Nate Eaton Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Red Sox vs Braves game on Feb 27, 2026 with our Major League Baseball injury report.Nov 9, 2023
Outrighted to Triple-A
Eaton cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
He's no longer on the Royals' 40-man roster but will remain in the organization. Eaton went just 4-for-53 (.075) with two walks and 21 strikeouts this season in the majors.
Nov 2, 2023
Dropped from 40-man roster
Eaton was designated for assignment by the Royals on Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Eaton has lost his spot on the 40-man roster in Kansas City as part of a string of early-November moves. The 26-year-old outfielder went 4-for-53 (.075) with two walks and 21 strikeouts this season in the majors.
Jun 26, 2023
Optioned to Triple-A
Kansas City optioned Eaton to Triple-A Omaha on Monday.
ANALYSIS
Eaton has gone 4-for-53 (.075) with zero extra-base hits, two walks and 21 strikeouts across a few different stints in the majors this year.
Jun 23, 2023
Back in majors
The Royals recalled Eaton from Triple-A Omaha on Friday, Jaylon T. Thompson of The Kansas City Star reports.
ANALYSIS
Eaton was optioned to Omaha last week, but he will return to the majors as Matt Beaty lands on the 7-day concussion IL. Eaton has just three hits in 52 at-bats this season and will presumably serve as a bench piece while in Kansas City.
Jun 16, 2023
Optioned to Triple-A
Eaton was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Friday.
ANALYSIS
Eaton has been dreadful during his time in the majors this season, managing just three hits in 52 at-bats. Samad Taylor is taking his spot on Kansas City's roster.
Jun 13, 2023
Notches steal
Eaton stole a base as a pinch runner in Monday's 5-4 extra-inning loss to the Reds.
ANALYSIS
Eaton ran for MJ Melendez in the 10th inning and stole third base, but he was left there in the one-run loss. Eaton has appeared in three games since his June 9 recall from Triple-A Omaha, but he's yet to log an at-bat. The outfielder will likely continue to serve as a defensive replacement and speed option off the bench, as he's hitting just .058 with three steals and a 2:21 BB:K through 55 plate appearances.
Jun 9, 2023
Recalled from Triple-A
Eaton was recalled Friday from Triple-A Omaha, Pete Grathoff of The Kansas City Star reports.
ANALYSIS
He'll take over the 26-man roster spot left vacant by Edward Olivares, who has been placed on the restricted list. Eaton has gone 3-for-52 (.058) with 21 strikeouts this season at the major-league level.
May 25, 2023
Optioned to Triple-A
Eaton was optioned to Triple-A Omaha by the Royals on Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Eaton is just 3-for-52 with 21 strikeouts on the season. The Royals will announce a corresponding move prior to Friday's game against the Nationals.
May 21, 2023
Out of lineup Sunday
Eaton is not in the starting lineup for Sunday's contest against the White Sox.
ANALYSIS
Eaton will take a seat on the bench to open Sunday, and the outfielder has gone just 2-for-26 with eight strikeouts thus far in the month of May. Jackie Bradley will patrol center field and hit eighth with Eaton out of the lineup.
May 17, 2023
Playing time trending up
Eaton will start in left field and bat eighth Wednesday against the Padres.
ANALYSIS
Eaton will stick in the lineup for the fourth time in five games, despite having gone just 1-for-20 since receiving a call-up from Triple-A Omaha on May 5. Despite his struggles, Eaton appears to have emerged as the Royals' preferred option in center field over Jackie Bradley, though Kansas City will have room in the outfield for both players Wednesday while Edward Olivares gets the day off.
May 5, 2023
Receiving promotion
The Royals will recall Eaton to the majors Friday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.
ANALYSIS
With Kyle Isbel (hamstring) headed for the injured list, Eaton will join the major-league club to maintain depth in the Royals' outfield. Eaton has just one hit over 25 tries in the majors this season, but he has bounced back nicely in the minors, slashing .304/.385/.522 since being optioned to Triple-A Omaha on April 24.
Apr 24, 2023
Sent down to Triple-A
The Royals optioned Eaton to Triple-A Omaha on Monday.
ANALYSIS
Eaton is sent down to make room for Franmil Reyes (personal) on the roster after Reyes was activated from the paternity list before Monday's game against the Diamondbacks. In 25 plate appearances, Eaton picked up just one hit and registered an ugly 0:13 BB:K over 12 games.
Apr 18, 2023
Nabs steal in loss
Eaton went 0-for-3 with a stolen base in Monday's 4-0 loss to the Rangers.
ANALYSIS
It was another abysmal day at the plate for the Royals, who managed just one hit and two walks. Eaton was able to get aboard on an error in the third inning before stealing second. The 26-year-old was expected to get a chance to see some regular playing time in 2023, but he's gone 1-for-22 with two steals and a run scored over 22 plate appearances. He's also struck out 12 times, so he's likely closer to getting optioned out than he is to jumping into the starting nine on a regular basis.
Apr 12, 2023
Swipes bag off bench
Eaton went 0-for-2 with a stolen base in Tuesday's 8-5 extra-inning loss to the Rangers.
ANALYSIS
Eaton entered as a pinch runner for Franmil Reyes in the seventh inning and promptly stole second base before he was left stranded. It's been an ugly start to the campaign for Eaton, who has just one hit and 10 strikeouts through 19 at-bats. Even with the Royals' bats ice cold to start the year, he's not doing enough to push for playing time, which will make it tough for him to tap into his plus speed.
Apr 5, 2023
Sits after two straight starts
Eaton is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays.
ANALYSIS
After starting in three of the past four games but going hitless with six strikeouts across 10 plate appearances, Eaton will retreat to the bench. Even with Kyle Isbel (personal) going on the paternity list Wednesday and likely on track to miss the next three days, Eaton doesn't look as though he'll in store for a dramatic increase in playing time in light of his struggles at the plate to begin the season.
Mar 21, 2023
Looks ready for starting role
Eaton is batting .357 (10-for-28) over 12 Cactus League games.
ANALYSIS
Eaton has played regularly this spring, and it looks like he's ready to handle a starting role. With Drew Waters (oblique) likely out to begin the season, Eaton should have a chance to establish himself, likely as the Royals' primary left fielder. The 26-year-old also has some experience in the infield, so he could be a utility option later in the campaign if he doesn't maintain a starting role. His primarily appeal in fantasy is his speed -- he had 11 stolen bases in 44 major-league games as a rookie last season.
Feb 21, 2023
In line for more playing time
Eaton is in line for more playing time in the Royals' outfield following the injury to Drew Waters (oblique), Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Edward Oliveras also has a clearer path to playing time, although he had already seemed in line to handle the bulk of the reps in right field. Samad Taylor and perhaps Franmil Reyes also could see a boost in playing time. As far as Eaton goes, his stolen base potential makes him an interesting late-round target in fantasy leagues in the hope that he gets regular at-bats.
Oct 3, 2022
Hits bench Monday
Eaton is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Guardians.
ANALYSIS
Eaton will sit for the second time in three games, affording Hunter Dozier a turn at third base. Since the beginning of September, Eaton has been an excellent source of steals (nine in 10 attempts) and batting average (.327 over 55 at-bats), but he's not supplementing that production with many other counting statistics.
Oct 1, 2022
Takes seat Saturday
Eaton isn't starting Saturday against the Guardians.
ANALYSIS
Eaton is getting a chance to rest after he went 1-for-5 with a double, an RBI and a walk over the last two games. Hunter Dozier will take his place at the hot corner and bat sixth.
Sep 28, 2022
Not in Wednesday's lineup
Eaton isn't starting Wednesday against the Tigers.
ANALYSIS
Eaton went 1-for-4 with a triple, an RBI and two strikeouts Tuesday and will head to the bench for the second time in the last three games. Hunter Dozier is taking over at the hot corner and batting sixth.
Sep 22, 2022
Yet another steal in win
Eaton went 2-for-3 with one run scored and one steal in Wednesday's victory over the Twins.
ANALYSIS
Eaton has recorded a steal in five straight games with a .400 average over 15 at-bats. The 25-year-old rookie has also turned in four multi-hit performances in his last 13 games.
Sep 21, 2022
Swipes another bag
Eaton went 1-for-3 with a stolen base and a run scored in Tuesday's 5-4 win over the Twins.
ANALYSIS
Eaton has started three straight games at third base, and he's been in the lineup for four in a row. The 25-year-old has provided a speed boost at the bottom of the order, logging a stolen base in each of his last four games, putting him at nine thefts for the year. He's added a respectable .253/.326/.373 slash line with a home run, seven RBI and 11 runs scored. Eaton's playing time is likely to come at the expense of Nicky Lopez, as both provide versatility and speed without much power.
Sep 18, 2022
Contributes another steal
Eaton went 2-for-4 with an RBI, a stolen base and a run scored in Saturday's 9-0 win over the Red Sox.
ANALYSIS
Eaton has stolen a base in each of the last two games. The 25-year-old's playing time could soon dry up, as Drew Waters (ankle) and Edward Olivares (quadriceps) are both healthy and candidates to see time in right field. Eaton can play around the outfield and also started Saturday's game at third base, so there's some versatility, but he'll have to keep his bat hot to keep getting chances. He's slashing .257/316/.386 with seven steals through his first 30 major-league contests.
Sep 17, 2022
Manages steal in loss
Eaton went 1-for-3 with a stolen base in Friday's 2-1 loss to the Red Sox.
ANALYSIS
Eaton was on the bench for the Royals' last two games after starting four of the previous five. He was able to snap an 0-for-6 skid and picked up his sixth stolen base of the year in this contest. The rookie outfielder has added one home run, six RBI, eight runs scored and a .242/.307/.379 slash line through 75 plate appearances, though it's likely he remains a part-time player. He could see a short-term increase in usage with Drew Waters (ankle) considered day-to-day.
Sep 7, 2022
Logs fifth steal
Eaton went 0-for-2 with a walk and a stolen base in Wednesday's 2-1 win over the Guardians.
ANALYSIS
Eaton drew the start in right field for just the second time in seven September games, with fellow rookie Drew Waters shifting over to center. Eaton was able to draw a leadoff walk and add a steal in the seventh inning, notching his fifth theft in as many attempts through 23 big-league games. The outfielder has added one home run, five RBI, six runs scored, two doubles and two triples while slashing .245/.311/.415 through 61 plate appearances. He doesn't have an everyday role yet, so he's mostly just a speed option off the bench.
Sep 6, 2022
Posts steal in loss
Eaton went 1-for-2 with a stolen base in Monday's 6-5 extra-inning loss to the Guardians.
ANALYSIS
Eaton entered the game as a pinch hitter for Kyle Isbel in the seventh inning and struck out. In the ninth, Eaton singled and stole second with one out, but he was left on base. The rookie outfielder has provided a boost of speed in a part-time role -- his steal was his fourth of the year in just 22 games, and two in his last two contests. He's added a .255/.310/.431 slash line with one home run, five RBI, six runs scored, two triples and two doubles through 58 plate appearances.
Sep 4, 2022
Four-hit effort Saturday
Eaton went 4-for-5 with a triple, a double, a stolen base, two RBI and a run scored in Saturday's 12-2 win over the Tigers.
ANALYSIS
Eaton made a huge impact in the blowout win, falling just a home run shy of the cycle. Saturday marked his first start since rejoining the Royals as a September call-up. He's slashing .245/.304/.429 with five extra-base hits, three steals, five RBI and six runs scored through 56 plate appearances. The rookie outfielder will be on the bench for Sunday's series finale in Detroit, which could happen with some regularity as the Royals evaluate numerous outfield prospects over the last month-plus of the season.
Sep 1, 2022
Back with Kansas City
The Royals recalled Eaton from Triple-A Omaha on Thursday.
ANALYSIS
After being optioned to Omaha a week and a half ago, Eaton will get the chance to rejoin Kansas City as one of its two September call-ups. Across his two stints in the big leagues this season, Eaton has produced a .573 OPS and has contributed two steals in 51 plate appearances. He has the ability to play all three outfield spots and has also dabbled at shortstop and third base at Triple-A this season, so he should provide the Royals with a useful pinch-running option or late-inning defensive replacement off the bench.
Aug 22, 2022
Optioned to Triple-A
Eaton was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Monday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Eaton will head back to Omaha after he produced a .188 average with two extra-base hits, an RBI, four runs and a stolen base over 32 at-bats in 15 games after he got called up Aug. 4. His demotion opened a roster spot for Drew Waters, who's expected to make his major-league debut Monday.
Aug 16, 2022
Back on bench Tuesday
Eaton is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Twins.
ANALYSIS
Eaton will head to the bench after going 1-for-10 with a stolen base, a walk and six strikeouts while picking up starts out of the corner outfield in each of the past three contests. His opportunities are likely to become more scarce in the coming days, when Hunter Dozier (personal) is set to return from the paternity list.
Aug 16, 2022
Swipes bag Monday
Eaton went 0-for-3 with a walk and a stolen base in Monday's 4-2 loss to the Twins.
ANALYSIS
Eaton's hitting has been spotty lately -- he's 3-for-18 (.167) with a walk and eight strikeouts across his last eight games. He's picked up both of his steals this season in that span, but that's hardly enough to convince manager Mike Matheny to increase the rookie outfielder's playing time. Eaton is hitting .205 through 15 contests and should remain a short-side platoon option as well as a speed threat off the bench.
Aug 12, 2022
Records first big-league steal
Eaton went 1-for-3 with a stolen base in Thursday's 5-3 win over the White Sox.
ANALYSIS
Eaton has gone 5-for-15 with a double, a triple, an RBI and four runs scored through seven contests since his second call-up this year. He's finding most of his playing time in right field so far, though Kyle Isbel and Hunter Dozier have also picked up playing time there in the last week. A right-handed hitter, Eaton should see regular starts versus southpaws, especially with the lefty-heavy Dodgers in town for a three-game weekend series.
Aug 7, 2022
Scores three times Sunday
Eaton went 2-for-3 with a triple, a double, a walk and three runs scored in Sunday's 13-5 win over the Red Sox.
ANALYSIS
Eaton came around to score each time he got on base in his first multi-hit game in the majors. The 25-year-old outfielder is batting .238 with a home run, a triple, a double, three RBI and four runs scored through seven contests. He's started three of the Royals' last four games in right field, but it's unclear how manager Mike Matheny will balance playing time for Eaton and Kyle Isbel with MJ Melendez commanding a near-everyday role in one of the corner outfield spots.
Aug 4, 2022
Contract selected by Royals
Eaton's contract was selected from Triple-A Omaha on Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Eaton filled in on the active roster during the Royals' series in Toronto in mid-July and went 2-for-12 with a home run, two RBI, a walk and six strikeouts over four games. He's starting in right field and batting eighth during Thursday's game against the Red Sox, and he'll likely have a chance to earn playing time in the outfield since Kyle Isbel has struggled recently.
Jul 17, 2022
Heads back to Triple-A
The Royals returned Eaton to Triple-A Omaha following Sunday's 4-2 loss to the Blue Jays.
ANALYSIS
Since Eaton joined the Royals as a replacement for one of the 10 players who were placed on the restricted list prior to Thursday's series opener in Toronto, he won't be exposed to waivers even while he comes off the 40-man roster as he heads back to Omaha. Eaton started in center field in each of the Royals' four games following his call-up, going 2-for-12 with a solo home run and an additional RBI.
Jul 15, 2022
Homers in debut
Eaton went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Thursday's 3-1 win over the Blue Jays.
ANALYSIS
Eaton gave the Royals some insurance with his ninth-inning blast, which was his first major-league hit and homer. The outfielder got the start in center field since the Royals are missing 10 players, including many of their regular outfielders, due to their unvaccinated status preventing them from playing in Canada. Eaton should get a chance to play regularly this weekend before heading back to Triple-A Omaha, where he's slashed .329/.388/.591 in 39 contests after earning a midseason promotion from Double-A Northwest Arkansas.
Jul 14, 2022
Called up for MLB debut
Eaton had his contract selected by the Royals and will start in center field and bat seventh Thursday versus the Blue Jays.
ANALYSIS
The Royals have 10 players on the restricted list that cannot enter Canada due to their vaccination statuses, and Eaton will benefit with his first taste of the majors during the four-game set in Toronto. The 25-year-old opened the season at Double-A Northwest Arkansas but was promoted to Triple-A Omaha, and he's performed well in the highest level of the minors with a .329/.388/.591 slash line, nine home runs, 25 RBI and seven stolen bases in 39 games.