Kansas City Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar suffered nothing more than a bruise when hit in the head by a pitch on Wednesday, with club doctors choosing not to conduct an X-ray.

Escobar claimed he could even play in the Royals' game against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday, despite having spent several minutes prone on the ground after being struck on the helmet by Cleveland Indians pitcher Danny Salazar in the fifth inning.

The Venezuelan was hit by a 96mph fastball from Salazar but was diagnosed with a "left cheek contusion", although Kansas City manager Ned Yost conceded there was "some concern" about concussion.

Royals medical staff "tested Escobar's jaw strength and determined X-rays were not necessary".

"Right now, after all the tests, it's good," Escobar said.

"Little bit of a headache - after 10 or 20 minutes it got better.

"Yeah, maybe we're waiting for tomorrow, then Ned and the training people, they make a decision if I'm feeling good, I'm ready to play."