Pasquantino has been diagnosed with a Grade 1-plus right hamstring strain, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Pasquantino -- who suffered the injury during Saturday's Cactus League game -- said Monday that he plans on playing in Thursday's opener, but he added, "that's just me speaking as a player." The ultimate decision lies with the Royals, and they may very well choose to hold Pasquantino out. He will not play in the team's final two exhibition games Monday and Tuesday but will hit in the batting cage Monday and on the field Tuesday. If Pasquantino isn't ready for the start of the season, Mark Canha and Salvador Perez represent options at first base for Kansas City.

Astros manager Joe Espada said that Walker (oblique) played six innings on defense and hit a home run during a simulated game Monday, Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Espada added that Walker remains on track to be ready to roll for Opening Day on Thursday against the Mets. Walker played only four Grapefruit League contests due to left oblique soreness but has been getting in some at-bats in minor-league games to prep for the start of the regular season.

Pasquantino (hamstring) is not in the lineup for Monday's Cactus League contest versus the Rangers, Jaylon T. Thompson of The Kansas City Star reports.

Pasquantino strained his right hamstring during Saturday's Cactus League game. While the first baseman has downplayed the injury, he might need to show he can play in the Royals' final exhibition tilt Tuesday before being cleared to play Opening Day. If Pasquantino isn't ready to play at the start of the season, the Royals could use Salvador Perez and/or Mark Canha at first base.

The Royals selected Canha's contract from Triple-A Omaha on Monday.

Canha was acquired via trade from the Brewers last week with the anticipation that he would be added to the roster, and the Royals have now made that move official. The 36-year-old should operate mostly in a reserve role, although he might see some starts at first base early on if Vinnie Pasquantino (hamstring) has to miss time.

Kurtz (hand) went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Sunday's 8-1 win over the Cubs in Cactus League play.

Kurtz returned to action for the first time since March 15, when he was removed from a game against the Rangers after being hit in the right hand by a pitch. He served as a backup designated hitter Sunday, but Kurtz could be ready to play first base when the minor-league season opens. Widely viewed as the top prospect in the Athletics' system, Kurtz was officially reassigned to minor-league camp March 10 but has continued to make occasional Cactus League appearances since that time. He's turned in an excellent spring with a .974 OPS in 31 plate appearances.

Pratto cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Omaha on Sunday.

The 26-year-old missed out on Kansas City's Opening Day roster after slashing .200/.351/.333 with 13 strikeouts in 37 plate appearances during spring training. Pratto made just one appearance with the Royals last year and had a .728 OPS in 116 contests at Omaha.

Manzardo (shoulder) is starting at first base and batting third in Sunday's spring game against the Reds.

The 24-year-old was scratched from Friday's starting nine due to left shoulder inflammation, but his return to action two days later indicates the injury was a minor concern. Manzardo has a .976 OPS through 16 games in spring training and appears set to fill a full-time role between first base and designated hitter for the Guardians.

The Astros have informed Singleton that he isn't going to be on the major-league roster to begin the season, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Singleton struggled at the plate this spring, slashing .171/.239/.195 with no homers and 10 strikeouts over 46 at-bats. He had been in the running to back up Christian Walker at first base. With Singleton not slated to make the club, the door could be open for Zach Dezenzo to land an Opening Day roster spot.

Pasquantino was diagnosed with a right hamstring strain after making an early exit from Saturday's Cactus League game, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Pasquantino will undergo further evaluation Sunday to determine the severity of his injury, but he said after Saturday's game that he feels fine and doesn't believe his performance will be affected by his hamstring. The Royals' medical staff ultimately has the final say, however, so the first baseman's availability for Opening Day will be determined by the results of Sunday's tests. If Pasquantino is unable to play, recent acquisition Mark Canha may step in to cover first base.

Pasquantino was removed from Saturday's Cactus League game against the Rangers due to an apparent leg injury, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Pasquantino pulled up favoring his right leg on his way to first base while attempting to beat a double play in the fifth inning. He was able to walk off the field under his own power, but the severity of his injury won't be known until the Royals are able to take a closer look at him.