MLB Standings
Things are becoming clear across the baseball world as September begins. The Royals (85-52) and the Avalanche (87-49) are the best two teams in baseball and have their divisions wrapped up while the Orioles (76-61) continue to hold off the Yankees (74-62) for the East division.
In the National League, the Mets (81-56) continue to lead the way, with a 4.5 game lead over the Phillies while the Dodgers (74-62) are in a battle with the Giants (74-63) and the Padres (74-64) for the West title. The Central continues to demonstrate mediocrity, the Cubs (69-67) with a small lead over the Reds (68-70) and the Brewers (66-70).
The Mariners (76-60) and the Yankees just about have wild card spots locked up while the Rangers (71-65) will attempt to stay strong in September to hold off the Twins (67-68). In the National League, the Phillies are almost there, while the Giants and Padres are in a fight with the Diamondbacks (71-65) and the Braves (72-66) for the final two spots.
Kansas City Results
Nine series with six wins marks another winning month (17-10) but losses to the Cardinals (0-2) and the Reds (1-2) were frustrating, as was the drawn series (2-2) against the Tigers. Similarly frustrating, only one series was swept, against the Red Sox, preventing the Royals from delivering the dominant month they look for.
Kansas City Team Statistics
Enny Van Dyke (172 wRC+) bounced back with 22 RBIs, leading the team from Jeremy Rogerson (118 wRC+) and his 21. Edgar Mir (145 wRC+) had another strong month contributing 6 HRs and elite 2B defence.
The bullpen remained the best in the AL, led in August by Billy Nicklas (21 FIP-) and his 6 hits in 10 innings, while Mike Hoffer (48 FIP-) contributed 1.5 WAR in his 5 starts, pitching 34.1 innings giving up 34 hits. Star of the month, however, was Cade Townsend (87 FIP-), who gave up only 26 hits across 37.1 innings in six starts, going 5-0 with a 1.21 ERA, and winning the August Pitcher of the Month Award.
Transactions & Injuries
Thursday, August 7th , 2036
CF Drew Burress was injured being hit by a pitch. The Diagnosis: fractured cheekbone. He's expected to miss about 6 weeks.
Purchased the contract of CF Jesus Cipolloni from Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Wednesday, August 13th , 2036
Optioned RP Edgar Alba to Triple A Omaha.
Placed RP Chris Wagner on the active roster.
Activated RP Chris Wagner from the injured list.
Monday, August 18th , 2036
Sent RP Mike Bowe to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Wednesday, August 20th , 2036
RP Chris Wagner was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Thursday, August 21st , 2036
RP Chris Wagner diagnosed with shoulder inflammation, will miss 4-5 months.
Recalled RP Mike Bowe from Triple A Omaha.
Thursday, August 28th , 2036
Juan Bautista has suffered a setback in his recovery. He is not expected to recover for another 4 months.
Drew Burress fractured his cheekbone and will face a race to get back up to speed before the playoffs when he returns in mid-September. The Royals made a brave decision to call up 2032 trade acquisition Jesus Cipolloni from AA ball. However, with his 65 range and potential average contact, power and eye, it makes sense to test that glove for the longer term.
Chris Wagner returned but unfortunately only lasted two days before shoulder inflammation ended his season and ending his chance at a Royals’ save record. Mike Bowe’s recovery coincided with Wagner’s injury.
Minor League News
Texas League (AA) Batter of the Month: Andy Alexander (2032 2nd Round) .329, 11 HRs, 30 RBIs
Dominican Rookie League (R) Batter of the Month: Juan Moralez (2029 Scouting Discovery) .593, 25 BB, 43 RBIs
Around the League
Injuries
Sunday, August 31st , 2036
Los Angeles Dodgers: 3B Vince Elkins diagnosed with a torn ligament in his thumb, will miss 6 weeks.
Saturday, August 30th , 2036
Cleveland Guardians: Andres Gimenez has suffered a setback in his recovery. He is not expected to recover for another 2-3 months.
Cincinnati Reds: RP Mirko Francesco Howard diagnosed with a bone spur in his elbow, will miss 4-5 weeks.
Friday, August 29th , 2036
New York Mets: Zach Masteller has suffered a setback in his recovery. He is not expected to recover for another 5 weeks.
New York Mets: SP Stephon Daniely diagnosed with elbow inflammation, will miss 7 weeks.
Monday, August 25th , 2036
Philadelphia Phillies: RP Cole Wilcox diagnosed with a sore elbow, will miss 5 weeks.
Philadelphia Phillies: RF Jordan Walker was injured on a defensive play. The Diagnosis: sore elbow. He's expected to miss about 5 weeks.
Friday, August 22nd , 2036
Tampa Bay Rays: 2B David Ojeda diagnosed with a broken bone in the elbow, will miss 6-7 months.
Atlanta Braves: CF Jesus Anaya was injured while throwing the ball. The Diagnosis: strained oblique. He's expected to miss about 6 weeks.
Thursday, August 21st , 2036
Chicago Cubs: SS Ben Kirkland diagnosed with a broken hand, will miss 2 months.
Baltimore Orioles: 1B Jon Clabaugh was injured in a collision at a base. The Diagnosis: oblique strain. He's expected to miss about 5 weeks.
Wednesday, August 20th , 2036
Tampa Bay Rays: SP Tommy Estridge diagnosed with a herniated disc, will miss 2-3 months.
Monday, August 18th , 2036
Texas Rangers: RP David Morales diagnosed with a strained triceps, will miss 6 weeks.
Cleveland Guardians: SS Juan Jaramillo diagnosed with a broken bone in the elbow, will miss 4 months.
Sunday, August 17th , 2036
Boston Red Sox: RP Jonathan Drake was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: strained hamstring. He's expected to miss about 5-6 weeks.
Thursday, August 14th , 2036
Chicago White Sox: RP Naulivou Lauaki Jr. was injured when he fell down the stairs while sleepwalking. The Diagnosis: post-concussion syndrome. He's expected to miss about 6 months.
Tuesday, August 12th , 2036
Chicago Cubs: CF Pete Crow-Armstrong was injured on a defensive play. The Diagnosis: herniated disc (back). He's expected to miss about 3-4 weeks.
Monday, August 11th , 2036
Texas Rangers: RP Jack Mahoney diagnosed with a torn back muscle, will miss 4 months.
San Diego Padres: RP David Lally diagnosed with a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament, will miss 10 months.
Sunday, August 10th , 2036
Texas Rangers: SP Mike Crawford diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff, will miss 13-14 months.
Saturday, August 9th , 2036
Miami Marlins: 2B Tim Doggett diagnosed with an oblique strain, will miss 6 weeks.
Miami Marlins: 1B Korey Reilly diagnosed with back spasms, will miss 8 weeks.
Baltimore Orioles: SS Mike Sims was injured in a collision at a base. The Diagnosis: hamstring strain. He's expected to miss about 4 weeks.
Friday, August 8th , 2036
Tampa Bay Rays: SP Jesus Medina diagnosed with bone chips in his elbow, will miss 6 months.
Thursday, August 7th , 2036
Kansas City Royals: CF Drew Burress was injured being hit by a pitch. The Diagnosis: fractured cheekbone. He's expected to miss about 6 weeks.
Monday, August 4th , 2036
Baltimore Orioles: 1B Gilberto Carrillo diagnosed with an elbow sprain, is day-to-day for 4 weeks.
New York Mets: 2B Zach Masteller diagnosed with a fractured foot, will miss 6 weeks.
Saturday, August 2nd , 2036
Arizona Diamondbacks: C Enrique Jimenez diagnosed with a strained groin muscle, will miss 5-6 weeks.
Friday, August 1st , 2036
Miami Marlins: SP Eury Perez diagnosed with a ruptured ulnar collateral ligament, will miss 13 months.
Miami Marlins: C Steve Idelson diagnosed with a torn posterior cruciate ligament, will miss 7 months.