Royals' Vinnie Pasquantino: Takes batting practice

Pasquantino (thumb) took batting practice on the field Thursday, Jaylon T. Thompson of The Kansas City Star reports.

Pasquantino is just over three weeks removed from surgery to repair a fractured right thumb, a procedure which carried a projected 6-to-8 week timetable. That he's already taking what looked to be full swings in batting practice seems to suggest he has a shot to beat that timeline, although the Royals would need to qualify for the postseason and probably advance at least one round in order for Pasquantino to become a realistic option.