The Kansas City Royals suffer defeat in their game against the Mets on Sunday, potentially losing Salvador Perez in the process.

Just days after narrowly avoiding a potentially disastrous collision in the infield during their commanding 13-3 series sweep over Houston on Thursday, the KC Royals faced adversity with a 2-1 loss to the Mets on Sunday.

The Royals, holding a slim half-game lead over Cleveland in the American League Central before Sunday’s game, left the field uncertain about the extent of star catcher Salvador Perez’s injury. Perez, who led off with a double in the second inning, was injured in a close play at home plate with New York’s Starling Marte in the fourth inning, leaving the field limping. According to Kansas City broadcaster Joel Goldberg, the initial in-game report suggested Perez hurt his left hip and groin.

Freddy Fermin replaced Perez for the remainder of the game, while Triple-A player Logan Porter could be a potential replacement if Perez is placed on the Injured List.

The severity and duration of Perez’s injuries were unknown after the game, with further examination scheduled for Monday.

Losing Perez would be a significant blow for the Royals, as he was leading the team with a .339/.369/.565 slash line, 15 RBIs, and tied for the most home runs with Bobby Witt Jr. at four.

The Royals struggled to generate offense against the Mets’ pitching, with Perez’s double being their only hit until Vinnie Pasquantino’s solo home run in the ninth inning.

Sunday’s loss also affected the Royals’ standing in the AL Central. Despite starting the day in the lead, they fell behind Cleveland by a half-game due to their loss combined with the Tigers’ win over the Twins and the Guardians’ victory at home.

Cole Ragans had a solid outing, pitching six scoreless innings and striking out eight, before being replaced by John Schreiber in the seventh inning. However, Chris Stratton allowed the Mets to score the only two runs they needed in the eighth inning, resulting in the Royals’ defeat.

The Royals will look to bounce back as they face the White Sox in a three-game series starting Monday evening in Chicago.