Updated

Oakland, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - The Kansas City Royals placed first baseman Eric Hosmer on the 15-day disabled list with a fracture of the third metacarpal in his right hand prior to Saturday's game against the Oakland Athletics.

The move is retroactive to Aug. 1.

Hosmer was originally hit on the hand in the first inning of a July 20 loss to Boston. He has played most of the time since, but missed a few contests due to the injury, then departed Thursday's win over the Twins and had tests that revealed the fracture.

Royals manager Ned Yost said that the injury won't need a cast and just needs time to heal. He indicated after Thursday's game that Hosmer would be sidelined for at least three weeks and possibly as many as six.

Hosmer is hitting .267 with six homers and 46 RBI this season. He had a career-best 16-game hitting streak from June 30 - July 20.

The Royals also activated pitcher Jason Vargas from the 15-day disabled list to start Saturday's matchup.

Vargas was placed on the DL after undergoing an appendectomy on July 20. He entered Saturday's game with a solid 3.31 earned run average while going 8-4 in his first 19 outings.