Alex Gordon has been mired in a season-long slump and the Kansas City Royals have decided to bench the veteran.

Gordon, who signed a richest contract in franchise history at $72 million over four years, is hitting just .197 with five homers and 34 RBIs in 101 games.

"You always try to give them as much rope as you can, just hope he's going to get it going," Ned Yost said.

Yost didn't say how long Gordon will remain on the bench.

"It's just been a struggle for him," Yost said. "We'll take some days off here and see if he can hit reset a little bit."