KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) – Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer was back in the starting lineup Thursday night after missing a three-game sweep at the hands of Houston with a sprained right ring finger.

Hosmer said he isn’t 100 percent, but he felt good enough after taking swings against Jason Vargas in a simulated game earlier Thursday to play in the series opener against the second-place Twins. Kansas City leads the AL Central by 4 1/2 games.

Meanwhile, Vargas threw 40 pitches as he recovers from a left flexor strain. He’s scheduled to throw 60 pitches on Tuesday with a side session in between.

Fellow starter Yordano Ventura made his second rehab start Wednesday night at Triple-A Omaha, and manager Ned Yost said a decision has not been made on whether he needs a third.