Even as his offensive production has declined, even as his bat has left him, Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar has retained one useful skill: He remains among the most durable players in baseball.
Escobar, in his seventh season with the Royals, made his 212th consecutive start on Friday night, tying the franchise record set by third baseman Paul Schaal in 1971 and 1972.
Schaal, who joined the Royals during their inaugural season in 1969, started every game from April 6, 1971 to June 15, 1972. Escobar is poised to surpass the mark on Saturday against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field.