Royals outfielder Nori Aoki placed on 15-day DL

The Kansas City Royals placed outfielder NoriAoki on the 15-day disabled list on Sunday with a left groin strain, the team announced on Twitter. Aoki, who is

The Kansas City Royals placed outfielder NoriAoki on the 15-day disabled list on Sunday with a left groin strain, the team announced on Twitter.

Aoki, who is hitting .263 in 68 games this season, sustained the injury during the team’s recent series against Detroit. He appeared to aggravate it further while pinch-hitting in Friday night’s 7-5 loss to the Mariners.

The Royals called up Justin Maxwell from the team’s Triple-A affiliate to take Aoki’s spot. Maxwell was hitting .316 in 25 games for the Omaha Storm Chasers. “Excited to be back in KC! Good luck to my @OMAStormChasers teammates,” Maxwell tweeted.

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#Royals announce that they've placed OF Nori Aoki on the 15-day DL, and purchased the contract of OF @JustinMaxwell27 from Omaha.

— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) June 21, 2014

Excited to be back in KC! Good luck to my @OMAStormChasers teammates #GodisGreat

— Justin Maxwell (@JustinMaxwell43) June 21, 2014