Hosmer is doubtful for Royals' final two games

Officially, the Kansas City Royals are listing first baseman Eric Hosmer as day-to-day with a right shoulder injury.

However, don't expect Hosmer to step into the batter's box again before spring training. It would come as a surprise if the Royals play him in the final two games against the Detroit Tigers.

The games are meaningless with the Tigers wrapping up the American League Central championship with a 6-3 victory over the Royals on Monday night. The Royals have already clinched third in the division.

Hosmer, who has a slight tear in his right rotator cuff that he injured Thursday while diving for a ball in the second inning at Detroit, was examined by club physician Vincent Key on Monday.

Manager Ned Yost acknowledged Hosmer still feels a little twinge taking his arm back, which is a movement in a swing.

"Probably we don't want to take any chances," Yost said.

If Hosmer's season is indeed over, he went 0-for-18 to finish the year to drop his average to .232.