Escobar got the start at shortstop and hit seventh Wednesday, going 2-for-4 with two runs scored and four RBI -- including a three-run home run -- in a 9-1 win over the Royals.
Twins manager Paul Molitor gave the 28-year-old the nod in part because of his excellent career numbers against Royals starter Ian Kennedy, but Escobar's blast came off young left-hander Matt Strahm instead. Jorge Polanco is set as Minnesota's starting shortsop, but if Escobar can get enough playing time in a utility role he could take a run at his 2015 career high of 12 homers.