Nick Loftin is absent from the Royals’ starting lineup for Thursday’s tilt against the Marlins.

It appears to be nothing more than a routine night off for Loftin, who has functioned as the club’s primary third baseman while Maikel Garcia (hamstring) is shelved. Josh Rojas will start in his place at the hot corner and will bat seventh against Marlins’ right-hander Sandy Alcantara on Thursday.