CHICAGO -- Alex Rios is expected to return to the Kansas City Royals lineup for Saturday's game against the Chicago Cubs following 1 1/2 months on the disabled list with a broken left hand.
Rios has been sidelined since April 13, when he was hit by a pitch from Minnesota's J.R. Graham. He joined the Royals on Friday after a four-game injury rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Omaha.
He started the season 9-for-29 (.321) with one homer and eight RBIs.
"He was really swinging the bat good when he left," manager Ned Yost said. "But it may take him some time."
Rios agreed during the offseason to an $11 million, one-year contract.
"I'm ready to do stuff out there like normal," Rios said. "Everything went well. I was able to swing the bat with no issues."