KANSAS CITY -- As the Indians begin to delve into their middle infield plans for 2022, shortstop Amed Rosario continues to make it impossible to be ignored.

If there was any concern that Rosario’s bat started to cool off over the previous few days, think again. He started off Tuesday evening with a sprint around the bases, logging his first career inside-the-park home run before punctuating his 5-for-5 game at the plate with a two-run blast (this time, clearing the fence) to help lift Cleveland to a 7-2 victory over the Royals at Kauffman Stadium.

“Seeing him turn into who he is now, he’s the hottest hitter I think in our league,” said Indians starter Zach Plesac, who gave up just two hits in seven scoreless frames. “He’s just on fire. He’s always putting up a good at-bat. So, I mean he’s playing really well. It’s fun to watch right now, absolutely.”

Rosario has become one of the hottest hitters in the Majors. He’s now recorded five games with at least four hits, marking the most of anyone in the Majors. He became just the fourth Cleveland shortstop to have a game with at least four hits and five RBIs since RBIs became an official stat in 1920, joining Asdrúbal Cabrera (2011), Frank Duffy (1974 and ‘75) and Joe Sewell (1924). He’s the first Indians player to log a multi-homer game, one of which was an inside-the-parker, since Grady Sizemore (Sept. 24, 2006, at Texas).

And after Rosario added another single in the ninth, he became just the sixth player in franchise history to have a game with at least two homers, five hits and five RBIs, joining Cabrera, Lonnie Chisenhall, Victor Martinez, Casey Blake and Minnie Minoso.

Of all the action he saw in the series opener, Rosario said his favorite hit was the inside-the-parker. He knew off the bat he was going to at least get a triple and the adrenaline started pumping when he saw third-base coach Kyle Hudson waving him home. But Rosario was far from satisfied with that being his only highlight.

“I don’t consider myself a person who just conforms with whatever I got,” Rosario said through team interpreter Agustin Rivero. “I always want more. I always keep fighting to get more of all those ABs.”

This has become the commonplace for Rosario. Since the second half of the season got underway, he’s hit .345 with a .905 OPS, including his scorching .372 average and .981 OPS in August alone.

“​​He’s playing good,” Indians acting manager DeMarlo Hale said. “He’s spraying the ball around. It’s really hard to defend him because he’s got speed to beat out a ball to the left side or infield hits. He stays on the ball, hits the ball the other way, he’s just been a pro. … His routine that he does, preparing himself. It’s good to see. But I think that’s part of understanding and becoming a professional, and he’s done that very well this year.”

Maybe Rosario has inflated his trade stock, as he watched his average creep back up to .289. But if the Indians are ready to be back in playoff contention next year, he’s proven his bat can be relied on. The problem comes down to where Rosario fits defensively.

Is his offensive production enough for Cleveland to stick with Rosario, who entered the series opener with -8 defensive runs saved, at shortstop? Does he move to second base or even back to the outfield? Is he a super utility player who tries to get as much time in the lineup as possible?

There’s going to be a lot to figure out this offseason when it comes to the Indians’ young roster once again, but if the team is looking for a solid hitter, Rosario is in the process of making a strong case that this success isn’t temporary and that he can serve an important role in their lineup in 2022.

“I think there’s only one key to [my consistency]: It’s just enjoying the game, enjoying every day, enjoying what I do,” Rosario said. “I think that’s the key to just come here and enjoy the game.”