Royals' Adalberto Mondesi May Not Be Ready for Opening Day in 2020 Following Shoulder Surgery

The Kansas City Royals are in the midst of a rebuild and promising young infielder Adalberto Mondesi is a big aspect of the process.

Unfortunately for the 24-year-old, his first full MLB season was derailed by a shoulder injury, which will now fully affect his 2020 campaign. Mondesi is set to undergo surgery on his shoulder to repair a torn joint and is anticipated to need 5-6 months for his recovery.

Adalberto Mondesi will have shoulder surgery next for a tear in the joint. Recovery time 5-6 months. May be ready by opening day. #Royals
— Jeffrey Flanagan (@FlannyMLB) September 25, 2019

Mondesi missed parts of the 2019 season due to the injury, which kept him out for the last couple weeks in June and then again from mid-July until the beginning of September.

In 102 games, he slashed .263/.291/.424 but scored 58 runs, led the league with 10 triples, and added 43 stolen bases. Imagine what those numbers would look like over a full 162-game slate?

Adalberto Mondesi will become the first player in modern MLB history with 40+ stolen bases & 10+ triples in fewer than 475 plate appearances in a season.
— Dave Holtzman (@DHoltzy) September 21, 2019

While he's on the shelf it'll mean more reps at second base for Whit Merrifield and increased opportunity for Nicky Lopez at shortstop. The Royals certainly aren't going to rush Mondesi back considering he's expected to be the shortstop of the future.

If he does end up being ready for Opening Day, don't expect him to hit the ground running because shoulder injuries typically take time given the excessive usage in both throwing and hitting.