The Kansas City Royals will be without a relief pitcher for a couple weeks.

 

Right-hander Dan Altavilla was placed on the 15-day injured list with an oblique strain, and is expected to return after the All-Star break.

 

Altavilla has made five appearances for the Royals this season, including serving as an opener for a game against the New York Yankees. He also made headlines over the weekend after hitting Dodgers star Mookie Betts on the hand, which resulted in a fractured wrist.

 

Kansas City called up right-hander Stevel Cruz in a corresponding move. Cruz is 25 years old, and has a 4.97 ERA in 10 games pitched in the majors this season.