Ahead of their afternoon series finale against the Cubs, the Royals placed infielder/outfielder Nick Loftin on the seven-day concussion injured list and summoned, in his place, outfielder MJ Melendez from the Storm Chasers.

Nick Loftin, who was injured in the fifth inning of Tuesday's game after being struck in the head, was put on the 7-day concussion IL on Wednesday before the Royals series finale against the Cubs.

Royals rookie right fielder Jac Caglianone exited the game in the third inning with left-hamstring tightness after his first at-bat of the afternoon. The Royals inserted MJ Melendez into the game as his replacement and John Rave moved from left field to right.

The Royals decided to send down MJ Melendez on April 19, giving the outfielder a chance to reset following a rough start to the year. The biggest thing for Melendez was getting his swing back. He hit just .

Several minor league outfielders are heating up in Week 18, with names like MJ Melendez, Dylan Beavers, and Jhostynxon Garcia making waves.

After his demotion by the Royals, MJ Melendez would bring bats with him from the ballpark after a game and work on his swing in the wee hours of the morning.

The Royals recalled Melendez from Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday.

Outfielders Mickey Moniak, Ramon Laureano, and MJ Melendez are heating up and emerging as strong fantasy baseball pickups for Week 18.