PHOENIX -- Royals infielder Raul Mondesi was scratched from Friday's game against the Brewers with back stiffness. He is considered day to day, according to team officials.
Mondesi was scheduled to lead off and play shortstop, his natural position. Humberto Arteaga took his spot Friday. Mondesi has previously made three Cactus League starts at shortstop and eight at second base, where he has "inserted himself into the conversation" for the starting job, manager Ned Yost said.
The switch-hitting 21-year-old is hitting .433 (13-for-30) with two doubles, two homers and three RBIs.
Mondesi made his Major League debut as a pinch-hitter in the 2015 World Series, and got his first regular-season action last year when he came up on July 26 and played 42 games at second base.