Waters is absent from the lineup Wednesday against the Pirates.

MJ Melendez, Kyle Isbel and Nelson Velazquez will start across the outfield for the Royals. Water has been productive overall in August, but he is 1-for-11 with six strikeouts in his last three games.

Waters went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk in Saturday's 15-2 loss to the Mariners.

While four of the Royals' hits went for extra bases, Waters' blast was the only homer for the team Saturday. He has an extra-base hit in each of his last three games. The outfielder is up to eight long balls, 10 stolen bases, 26 RBI, 32 runs scored, six doubles and five triples while slashing .235/.306/.412 over 72 contests this season.

Waters went 1-for-2 with a triple, two walks, one RBI, a stolen base and one run scored in Wednesday's 4-0 win over the Athletics.

Waters' triple snapped his 0-for-10 skid over the last four games. The outfielder has also picked up a steal in two straight games to get to 10 thefts on the year. He's slashing a poor .228/.299/.393 with seven home runs, 25 RBI, 31 runs scored, five doubles and five triples through 70 contests on the year, and he's batting just .204 (11-for-54) in August.

Waters went 0-for-3 with a walk and a stolen base in Tuesday's 5-4 loss to the Athletics.

Waters is in a bit of a slump, going 0-for-10 across his last four games. He's picked up the pace on the basepaths lately, notching four of his nine steals this season over his last 12 contests dating back to Aug. 7. The outfielder is slashing a mediocre .226/.292/.382 with seven home runs, 24 RBI, 30 runs scored, five doubles and four triples through 69 games overall.

Waters is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cubs.

Waters is mired in a 4-for-23 slump and will take a seat for Sunday's series finale in Chicago. Dairon Blanco will receive a start in right field and bat ninth.

Waters went 1-for-4 with a stolen base and a run scored in Friday's 4-3 win over the Cubs.

Waters has gone 4-for-17 with zero RBI over five games since returning from the bereavement list. The outfielder has maintained his place in the lineup, but Nelson Velazquez has been hitting well lately and could challenge Waters for a starting job in right field. Waters is at a .237/.298/.401 slash line with seven home runs, eight steals, 23 RBI, 29 runs scored, five doubles and four triples over 65 contests this season.

The Royals reinstated Waters from the bereavement list Sunday.

Waters will come back from the bereavement list after the three-day minimum and figures to be back in the lineup for the start of Kansas City's four-game series against Seattle on Monday. Edward Olivares was optioned to Triple-A Omaha in a corresponding move.

Kansas City placed Waters on the bereavement list Thursday.

Waters will miss Thursday's series finale in Boston, and maybe also the Royals' two-game Friday and Saturday set against the Cardinals. He's slashing .237/.297/.405 with seven homers and seven steals in 60 major-league games this year.

Waters went 3-for-5 with a home run, two RBI, an additional run scored and a stolen base in Tuesday's 9-3 victory over the Red Sox.

The 24-year-old outfielder extended Kansas City's lead with a two-run homer off Kutter Crawford in the fourth inning. Waters scored again in the seventh after he singled and stole second base. Over 23 second-half games, the long-time prospect has made a splash with four home runs, 11 RBI, 12 runs scored and four steals across 83 plate appearances. However, his 30.1% strikeout rate and 8.4% walk rate during that span suggest this may not be sustainable.

Waters went 1-for-4 with a double and a stolen base in Monday's 6-2 win over the Red Sox.

Waters had gone 0-for-6 with a walk and three strikeouts since returning from a one-game absence. The outfielder hasn't hit well in August, but he's still seeing steady playing time in right field. For the season, he's at a .231/.294/.390 slash line with six home runs, six steals, 21 RBI and 25 runs scored over 201 plate appearances.

Waters (undisclosed) is starting in center field and batting eighth Saturday at Philadelphia.

Waters was scratched from Friday's lineup for unspecified reasons, but it apparently wasn't a serious concern since he's back in the starting nine a day later. The 24-year-old has hit well since the All-Star break with an .810 OPS in 19 games.

Waters was scratched from Friday's lineup against the Phillies.

No injury diagnosis was initially provided. Dairon Blanco enters the lineup in right field, hitting eighth.

Waters went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run in Thursday's 9-2 win over the Mets.

Waters' seventh-inning blast doubled the Royals' lead. The team has won its last six games, and Waters is batting .294 (5-for-17) with three extra-base hits and five RBI in that span. It's a small sample, but the outfielder appears to be finding his way. He still has a .238/.302/.401 slash line for the year with six homers, five stolen bases, 20 RBI and 24 runs scored over 55 contests.

Waters went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk in Wednesday's 4-0 win over the Mets.

Waters hit a modest .240 in July with five extra-base hits, eight RBI and two stolen bases over 23 games. The outfielder's homer Wednesday was his fifth of the season, and he's up to a .238/.303/.387 slash line with five steals, 17 RBI and 23 runs scored over 185 plate appearances. Waters should continue to see the bulk of the playing time in right field over Dairon Blanco.

Waters is not in the starting lineup Monday versus the Guardians.

Waters will get a breather after he went 1-for-12 with seven strikeouts and a stolen base during the Royals' three-game series in New York. Dairon Blanco will take over in right field and bat eighth in the opener with Cleveland.

Waters went 1-for-4 with a stolen base in Friday's 5-4 loss to the Yankees.

Waters has hit safely in six of eight games since the All-Star break, going 8-for-29 (.276) with a home run, two triples, two steals and three RBI over that span. The outfielder continues to see an everyday role, and he's starting to earn that playing time with a more consistent bat. He's at a .246/.294/.387 slash line with five steals, four homers, 15 RBI and 19 runs scored through 45 contests overall.

Waters went 2-for-4 with a triple, a solo home run, two RBI and two runs scored in Sunday's win over the Rays.

Waters tripled his first time up and then crushed a mammoth 465-foot home run in the fourth to extend the Royals' lead. He enjoyed a productive series back from the all-star break and is now slashing .252/.306/.398 with four homers, 14 RBI, 18 runs but is showing to be an impatient hitter with a 7:49 BB:K in 40 games this season.

Waters went 2-for-6 with a walk, a stolen base and a run scored over both games of Saturday's doubleheader versus the Rays.

Waters went 2-for-10 with six strikeouts over the four games leading into the All-Star break, but he was a bit more productive in the Royals' return to action. The outfielder has hit .322 over his last 18 contests and is at a .244/.300/.353 slash line with three home runs, four steals, 12 RBI and 16 runs scored through 39 games overall. He should continue to see plenty of playing time between right field and center field.

Waters is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Guardians.

Nicky Lopez will pick up a rare start in the outfield while Waters moves to the bench for the series finale in Cleveland. Waters had started in each of Kansas City's last four games, going 3-for-13 with no walks and seven strikeouts. He's now striking out at a 37 percent clip since returning from the injured list in late May and joining the Royals.

Waters went 1-for-4 with a stolen base and a run scored in Friday's 9-3 loss to the Dodgers.

Waters is up to three steals this season, and all of them have come over his last eight games. He's gone 11-for-30 (.367) in that span, lifting his season batting average to .233 -- the young outfielder appears to be rounding into form after missing the first two months of the campaign with an oblique injury. He's added three home runs, eight RBI, 12 runs scored and three doubles over 97 plate appearances while holding down a starting role in the outfield.

Waters went 2-for-4 with a a double, a stolen base and a run scored in Thursday's 4-3 extra-inning win over the Guardians.

Waters stole 18 bases across all levels of baseball in 2022, but he has just four steals between Triple-A and the majors this year. The outfielder is just 2-for-5 on the basepaths for the Royals this season, so it's possible he doesn't have a green light to run at will. He's at least been better at the plate over the last week, logging five multi-hit efforts in his last seven games. The 24-year-old is slashing .233/.290/.372 with three home runs, eight RBI and 11 runs scored over 93 plate appearances this season. Waters saw the majority of his time in center field initially, but he's shifted over to right more often with Kyle Isbel back from a hamstring injury.

Waters went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and an additional run scored in Saturday's 9-4 win over the Rays.

Waters has strung together a trio of multi-hit efforts, and he's managed two homers and four RBI in that span. The outfielder's only other two-hit game this year was in his season debut May 26. He's slashing .222/.282/.361 with three homers, eight RBI, nine runs scored and a stolen base through 78 plate appearances. Even with the slow start to his campaign, he's retained a near-everyday role in center field.

Waters went 2-for-4 with a home run, three RBI and a stolen base in a 6-5 victory versus the Rays on Thursday.

Waters knocked in half of KC's runs in the win, notching a solo homer in the seventh inning and a two-run single in the eighth. The three RBI matched his total amount over his previous 15 games combined, and the long ball was his first since June 2. This was just the second multi-hit game of the campaign for Waters, who has struggled to a .188/.257/.297 slash line over 70 plate appearances.

Waters will sit Wednesday versus the Tigers, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Waters will get a breather after he went 2-for-16 with a double, an RBI and two runs scored while starting the last five games. Dairon Blanco will slide over to center field while Samad Taylor enters the lineup in left field and bats seventh in the series finale with Detroit.

Water will sit Wednesday versus the Reds, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports.

Waters will get a breather after he went 1-for-6 with a run scored and a walk while striking out twice in the first two games of the series with Cincinnati. Dairon Blanco will take over in center field and bat ninth in the series finale Wednesday.

Waters is not in the starting lineup versus the Marlins on Wednesday.

Waters will get a day off against Edward Cabrera and the Marlins on Wednesday. Jackie Bradley will line up in center field and hit ninth while Waters retreats to the bench.

Waters is not in the starting lineup for Sunday's game against the Rockies.

Waters will get a breather for Sunday's finale against Colorado after going 2-for-6 with a homer in the first two contests against the Rockies. Jackie Bradley will patrol center field and hit ninth while Waters rests.

Waters went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Friday's 7-2 loss to the Rockies.

Waters hit his first homer in six games since returning from an oblique injury. The 24-year-old outfielder is batting just .211 (4-for-19) with nine strikeouts and no walks, so it appears he still needs some time to adjust to major-league pitching. For now, it seems like the Royals are happy to let him learn on the fly, though a prolonged slump could see him optioned to Triple-A Omaha. Waters will likely continue to start over Jackie Bradley in center field.

Waters is not in the starting lineup for Sunday's game against the Nationals.

Waters will take a seat for Sunday's finale against Washington after starting the first two games of the series. Jackie Bradley will get the start in center and bat ninth against MacKenzie Gore and the Nationals.

Waters went 2-for-4 with two runs scored in Friday's 12-10 loss to the Nationals.

Waters missed nearly two full months to begin the season due to a severe oblique strain. He made a solid impact from the No. 9 spot in the order, though he also struck out twice. He struck out at a 37 percent clip in a 32-game sample last year, so he'll need to get that under control to minimize the batting average risk. Waters slashed .240/.324/.479 in 2022 -- there's enough power here to be of interest in fantasy, particularly if he runs with a starting role in center field.

Waters was activated from the 10-day injured list by the Royals on Friday.

Waters has been out all season following a severe oblique strain suffered in late February and also a back issue earlier this month. He's ready to roll now, though, after putting up a robust .327/.397/.635 batting line with two home runs and two stolen bases over 13 rehab games with Triple-A Omaha. Waters is starting in center field Friday and is a good bet to see the lion's share of playing time there at least until Kyle Isbel (hamstring) returns and perhaps longer. The 24-year-old is worth picking up in deeper roto leagues.

Waters (oblique) has played in 13 games during his rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha and has slashed .327/.397/.635 with two home runs and two stolen bases across 58 plate appearances.

Waters began the assignment May 9 and is thus nearing the end of the maximum 20-day rehab window afforded to all position players who reside on the major-league injured list. Given how well he's performed in addition to the lack of production that the Royals have received this season from the likes of Edward Olivares (.689 OPS), Jackie Bradley (.438 OPS) and the injured Kyle Isbel (.602 OPS), Waters could get a look in an everyday role in the outfield once he's activated from the 10-day IL, likely within the next few days. Waters' high strikeout rate in the majors a season ago will make him a batting-average risk, but the combination of power and speed that he offers is enough to make him a worthy speculative pickup in deeper mixed leagues.

Waters (oblique/back) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Waters had initially been in line to start a rehab assignment last week but was held up when his back tightened up. He's apparently over that now and will look to shake off some rust as he sees his first game action since suffering an oblique strain back in late February. Given the long layoff, Waters figures to need a good number of plate appearances with Omaha before he's activated.

Waters (oblique) felt lower back tightness on a swing during a swing over the weekend, and is staying at the Royals' spring training facility in Arizona to be evaluated, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Waters was scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha this weekend, but that has understandably been paused. The outfielder could still begin action in the International League if things come back clear in the evaluation, but it now seems unlikely he'll be able to return for the Royals until the middle of May.

Waters (oblique) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday.

It's been a long road back from a severe oblique strain for Waters, but he's finally ready for game action. Because he missed all of spring training, he figures to need a good number of plate appearances on his rehab assignment before being activated. When Waters does return, he should be given a shot at everyday playing time or close to it.

Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said Sunday that Waters (oblique) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Omaha during the upcoming week, Josh Vernier of 610 Sports Kansas City reports.

Waters has been on the mend from a left oblique strain since late February, so he'll likely require at least a week's worth of games at Omaha to get his timing back at the plate before the Royals are comfortable bringing him back from the 10-day injured list. The 7-21 Royals entered play Sunday having scored the second-fewest runs in the majors, so it wouldn't be surprising if Waters got a look in a near-everyday role once he's formally activated.

Waters (oblique) is expected to see playing time in spring games later this week, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Waters was placed on the 10-day injured list at the end of March due to a left oblique strain, and he's nearing live action in extended spring games. Rogers notes that he's on his own spring training progression, which likely means he'll need some time to ramp up before being activated, especially after missing the majority of spring training.

Waters (oblique) was placed on the 10-day injured list Thursday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Waters was always expected to miss the first part of the season while recovering from an oblique strain suffered early in camp. Once he's healthy, the switch hitting 24-year-old should contend for a starting spot in the outfield.

Waters (oblique) will participate in team defensive drills Thursday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Waters has not yet been cleared to swing a bat, but he's making progress with his left oblique strain. The former Atlanta prospect might have been the Royals' Opening Day center fielder had he been healthy, but he's expected to be sidelined for at least the first few weeks of the season.

Waters will be sidelined for six weeks after being diagnosed with a left oblique strain, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Waters suffered the injury a few days ago and tests evidently confirmed that he has a strain. He had been slated to compete for the Opening Day center field job, but now Kyle Isbel is in the driver's seat for that assignment. It should open up more corner outfield chances for Nate Eaton, Edward Olivares and Samad Taylor.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro said Monday that Waters will be re-evaluated in a few days after recently tweaking an oblique muscle, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Even if Waters is merely dealing with a mild oblique strain, the injury is typically more than a day-to-day concern, so the switch-hitting outfielder will most likely be sidelined for at least a handful of Cactus League games. Though the Royals' uninspiring depth chart in the outfield presents a strong opportunity for Waters to break camp with an everyday role, the 24-year-old's oblique injury could be something that costs him enough time to solidify a starting spot.

Waters went 2-for-4 with a home run and four RBI in Monday's 5-2 win over Cleveland.

Waters opened the game's scoring with an RBI single in the second inning before belting the go-ahead, three-run shot in the 10th. The rookie outfielder has gotten hot down the stretch; he's gone deep four times while hitting .394 (13-for-33) over his last 10 games. The rookie outfielder is slashing .261/.350/.523 through 30 games and he's making a good impression for the 2023 campaign.

Waters will start in left field and bat eighth in Monday's game against the Guardians.

He'll be picking up his fourth straight start in the outfield after going 4-for-11 with two home runs and a double over the weekend. As a result of Waters' surge, Edward Olivares has been moved out of the outfield and is seeing more playing time as the Royals' designated hitter, resulting in Hunter Dozier being squeezed out of the lineup more frequently.

Waters went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, a double and two total runs scored in Saturday's 7-1 win over the Guardians.

Waters went deep for the second straight game, lifting a solo shot in the sixth inning to give the Royals a 5-0 lead. The 23-year-old outfielder is up to four homers, 13 RBI, 12 runs scored, six doubles and a triple while slashing .250/.341/.500 through 28 contests. While he doesn't have a clear path to an everyday role, he's been able to fill in regularly at all three outfield positions to get playing time down the stretch.

Waters went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Friday's 6-3 loss to the Guardians.

Waters opened the scoring with his blast in the third inning. The outfielder has homered in two of his last six games, though he's seen his playing time slip with Edward Olivares back from the injured list after a two-month absence. Waters is up to a .237/.333/.447 slash line with three homers, 12 RBI, 10 runs scored, five doubles and a triple through his first 27 major-league contests.

Waters went 3-for-4 with an RBI triple and a run scored in Saturday's 6-5 loss to the Mariners.

Waters' triple was the first of his major-league career after he hit 26 of them across five minor-league seasons. He's slipped into a part-time role since Edward Olivares returned from the injured list, but Waters is 6-for-11 with three extra-base hits and three RBI in his last three games. The rookie outfielder is slashing .242/.324/.439 with two home runs, 10 RBI and eight runs scored across 74 plate appearances. He has yet to attempt a stolen base in the majors.

Waters went 1-for-3 with a solo home run Thursday against the Twins.

Waters was in the lineup for only the second time in the team's last six games. However, he took advantage of his opportunity Thursday by taking Josh Winder deep in the fifth inning for his second career home run. Across his first 71 career plate appearances, Waters has hit only .210 with a 33.8 percent strikeout rate.

Waters is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Twins, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports.

Since he overcame an ankle injury and returned to the lineup Sunday against the Red Sox, Waters will now head to the bench for the second straight game. While holding down a near-everyday role for the better part of the past month, the rookie has slashed .203/.299/.339 in 67 plate appearances. He now looks set to lose playing time with Edward Olivares back from an extended stint on the injured list.

Waters (ankle) is starting in center field and hitting eighth Sunday against the Red Sox.

He dealt with a sore ankle earlier this week, but it was apparently a minor issue. Waters is 5-for-32 (.156 AVG) with 14 strikeouts (38.9 K%) in 13 games this month.

Waters was scratched Friday against Boston with a sore ankle, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports.

Waters was reportedly moving around fine during batting practice, and his initial diagnosis doesn't suggest a long-term absence is coming. Hunter Dozier entered the lineup in his absence.

Waters was scratched from the lineup for Friday's game against Boston for undisclosed reasons.

It's not clear if an injury or illness is the reason for a change of plans, or if the Royals simply elected to go with a different starting nine. Hunter Dozier will enter the lineup in Waters' place, string in left field and pushing Nate Eaton to right.

Waters went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run and a double in Monday's 6-5 extra-inning loss to the Guardians.

Waters hit his first major-league homer off Triston McKenzie in the fifth inning. Entering Monday, Waters had gone 0-for-8 with a walk and three strikeouts across his last three games. He's still seeing fairly regular playing time in right field, though Hunter Dozier and Nate Eaton have also seen some time at that position. Through his first 13 contests, he's slashing .237/.326/.395 with five RBI, six runs scored and three doubles.

Waters is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the White Sox.

For the first time since getting called up from Triple-A Omaha on Aug. 22, Waters will head to the bench while Hunter Dozier spells him in the outfield. Over his first six big-league starts, Waters has gone 5-for-19 with a double, four walks, four runs and three RBI. He should be able to hold down a near-everyday role in the Kansas City outfield until Vinnie Pasquantino (shoulder) is ready to return from the injured list.

Waters went 2-for-3 with a double, two walks, two RBI and two runs scored in Sunday's 15-7 win over the Padres.

Waters checked off a number of career firsts Sunday, including first extra-base hit, multi-RBI game, multi-run game and multi-walk effort. He's gone 5-for-19 (.263) through his first six contests in the majors, adding three RBI and four runs scored. As expected, the 23-year-old has found steady work in the outfield, starting six straight games -- five of which have come in right field.

Waters will start in right field and bat seventh in Sunday's game against the Padres.

From a playing-time perspective, Waters has been the primary beneficiary of Vinnie Pasquantino's (shoulder) recent move to the injured list. With Hunter Dozier receiving more work in the infield of late as a result of Pasquantino's absence at first base/designated hitter, Waters has a clearer path to regular work in the outfield. He'll be making his sixth consecutive start Sunday after going 3-for-16 with two runs and an RBI through his first five big-league games.

Waters went 0-for-3 with a walk, an RBI and a strikeout in Monday's 6-4 win over the White Sox.

Waters wasn't able to get a hit in his major-league debut, but he still made a key contribution. He drew a bases-loaded walk to force in the go-ahead run in the eighth inning, and the Royals held on for the win. The 23-year-old is expected to cycle throughout the three outfield spots in an extended look in the majors after Nate Eaton was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Monday. Waters slashed .269/.345/.460 with 13 home runs, 18 stolen bases, 35 RBI and 60 runs scored in 82 minor-league games this year between the Atlanta and Kansas City systems before his call-up.

Waters was called up from Triple-A Omaha on Monday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Waters is set to make his major-league debut after getting called up Monday. The outfielder was acquired ahead of the 2022 MLB Draft, batting .295 with seven homers, 17 RBI, 29 runs and 13 stolen bases over 31 games with Triple-A Omaha. Waters will likely operate as a consistent starter in the Royals' outfield and Nate Eaton was optioned to Omaha in a corresponding move.

The Royals agreed Monday to acquire Waters, right-hander Andrew Hoffmann and a minor-league player to be named later from Atlanta in exchange for the 35th overall pick in the 2022 first-year player draft, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Just a couple years ago, Waters looked as though he might have a long-term future in the Atlanta outfield once he reached the big leagues, but his prospect star has dimmed while Michael Harris has also passed him up in the organizational hierarchy. Waters has continued to languish during his third tour of Triple-A Gwinnett in 2022, producing a modest .698 OPS while striking out at a 27.1 percent clip. In spite of his limited development over the past few seasons, Waters still boasts plus speed and above-average power, and the move to Kansas City could be what he needs to unlock his potential. Waters will likely report to Triple-A Omaha, but he could be in line to get a look with Kansas City later in 2022, especially if Andrew Benintendi is moved prior to the trade deadline and/or if Kyle Isbel and Edward Olivares underwhelm while sharing right field.

Waters (hamstring) picked up starts Friday and Sunday with Triple-A Gwinnett, going 3-for-8 with an RBI between the two contests.

Waters initially picked up the hamstring injury Tuesday, but after a couple days off, he was cleared to make his return to the Gwinnett lineup as a DH. After getting Saturday off, Waters resumed playing center field in Sunday's 6-5 win over Charlotte, so the hamstring injury doesn't appear to be a concern.

Waters is day-to-day due to a hamstring injury with Triple-A Gwinnett, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Waters felt tightness in his hamstring Wednesday and has been held out of consecutive games since. The injury is particularly worrisome because Waters began the season on the 7-day injured list with a similar issue. He has been limited to only four plate appearances to this point in 2022, though he has avoided another stint on the injured list to this point.

Waters went 4-for-4 with a home run, two RBI and two runs scored for Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday.

The outfielder missed the beginning of the season with a hamstring issue, but after a three-game rehab stint at High-A Rome, Waters returned to the Gwinnett lineup with a bang. The 23-year-old's prospect status has dimmed considerably after a rough 2021, but Waters could still factor into the picture for Atlanta at the big-league level if he can build some momentum, and lower his strikeout rate, at Triple-A this season.

Triple-A Gwinnett activated Waters (hamstring) from its 7-day injured list Tuesday.

Waters is expected to make his 2022 Triple-A debut Tuesday after he recently completed a three-game rehab assignment at High-A Rome, during which he went 4-for-11 with a home run, a double, a walk, five runs and two RBI. He had been sidelined for the first three weeks of the minor-league season while recovering from a right hamstring strain.

Waters is on the 7-day injured list at Triple-A Gwinnett with a hamstring injury, Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com reports.

He went 2-for-4 with a home run, a steal, a walk and two strikeouts in two games in big-league camp. Waters last played March 19 and should be considered week-to-week.

Atlanta optioned Waters (hamstring) to Triple-A Gwinnett on Wednesday.

Waters was already a longshot to make Atlanta's Opening Day roster heading into spring training, and any chance he had of breaking camp with the big club came to an end when he suffered a right hamstring injury last weekend during his second appearance of the Grapefruit League slate. Atlanta is characterizing Waters' injury as hamstring tightness rather than a strain, so he should have a shot at being ready to go when Gwinnett begins its season April 5.

Waters was scratched from the lineup for Sunday's spring game against the Phillies due to right hamstring tightness.

Waters was penciled in to start in right field and bat eighth, but the hamstring issue will keep him off the field. It's unclear how long he's expected to be sidelined by the injury. Jesse Franklin stepped into the lineup in his place for Atlanta.

Waters' contract was selected by Atlanta on Thursday.

Waters missed some time with a thumb injury in 2021 but hit .240 with 11 homers, 70 runs, 37 RBI and 28 stolen bases across 103 appearances at Triple-A Gwinnett. He'll be protected from the upcoming Rule 5 draft and will likely be in the mix to make his major-league debut at some point in 2022.

Waters (thumb) started in right field and went 0-for-3 with three strikeouts and a walk Sunday in Triple-A Gwinnett's 6-2 loss to Nashville.

Before rejoining the lineup Sunday, Waters hadn't played since June 12 while managing a sore thumb. Though he's apparently healthy again, Waters may need to cut down on his strikeouts before Atlanta seriously entertains the idea of promoting him. After striking out in 36.1 percent of his plate appearances in his first taste of Triple-A in 2019, Waters has only modestly trimmed that rate (31.1 percent) so far this season.

Waters hasn't played for Triple-A Gwinnett since Thursday due to a sore thumb, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Gwinnett hasn't placed Waters on the 7-day injured list, so the affiliate appears to be viewing the outfielder as day-to-day at this point. The 22-year-old switch hitter is slashing .279/.375/.414 with three home runs and eight stolen bases across 128 plate appearances for Gwinnett this season.

Waters received an invitation to major-league spring training Monday.

The 22-year-old doesn't appear to be a favorite to make the Opening Day roster, but a debut sometime this season seems very likely. He's already reached the Triple-A level, though he struggled there in 26 games for Gwinnett in 2019, striking out 36.1 percent of the time en route to an 84 wRC+. He whiffed a far more palatable 25.2 percent of the time at lower levels, however, so it would hardly be a surprise to see him sort things out and push for a big-league job fairly early in the year.