KC Royals - An OOTP 25 Narrated Playthrough - Day 1

[Biggp07]

Today, we begin a 3-game series with the Texas Rangers at home. The Rangers are playing .563 ball this season, compiling a record of 18 wins and 14 losses. They are in 3rd place in the West Division, 1.5 games behind the leader. Their number of runs scored of 163 ranks 4th in the American League, and their .262 batting average ranks 4th. On the other side of the diamond, they have given up 173 runs (14th) with their starters compiling an ERA of 5.22, which ranks 12th. Their bullpen sports an ERA of 4.65, ranking 13th.

Here are the projected pitching matchups, with our pitchers listed first:
RHP C. Hernandez (0-0, 13.50 ERA) vs LHP A. Heaney (1-3, 7.47 ERA)
RHP M. Wacha (0-2, 3.83 ERA) vs RHP D. Dunning (2-0, 4.24 ERA)
RHP B. Singer (0-4, 6.31 ERA) vs RHP M. Lorenzen (2-2, 4.34 ERA)

The top 5 players on their team are:
1. SS Corey Seager (Age: 30, Overall: 80, Potential: 80)
2. 2B Marcus Semien (33, 65, 65)
3. LF Wyatt Langford (22, 65, 80)
4. SP Nathan Eovaldi (34, 55, 55)
5. LF Evan Carter (21, 55, 80)

Game Summary – May 3rd – Rangers Fall Short, 3-2, at Kansas City



In a low-scoring affair between the Kansas City Royals and the Texas Rangers, pitcher Carlos Hernandez was the difference between victory and defeat. The Kansas City right-hander earned accolades for his stellar performance in the 3-2 Royals win. The win has Kansas City at 13-20. Bobby Witt Jr., who is tied for 7th in the AL with a .585 slugging percentage, chipped in a solo home run for Kansas City in the bottom of the sixth. For the game, the shortstop had 2 hits in 4 at-bats with 1 home run, 1 single, 1 run scored, and 2 runs batted in.

Player  Rslt   (W-L)  IP H R ER BB K HR PI ERA    
C. Hernandez W (1-0) 6.0 3 2 2  1  10 1 86 6.75

"We were in it," said Texas manager Bruce Bochy. "We just didn't score enough runs."

I decided to send down SS/UT Nick Loftin and call up 3B Cam Devanney. Loftin did not impress well with a .154/.233/.308, 39AB, 1HR, 4RBI, 45 wRC+, and -0.4 WAR. I need better than that if we are to compete this season. Cam Devanney is currently batting a .270/.365/.568, 74AB, 5HR, 15RBI, 121 wRC+, .932OPS, and 0.5 WAR. Let’s see if things start to define themselves.



GAME NOTES
Player of the Game: Carlos Hernandez
Ballpark: Kauffman Stadium
Weather: Cloudy (58 degrees), wind blowing out to the center at 12 mph
Start Time: 6:40 PM CT
Time: 2:42
Attendance: 21863
Special Notes: RP John Schreiber was injured while pitching. He seems to have a tired arm, so I’m benching him for 7 days since I don’t want to lose him for longer. It’s a minimal injury, and he needs to rest his arm for a few days. He has been pitching well for us.

Game Summary – May 4th – Rangers Score Late to Beat Royals, 3-2



Fans witnessed a whale of a game between the Texas Rangers and the Kansas City Royals. Wyatt Langford left his imprint on the 3-2 Texas win against the Kansas City Royals. Langford, who is tied for 5th in the AL in doubles with 11, was 2 for 4 with a home run, while adding 3 RBI and scoring once. The win gives Texas a season record of 19-15. Langford had a timely hit for Texas in the top of the eighth. With Texas trailing 1-0, he turned a 2-0 fastball into a 3-run home run. It was his 6th home run of the season, making it 3-1, Texas.

"It's always great to put the barrel on the ball and contribute," said Langford.

Player Rslt (W-L) IP  H R ER BB K HR PI ERA    
M. Wacha L (0-3) 7.1  8 2  2  1 7  0 99 3.61

GAME NOTES
Player of the Game: Wyatt Langford
Ballpark: Kauffman Stadium
Weather: Rain (59 degrees), wind blowing out to the center at 10 mph
Start Time: 6:10 PM CT
Time: 3:26
Attendance: 23922

Game Summary – May 5th – Royals Beaten by Rangers, 3-2



Brady Singer pitched well enough to win, but it was not to be. The Kansas City Royals, despite Singer's fine outing, dropped a 3-2 decision to the Texas Rangers at Kauffman Stadium. Earning his 12th save of the year was Josh Sborz. The Rangers, now 20-15, know that wins in May count the same as wins in September. Nathaniel Lowe, who is tied for 3rd in the AL in hits with 43, had a direct impact on the outcome. Lowe contributed a run-scoring single in the top of the seventh inning to put Texas up, 3-0. Lowe called the win "a collective effort."

GAME NOTES
Player of the Game: Brady Singer
Ballpark: Kauffman Stadium
Weather: Partly Cloudy (61 degrees), wind blowing out to the right at 12 mph
Start Time: 1:10 PM CT
Time: 3:15
Attendance: 21612
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Overall, we had a good series against Texas as no game was a blowout. We stayed right with them in all three, but couldn't get over the hump in the last two. On to the next series...

[Biggp07]

Today, we begin a 3-game series with the Milwaukee Brewers at home. With their record standing at 20 wins and 14 losses, the Brewers have a winning percentage of .588. They are in 2nd place in the Central Division, 0.0 games behind the leader. Their number of runs scored of 171 ranks 2nd in the National League, and their .253 batting average ranks 4th. On the other side of the diamond, they have given up 142 runs (6th) with their starters compiling an ERA of 4.5,8 which ranks 12th. Their bullpen sports an ERA of 3.16, ranking 5th.

Here are the projected pitching matchups, our pitchers listed first:
LHP C. Ragans (2-1, 2.18 ERA) vs LHP A. Ashby (1-2, 6.23 ERA)
LHP A. Zerpa (1-0, 4.57 ERA) vs RHP J. Junis (3-3, 4.61 ERA)
RHP C. Hernandez (1-0, 6.75 ERA) vs LHP D. Hall (3-1, 3.69 ERA)

The top 5 players on their team are:
1. SS Willy Adames (Age: 28, Overall: 70, Potential: 70)
2. SP Freddy Peralta (27, 60, 65)
3. C William Contreras (26, 60, 60)
4. 1B Rhys Hoskins (31, 55, 55)
5. 2B Brice Turang (24, 55, 55)

Game Summary – May 6th – Brewers Upend Royals, 4-2



Milwaukee Brewers starter Aaron Ashby found his groove in his team's 4-2 win over the Kansas City Royals. With the win, Milwaukee raised its record to 21-14. Brice Turang, who leads the NL in stolen bases with 15, had a direct impact on the outcome. Turang contributed a run-scoring triple in the top of the fifth inning to put Milwaukee up, 3-1.

"Thought I threw pretty well and overall, I felt good," said Ashby.

GAME NOTES
Player of the Game: Aaron Ashby
Ballpark: Kauffman Stadium
Weather: Clear skies (63 degrees), wind blowing out to the center at 10 mph
Start Time: 6:40 PM CT
Time: 3:06
Attendance: 16240

Game Summary – May 7th – Brewers Suffer 5-3 Road Loss



The Kansas City Royals topped the Milwaukee Brewers, 5-3, at Kauffman Stadium. Kansas City second baseman Cam Devanney was a spark plug for the offense. He was 1 for 2 with a double and a walk. Luis Cessa was the winner in relief. His record is now 2-0. The losing pitcher was Jakob Junis. Picking up his 2nd save was 11-year veteran Will Smith. The Royals got a big at-bat from first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino.
For the game, Pasquantino was 1 for 4 with a double. He drove in 2 runs. In the bottom of the third, with runners on 1st and 2nd, he stroked a 2-run double. His 10th double of the season gave Kansas City a 3-1 lead.

"We cashed in when we had the chance," said Kansas City manager Todd "BigP" Pollard. The Royals go to 14-23 with the win.

KANSAS CITY PITCHING LINESCORE

Player 	Rslt 	(W-L) IP H R ER BB K HR PI ERA    
A. Zerpa 	     3.2 4 1 0  4  3 0  91 3.91    
L. Cessa W 	(2-0)1.1 2 2 2  5  1 0  50 5.54    
S. Long H 	(1)  3.0 1 0 0  0  2 0  33 0.00    
W. Smith SV 	(2)  1.0 0 0 0  0  1 0  15 1.04

Our pitching still lacks stuff and control. Walks are killing us both in rotation and relief. Time to dig deeper into the minor clubs and find some help that can taxi between the big club and Triple-A.

GAME NOTES
Player of the Game: Cam Devanney
Ballpark: Kauffman Stadium
Weather: Clear skies (60 degrees), wind blowing out to left at 10 mph
Start Time: 6:40 PM CT
Time: 3:25
Attendance: 15747

Game Summary – May 8th – Brewers Collect 6-4 Win Over Royals



The Milwaukee Brewers knocked off the Kansas City Royals, 6-4, at Kauffman Stadium. It took 11 innings. Gary Sánchez was a prime reason Milwaukee won. The catcher went 3-3 with a home run, a double, and a walk. He scored 2 times and drove in 2. Robert Gasser came out of the bullpen to earn the win. The left-hander allowed 2 runs on 1 hit in 1.1 innings. His record now stands at 1-0. Milwaukee raised its record to 22-15 with the win. Milwaukee needed the clutch hitting of Rhys Hoskins to seal the deal. The first baseman swatted a 2-run home run in the top of the 11th inning to put the Brewers on top, 4-2. For the game, Hoskins had 1 home run and 1 single in 5 at-bats. Milwaukee manager Pat Murphy commended his team for delivering "maximum effort."

GAME NOTES
Player of the Game: Gary Sánchez
Ballpark: Kauffman Stadium
Weather: Clear skies (66 degrees), wind blowing out to right at 12 mph
Start Time: 1:10 PM CT
Time: 3:55
Attendance: 20108
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[Biggp07]

I looked at the Los Angeles Angels, our next opponent in an upcoming 4-game series, and made some taxi moves and DFA’ed a couple of folks. I am going to start culling through our triple and double A ball clubs to find some early talent to get us marking the win column on these road games. We will meet in Angel Stadium of Anaheim, which seats 45050 and plays like a ballpark slightly favoring hitters.

Going 17-20 so far this year, the Angels have compiled a .459 winning percentage. They are in 4th place in the West Division, 4.5 games behind the leader. Their number of runs scored of 176 ranks 5th in the American League, and their .246 batting average ranks 9th. On the other side of the diamond, they have given up 206 runs (15th) with their starters compiling an ERA of 5.52, which ranks 15th. Their bullpen sports an ERA of 5.54, ranking 15th.

Here are the projected pitching matchups, our pitchers listed first:
RHP M. Wacha (0-3, 3.61 ERA) vs RHP G. Canning (2-3, 4.83 ERA)
RHP B. Singer (0-5, 5.98 ERA) vs RHP C. Silseth (1-3, 4.50 ERA)
LHP C. Ragans (2-2, 2.45 ERA) vs LHP T. Anderson (1-4, 6.44 ERA)
LHP A. Zerpa (1-0, 3.91 ERA) vs LHP R. Detmers (2-5, 6.13 ERA)

The top 5 players on their team are:
1. C Logan O'Hoppe (Age: 24, Overall: 65, Potential: 65)
2. 1B Nolan Schanuel (22, 60, 80)
3. RP Carlos Estevez (31, 55, 55)
4. LF Taylor Ward (30, 55, 55)
5. CL Robert Stephenson (31, 50, 50)

I put RHP reliever Luis Cessa on DFA to make room for RHP reliever Will Klein, who’s been throwing very well as the closer for Omaha. I want to give him some time in the majors and see how he performs as I try to build some depth and team control in the pitching staff. Luis is out of options, so if he’s not picked up through waivers and DFA, I’ll probably just release him. I need to start cutting salary, so it is better to start now while we’re gaining revenue.

I optioned 2B Michael Massey to Omaha to bring up OF Nelson Velazquez for some power in the batting order. Nelson is currently tearing up Triple A with a .303/.394/.640, 89AB, 8HR, 24RBI, 141 wRC+, 146OPS+, and 0.6 WAR. We picked him up in trade last year with the Cubs at the trade deadline, and he hit very well through 133 ABs, with 14HR, 28RBI, .878OPS, and a 133wRC+.



We also have LF Drew Waters set to come off the IL in about 5 days, so we may get to him for the series against Seattle. He was hitting well before his injury, but depending on how things go, I’ll rehab him for a week or so to help loosen his elbow. The arm injuries are just hurting us with little help from Kyle Turner team trainer. It’s the one area he lacks any competence in, and happens to be what is killing us right now for depth coverage. I’ve also had to look for some minor league fillers in our high-A ball club. Seems my managers there let go of a few folks, thinking we’re able to cover with a reduced roster, but I don’t like not having positions covered with players that can play the position. So, I had to intervene to bring it to my level of satisfaction. I’m going to keep closer oversight on it until I know there’s plenty of roster fill coming up from our rookie ball club, and we just aren’t there right now.

These changes I’m making now, I hope, will evolve into a season difference come wildcard positional rankings at least. It will help drive my decision-making for next year through the off-season to spring training. Always got to think ahead and plan for different outcomes.

With all this in mind, we have a 4-game series coming up with the Los Angeles Angels that I’m hoping we can win overall, but a sweep would be nice right about now.

[Biggp07]

Game Summary – May 9th – Angels Drop Royals, 8-7



Due in large part to catcher Logan O'Hoppe, the Los Angeles Angels sunk the Kansas City Royals, 8-7. O'Hoppe went 2-4 with a home run, while scoring 2 times and driving in 2. Los Angeles reliever Luis Garcia picked up the win, raising his record to 2-2. Michael Wacha was tagged with the loss. Robert Stephenson earned the save for Los Angeles, his 9th.

The Royals had been locked in a 5-5 tie with the Angels going into the bottom of the sixth inning. That changed quickly when the 27-year-old second baseman Luis Rengifo came to the plate. Rengifo hit a 2-run home run on a 0 2 cutter from Kansas City hurler Michael Wacha. It was Rengifo's 5th home run of the year.

"We got the victory," said O'Hoppe. "That's all that matters at the end of the day." Los Angeles now sits at 18-20, while Kansas City falls to 14-25.

GAME NOTES
Player of the Game: Logan O'Hoppe
Ballpark: Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Weather: Clear skies (58 degrees), wind blowing left to right at 8 mph
Start Time: 6:38 PM PT
Time: 3:31
Attendance: 17151
…………………….

I’m struggling to understand how we lost this one; other than that, we just gave it away. And I’m struggling to know how we are losing close games or allowing the opposing team to tie it up and then get a win. We can’t seem to keep the early lead or sustain the edge going into the final innings. I am frustrated and baffled to figure out what to do and fail at either instance, and to know how to fix it right now. The changes I make seem to bring better play out of the lineups, but nothing is coming together right now. Wacha started the season strong, but now, when we need him, he’s starting to show as an overpaid veteran at $16MIL. I’m certainly not making him a reliever at that pay scale. RHP John Schieber is still nursing a tired arm for another 2-3 days, but he’s 100% rested and can come back in this road series and pull us some victories.

In reviewing the state of the players after tonight’s tough loss, I decided to option 1B Nick Pratto to Omaha and call up IF UTIL Nick Loftin to backfill Bobby and Garcia at SS and 3B while I rest them. Those two have been consistent in the lineups for about 10 days with minimal rest and only Cam Devanney to back up Garcia at 3B or Witt at short in a tight pinch. But I think the best way to play it is to bring Nick Loftin up for this road series stint since he can play either position well enough to start. So, I am resting Bobby Witt Jr. and Maikel Garcia to play Nick Loftin at short and Cam Devanney at third. Both Nick and Cam hit RHPs well enough that I think we can get some good contact to score runs. I’m also going to be more aggressive on the base running to see if that shakes out a win.




I’ve also put RP Nick Anderson as DFA to bring up some fresh relief in LHP Walter Pennington. He’s not pitched well at all in Omaha, but I need another taxi reliever, and he’ll have to do for the moment. I’m looking forward to signing a couple of free agent relievers I can taxi between Triple A and the big club in LHP Ty Blach, RHP Christopher Troye (who can also fill in as a catcher if needed), and RHP Jason Alexander (NOT the actor of Seinfeld fame! LOL!). These guys will make good taxi players if I need to dig deep, like I am now.

Hopefully, something shows itself soon, or this season will be too long.

[Biggp07]

Game Summary – May 10th – Royals Deal Angels 9-6 Defeat



Behind a fine performance from Dairon Blanco, the Kansas City Royals knocked off the Los Angeles Angels, 9-6. Blanco was 2-4 with a home run, a double, and a walk, while scoring 3 times for the Royals. The Royals go to 15 25 with the win. Vinnie Pasquantino, who is tied for 5th in the AL in doubles with 12, helped the Kansas City cause in the top of the eighth inning with a run-scoring sacrifice fly. For the game, the first baseman went 1 for 4.

"I'm trying to see the ball big, see the ball up in the zone and put the barrel on it," Blanco told the Kansas City Today.



Of all the players I thought would have a breakout night, the last one I thought would have been Blanco. He was cracking the ball all night, so much so that they intentionally walked him at the top of the 8th, to my surprise. Whatever man! I’m not going to criticize our win tonight because it was all due to the guys playing well as a team. We stole some bases and had patience at the plate to get baserunners home, but still left 9 stranded.



All but two of my free agent offers have been signed and placed into the High-A and Double-A minor league clubs. We desperately needed some backfill players there and made sure again to get guys with great characteristics. Most guys are just eager to play, and I’m willing to give them a chance if it helps the system win games and keep morale up. We’re still waiting to hear back from one guy whom I’m pretty sure will sign, and the holdout is Ty Blach, a 33-year-old lefty nicknamed “The Preacher” (for some odd reason) who felt insulted I only offered a minor league deal. He’s asking for $1.5MIL for a 1-year rental, but I don’t (really can’t) spend any money right now, and he expects to be in the starting rotation upon signing. Sorry, not going to spend that kind of money on plain vanilla. I’m trying to save, so I’m just going to keep an eye on him for a later signing if he’s available down the road. He’s got good control and stamina to last as a long reliever and high-leverage guy, and can hold runners very well. I’ll take him over most if I need some help.



Overnight, we signed 7 guys to minor league deals, and I’ve offered a couple more minor league contracts to relievers for more bullpen depth. We should hear back from them in a couple of days. I hope to hear back from RP Jason Alexander tonight. (Still think Sienfeld when I say or hear his name! LOL!) He’s a solid reliever offering some versatility in bullpen roles with good maturity and character. I see him as a middle relief and setup guy primarily, whom I can leverage in critical innings. I think that is where we have lacked the most, in critical inning save opportunities and relievers who can hold leads to the final out.



This win tonight gives me at least fleeting hope. We Let’s see what tomorrow’s game brings.

GAME NOTES
Player of the Game: Dairon Blanco
Ballpark: Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Weather: Clear skies (56 degrees), wind blowing in from right at 9 mph
Start Time: 6:38 PM PT
Time: 3:56
Attendance: 23008

[Biggp07]

Game Summary – May 11th – Frazier Stars in 8-0 Royals Win



Boosted by the 3-hit performance of Adam Frazier, who finished 4th in the NL in triples with 7 in 2019, the Kansas City Royals defeated the Los Angeles Angels, 8-0. The win has Kansas City at 16-25. With Kansas City leading 4-0 in the top of the sixth, Frazier came up to bat against Los Angeles pitcher Tyler Anderson. Frazier hit a fastball to left-center for a 3-run home run. His 2nd home run of the season put the Royals on top, 7-0.

"I'm just trying to make good contact," said Frazier, "one at-bat at a time."



KANSAS CITY PITCHING LINESCORE

Player 	Rslt (W-L) IP  H R ER BB K HR PI ERA    
C. Ragans W  (3-2) 6.1 0 0 0  1  5 0  86 2.18    
J. McMillon        1.2 2 0 0  0  0 0  12 5.00    
W. Smith           1.0 0 0 0  0  0 0  13 2.45   

This win tonight was even better than last night’s win because this felt decisive and deliberate. We hit on all cylinders! I’m so proud of the team for putting this win together tonight. So many guys to give props to. Adam Frazier, of course, but also Vinnie, Blanco again, and Ragans for pitching another beauty. I hope he can stay healthy. I’ll have to watch his pitch count. And our bullpen came through much better tonight, too. I think I’ve got guys in the correct roles; I need to get Schieber healthy so he can close for us on games like this. He should be back to throwing in the Seattle series coming up in two days.

GAME NOTES
Player of the Game: Adam Frazier
Ballpark: Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Weather: Partly Cloudy (58 degrees), wind blowing in from right at 7 mph
Start Time: 6:38 PM PT
Time: 3:15
Attendance: 23052

[Biggp07]

Game Summary – May 12th – Blanco Lifts Royals to 10-5 Triumph



The Kansas City Royals beat the Los Angeles Angels by a score of 10-5. Kansas City left fielder Dairon Blanco deserved the lion's share of the credit. Blanco was 3-4 with a home run, 2 singles, and a walk, while scoring 3 times and driving in 4 for the Royals. Kansas City has now won 3 in a row. With Kansas City leading 5-3 in the top of the fourth, Blanco hit a fastball from Andrew Wantz for a 3-run home run. It was his 2nd home run of the season and put the Royals ahead, 8-3.

"Every time I go up there, I try and hit a ball hard," said Blanco.



What a great series for Blanco! He got the Gatorade bath tonight after the win, and we go on to Seattle feeling pretty good. I’m looking forward to next week’s home games starting on a high note.

GAME NOTES
Player of the Game: Dairon Blanco
Ballpark: Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Weather: Clear skies (66 degrees), wind blowing out to the right at 8 mph
Start Time: 1:07 PM PT
Time: 3:41
Attendance: 20801
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We got RP Jason Alexander signed to a minor league deal with Omaha and got him in the bullpen right away as a long reliever and emergency starter. I won’t meddle with what role Mike Jirschele wants him in as long as he’s getting some relief appearances and pitching consistently, I’m happy. I’m sure I’ll need to call on him soon. Jirschele has an excellent relationship with him, so I shouldn’t and won’t meddle with the clubhouse when things are like that. I’ll give him a couple more guys to help cover for tired guys in the rotation, but things look ok in Omaha now that Jason Alexander is there.

Nick Anderson and Luis Cessa have cleared waivers after 3 days and await a decision on their future with the KC Royals. The only interested party for a trade was curiously the Mariners, whom we begin a series against tomorrow. They are willing to trade 2B/Util Sam Haggerty for Nick Anderson. I’m still in discussion with them to see if we can work out a deal, but so far have not found anything agreeable for both sides. I’ll see what we can get in trade from them when I talk with the GM there personally tomorrow, but I doubt it’s going to amount to much. It may just have to be a small salary dump, and if not, I will outright release them and take the hit to the budget. Though it’s better if I get a player or two in a lopsided deal than just throw the baby out with the bathwater.

[Biggp07]

We have a 3-game series on the road against the Seattle Mariners kicking off today. We will meet in T-Mobile Park, which seats 47116 and plays like a slight pitchers park. With their record standing at 22 wins and 19 losses, the Mariners have a winning percentage of .537. They are in 3rd place in the West Division, 1.5 games behind the leader. Their number of runs scored of 181 ranks 7th in the American League, and their .242 batting average ranks 12th. On the other side of the diamond, they have given up 154 runs (1st) with their starters compiling an ERA of 3.58, which ranks 2nd. Their bullpen sports an ERA of 2.57, ranking 1st.

Here are the projected pitching matchups, our pitchers listed first:
RHP C. Hernandez (1-0, 4.40 ERA) vs RHP L. Castillo (5-2, 4.68 ERA)
RHP M. Wacha (0-4, 4.47 ERA) vs RHP L. Gilbert (4-1, 2.89 ERA)
RHP B. Singer (0-5, 6.50 ERA) vs RHP B. Miller (2-5, 3.34 ERA)

The top 5 players on their team are:
1. SP George Kirby (Age: 26, Overall: 75, Potential: 80)
2. CL Andres Munoz (25, 70, 70)
3. SP Luis Castillo (31, 65, 65)
4. SP Logan Gilbert (27, 65, 65)
5. RP Matt Brash (26, 60, 60)

Overnight, we got the final two minor league free agent signings for High-A completed with RP Hunter Parsons and RP Alex Claudio. Parsons will start in Double A since he’s got 3 option years left and several pro years too. He can taxi between the clubs as we need him. Alex, on the other hand, is only here as a seasonal rental since he has 1 option year left and can refuse demotion if we put him on the active roster. So, he may be a late-season pick for the September expanded roster, depending on how things go.





Our trade talk with Seattle continued through the night, and when we arrived at T-Mobile Park, the deal was finalized. It allows me to shed about $1.2MIL from our salary budget.
The trade is RP Nick Anderson and C Logan Porter in exchange for SS Kaden Polcovich, C Myles Emmerson, and 2B Sam Haggerty, with Seattle retaining 100% of Haggerty’s $900K salary. It’s nothing to write home about, but I can shed some salary debt and get a couple of decent minor leaguers in exchange for an aging player and an underdeveloped extra Triple-A roster waste off my books. The room is limited on my High-A rosters, so I need only usable, team control guys there. Details will come in the press conference later today.

[Biggp07]

Proving the adage that one man's trash is another man's treasure, the Royals announced today the acquisition of 25-year-old minor league 2B Kaden Polcovich, 25-year-old minor league C Myles Emmerson, and 29-year-old 2B Sam Haggerty from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for 33-year-old RHP Nick Anderson and 28-year-old minor league C Logan Porter. Seattle will retain 100% of Haggerty's remaining contract.



"This isn't the deal of the century," acknowledged the Royals, "but we think it will improve the direction of both teams."

So far this season, Haggerty has 3 home runs and a .252 batting average. My AGM, J.J. Picollo, was against making this trade, but I had the final say, and it was better than the alternative in my mind.



Sam provides us with good utility play in Triple-A, and we can taxi him occasionally to provide some relief for tired players. He will provide the Omaha club's roster positional depth to play games throughout the season.



Myles fills a catcher need we have had at our High-A minor league team. It’s necessary to play 2 players in each position, and since the beginning of the season, we’ve only had 18-year-old C Ramon Ramirez playing there. So, Myles will provide some veteran tutelage and position relief to our young Ramirez at the Midwest League A+ Quad City River Bandits.



25-year-old SS/UTL Kaden Polcovich provides us the same kind of positional depth as Haggerty at our Texas League AA Northwest Arkansas Naturals ballclub. I promoted 3B David Schneider, who was our preseason trade pick up with the Toronto Blue Jays back in March.

This trade and recent minor league signings now provide more depth and team control within the high-A ball clubs, something I did not have starting out the season. We only gave up a reliever who struggled through 10 RA and 11.1 IP, pitching a miserable 6.35 ERA and 5.12 FIP, and a quickly fading Triple-A hang-around in C Logan Porter. He had excellent plate discipline and made decent contact with the ball, which gave him trade value to Seattle, I guess. We just couldn’t have him take up valuable roster space in Triple-A for the younger guys we have developing at the lower clubs.



But most importantly for me and the future of this franchise is that we shed a bit of salary. I now need to find some trade value for RHP Luis Cessa and shed a bit more salary before I’m forced to make a less appealing decision at the end of his DFA period in 3 days.

We have a tough game ahead of us with Seattle’s second starter RHP Luis Castillo. He’s an elite power pitcher with 4 pitches that will be hard to overcome if he stays ahead in the count. But he’s also starting the series with us on a 2-game losing streak so let’s see if we can capitalize on that tonight.

[Biggp07]

Game Summary – May 13th – Castillo Throws 6-Hitter En Route to 8-2 Mariners Win



Luis Castillo, who is a three-time All-Star, propelled his team to victory over the Kansas City Royals. The final score was 8-2, Seattle. With the win, Seattle upped its record to 23-19. Castillo allowed 2 runs over 9 innings. He also racked up 13 strikeouts.

"I'm just trying to make sure I'm focused for each and every pitch," said Castillo.

SEATTLE PITCHING LINESCORE

Player 	  Rslt (W-L) IP  H R ER BB K  HR  PI ERA    
L. Castillo W  (6-2) 9.0 6 2 2  0  13 1  129 4.13

Yes, I had to recognize Castillo’s superb pitching performance in tonight’s game. What a display of perfection he pitched! It was something to witness for sure!

Lyles pitched a good long relief, coming in early for Hernandez. I’m not sure what happened with Carlos tonight, but he certainly couldn't find his rhythm.



GAME NOTES
Player of the Game: Luis Castillo
Ballpark: T-Mobile Park
Weather: Roof closed, 53 degrees
Start Time: 6:40 PM PT
Time: 3:29
Attendance: 30212
Special Notes: SS J.P. Crawford was injured while throwing the ball.

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Again, proving the old adage that one man's trash is another man's treasure, the Royals announced today the acquisition of 22-year old minor league LHP Jake Miller, 23-year old minor league 3B Peyton Graham, and 24-year old minor league C Eduardo Valencia from the Detroit Tigers in exchange for 32-year old RHP Luis Cessa, 24-year old minor league C Luca Tresh, and 17-year old minor league 3B Yandel Ricardo.

"Once again, this isn't the deal of the century," acknowledged the Royals, "but we think it will improve the direction of both teams."

That’s my public statement, but honestly, I would have liked to have kept Tresh in Triple-A and Yandel Ricardo in our system to see how he developed for us, but I needed to find a place for Cessa to land that would return his value instead of taking the hit to finish out his contract early. That would have nullified the $2.0 MIL I shed with the Seattle trade, and this way I get to shed another $2.0 MIL but pick up 3 players with some control in the deal.



Yeah, Picollo was pissed, but he’s not running the show, I am now. If it was a bad call, we’ll soon find out, and Sherman can fire me and put him in charge. Until then, he’ll just have to not take it personally and let me do stuff as I think needs to be done.



LHP Jake Miller stays down at our Rookie ACL to develop there with PC Pimental. Miller is a finesse pitcher, and Pimental's coaching style is power, so it’s not idea,l but I’m willing to see how it goes with those two.



3B Peyton Graham will fill a roster spot at our Carolina League A Columbia Fireflies team. Manager Willie Concepcion likes him, so he’s a great fit there for now. To make room for Peyton, we had to demote 18-year-old Jorge Hernandez, who skipped right past his ACL Rookie year and went to A ball direct from our DSL Ventura club. I don’t like that, especially at his age, although he was hitting the ball very well in the Carolina league. I think the coaches there thought his defense needed some work, so we sent him down.



C Eduardo Valencia provides a second backstop roster fill at our Midwest League A+ Quad City River Bandits minor league club. To make roster room for Valencia, we chose to promote C Myles Emmerson to Double-A and C Kale Emshoff to Triple-A, replacing Luca Tresh, whom we traded. It’s not the ideal transition, but it will have to do.



The prospect we gave up is young and undeveloped, 3B Yandel Ricardo. We only recently found him through international free agency last year, so we haven’t had a chance to even work with him yet. It’s a tradeoff of the unknown that I decided was worth the risk.

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Drew Waters came off the IL today, and I sent him to Omaha for a stint of rehab until he feels like he’s good to come back to the regular lineup. I think I’ll taxi him with Darion Blanco and see who shakes out better come trade deadline. Either of them should have some great trade value for us. All-star voting is coming up soon, and other than Bobby Witt Jr. or Cole Ragans, I don’t think we have anyone else who can get enough votes to secure the award.

Seattle’s 3rd starting pitcher tonight is right-hander Logan Gilbert, at no slouch either, pitching 8 games, 65.1 innings to a 2.89 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP on a winning pace the last 5 games. Damn. Our work is cut out for us.

Game Summary – May 14th – Mariners Get Past Kansas City for 3-2 Win



The Seattle Mariners picked up a win at T-Mobile Park, knocking off the Kansas City Royals, 3-2. Starting pitcher Logan Gilbert played a key role in the triumph. The winning streak has now reached 4 games for the Mariners. Luke Raley, who is tied for 7th in the AL with a .566 slugging percentage, helped the Seattle cause in the bottom of the sixth inning with a run-scoring single. For the game, the left fielder went 2-3 with 2 singles and a walk.

"It's nice to deliver when your team's counting on you," said Raley.

Not much positive to get from this game tonight, other than we kept it close enough to win.

GAME NOTES
Player of the Game: Logan Gilbert
Ballpark: T-Mobile Park
Weather: Partly Cloudy (58 degrees), wind blowing out to left at 8 mph
Start Time: 6:40 PM PT
Time: 2:58
Attendance: 27810

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Game Summary – May 15th – Royals Drop Mariners, 3-2



Starting pitcher Brady Singer was a major factor in the 3-2 Kansas City Royals triumph over the Seattle Mariners. The win puts Kansas City at 18-27. Kansas City used the timely hitting of Hunter Renfroe to seize the win. The right fielder stroked a run-scoring single in the top of the seventh inning to put the Royals on top, 1-0. It was his only hit in 4 at-bats, but it was a game-changer
.
"You get some opportunities, you better take advantage of them," said Seattle manager Scott Servais.

Not much to say other than glad to get back home and prepare for Oakland and Detroit at home.

GAME NOTES
Player of the Game: Brady Singer
Ballpark: T-Mobile Park
Weather: Clear skies (62 degrees), wind blowing in from left at 7 mph
Start Time: 1:10 PM PT
Time: 3:21
Attendance: 28340

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We got a day off on our return from Seattle to rest up with everyone and prepare for the 3-game series at home with Oakland. Kris Bubic came off IL today after spending all last season recovering from Tommy John surgery. He could be our 4th/5th starter if he stays healthy. I’ve placed him on rehab in Omaha, so we will soon see how well he’s recovered, but I’m reluctant to even put him back into rotation, having to depend on our team trainer, Kyle Turner, to rehab him properly. I’m putting a lot of faith in Kyle this year to keep these guys healthy. While I was discussing Kris with Kyle Turner, he mentioned that Seth Lugo is still unknown for return from his IL stint for a sprained right elbow back about a month ago. I sure hope we get Seth back soon for a bit of pitcher depth in the rotation.



I think I’m going to call up Drew Waters and send down Blanco for a spell. Waters has crushed it the last two days in Omaha, hitting .375 after 8 AB, which would seem to indicate that he is well enough to return to the big-league lineup. I’ll have Blanco batting tonight’s game against Oakland since he’s better against lefties and lefty JP Sears is pitching. But tomorrow I’ll make the taxi change between Blanco and Waters.

The Oakland Athletics, our next opponent in an upcoming 3-game series, has a record standing at 19 wins and 27 losses, recording a winning percentage of .413. They are in 5th place in the West Division, 8.5 games behind the leader. Their number of runs scored of 159 ranks tied for 14th in the American League, and their .219 batting average ranks 15th. On the other side of the diamond, they have given up 184 runs (tied for 3rd) with their starters compiling an ERA of 4.45, which ranks 9th. Their bullpen sports an ERA of 2.72, ranking 2nd..

Here are the projected pitching matchups, with our pitchers listed first:
LHP C. Ragans (3-2, 2.18 ERA) vs LHP J. Sears (2-4, 5.56 ERA)
LHP A. Zerpa (1-0, 4.20 ERA) vs RHP R. Stripling (3-5, 4.98 ERA)
RHP C. Hernandez (1-1, 6.88 ERA) vs LHP A. Wood (2-4, 4.87 ERA)

The top 5 players on their team are:
1. CL Mason Miller (Age: 25, Overall: 60, Potential: 60)
2. CF Esteury Ruiz (25, 55, 55)
3. SP Mitch Spence (26, 50, 55)
4. RP Lucas Erceg (29, 50, 50)
5. 1B Brent Rooker (29, 50, 50)

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Game Summary – May 17th – Athletics Victors, 7-4, at Kansas City



Oakland and Kansas City duked it out, and the Athletics came out victorious. The Oakland Athletics topped the Kansas City Royals, 7-4, in American League action at Kauffman Stadium. The game was highlighted by the performance of Oakland pitcher JP Sears. Earning his 14th save of the year was Mason Miller.

Who knows how it might've ended, had it not been for J.D. Davis? The Oakland designated hitter had a run-scoring single in the top of the seventh inning to put the Athletics on top, 4-3. For the game, Davis had 1 double and 1 single in 4 at-bats.

"I was able to change speeds effectively tonight," said Sears. Oakland has a record of 20-27, placing them last in the American League West Division.

I HATE losing to Oakland at home! Nothing good about this game, period. We sucked at home tonight!

GAME NOTES
Player of the Game: JP Sears
Ballpark: Kauffman Stadium
Weather: Clear skies (66 degrees), wind blowing out to the center at 7 mph
Start Time: 6:40 PM CT
Time: 3:25
Attendance: 24293

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Let the voting begin! The annual Major League Baseball All-Star game is rapidly approaching, and everyone is welcome to cast their ballot for their favorite players to represent each team. Let’s see what happens!

Our scout, Jason McLeod, arrived home hours after leaving Brazil on the team's jet. He found some interesting prospects, though the only one worth mentioning was William Moncloua, a 16-year-old right fielder. The Brazilian right fielder was born in São Paulo. He has a good swing. He won't likely set records, but could hit for a .220 batting average. He handles routine plays well and won't hurt his team defensively. He has an average eye potential and could draw 50 walks each year, although his ceiling is likely a bench role. William Moncloua has been assigned to the international complex.



Darion Blanco was sent down to Omaha, and Drew Waters was called up to hopefully get some batting spark back in the outfield since Renfroe seems to have slumped again.

Game Summary – May 18th – Royals Trip Athletics, 5-3, in Extra Innings



Oakland second baseman Zack Gelof had a good game, even if his team did not. The Athletics dropped a 5-3 decision to Kansas City at Kauffman Stadium. Gelof was 2 for 4 with a home run and a walk. He scored twice and drove in two. Kansas City reliever Sam Long was the winner. His record is now 1-0. The losing pitcher was Mason Miller. The victory puts Kansas City at 19-28. Kansas City got a clutch hit from Bobby Witt Jr. The shortstop launched a 2-run home run in the bottom of the 11th inning to win the game. It was his only hit in 5 at-bats, but it was a kill shot.

"This ballgame left me feeling kind of raw," said Oakland manager Mark Kotsay.

I’m ecstatic we got the win tonight! This one had everyone on the edge of their seats, including me! We just about ran through the bullpen to get this win, which tells me I need to look at bringing up a couple of fresh relievers for tomorrow night’s game.

GAME NOTES
Player of the Game: Zack Gelof
Ballpark: Kauffman Stadium
Weather: Cloudy (61 degrees), wind blowing out to the center at 12 mph
Start Time: 6:10 PM CT
Time: 3:55
Attendance: 23618
Special Notes: Oakland's RP Brady Basso was injured while pitching.

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Below are the current standings for the American League All-Star Fan voting (as of Sun., May 19th, 2024) for the All-Star Game, which will be played on Tue. Jul. 16th, 2024. The top vote getter at this point is Juan Soto with 62,842 votes.

American League

CATCHER
1. Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles: 47,002
2. Cal Raleigh, Seattle Mariners: 27,626
3. Reese McGuire, Boston Red Sox: 27,567

FIRST BASE
1. Nathaniel Lowe, Texas Rangers: 36,193
2. Luke Raley, Seattle Mariners: 34,314
3. Ryan Mountcastle, Baltimore Orioles: 33,792

SECOND BASE
1. Jose Altuve, Houston Astros: 36,516
2. Marcus Semien, Texas Rangers: 34,534
3. Andres Gimenez, Cleveland Guardians: 27,906

THIRD BASE
1. Jose Ramirez, Cleveland Guardians: 37,750
2. Rafael Devers, Boston Red Sox: 36,766
3. Isaac Paredes, Tampa Bay Rays: 30,071

SHORTSTOP
1. Corey Seager, Texas Rangers: 47,578
2. Bo Bichette, Toronto Blue Jays: 46,923
3. Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals: 40,487

LEFT FIELD
1. Jarren Duran, Boston Red Sox: 27,291
2. Tommy Pham, Toronto Blue Jays: 25,685
3. Alex Verdugo, New York Yankees: 24,371

CENTER FIELD
1. Byron Buxton, Minnesota Twins: 43,137
2. Luis Robert Jr., Chicago White Sox: 31,375
3. Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners: 30,849

RIGHT FIELD
1. Juan Soto, New York Yankees: 62,842
2. Kyle Tucker, Houston Astros: 40,358
3. Adolis García, Texas Rangers: 27,634

DESIGNATED HITTER
1. Yandy Díaz, Tampa Bay Rays: 43,590
2. Yordan Alvarez, Houston Astros: 32,850
3. Taylor Ward, Los Angeles Angels: 32,349

STARTING PITCHER
1. George Kirby, Seattle Mariners: 25,309
2. Pablo Lopez, Minnesota Twins: 24,624
3. Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers: 23,955
4. Zach Eflin, Tampa Bay Rays: 23,849
5. Corbin Burnes, Baltimore Orioles: 22,356

RELIEVER
1. Andres Munoz, Seattle Mariners: 21,784
2. Josh Hader, Houston Astros: 20,067
3. Pete Fairbanks, Tampa Bay Rays: 20,039
4. Clay Holmes, New York Yankees: 19,097
5. David Robertson, Texas Rangers: 18,044

During his 825-game career, Soto has batted .290 and collected 830 hits, 179 home runs, and 529 RBIs.

National League

Below are the current standings for the National League All-Star Fan voting (as of Sun., May 19th, 2024) for the All-Star Game, which will be played on Tue. Jul. 16th, 2024. The top vote getter at this point is Ronald Acuna Jr. with 57,787 votes.

CATCHER
1. Sean Murphy, Atlanta Braves: 34,504
2. Willson Contreras, St. Louis Cardinals: 29,828
3. William Contreras, Milwaukee Brewers: 26,679

FIRST BASE
1. Matt Olson, Atlanta Braves: 39,994
2. Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies: 38,332
3. Freddie Freeman, Los Angeles Dodgers: 36,616

SECOND BASE
1. Bryson Stott, Philadelphia Phillies: 36,275
2. Ketel Marte, Arizona Diamondbacks: 33,516
3. Luis Garcia, Washington Nationals: 29,065

THIRD BASE
1. Austin Riley, Atlanta Braves: 37,107
2. Matt Chapman, San Francisco Giants: 29,219
3. Manny Machado, San Diego Padres: 28,465

SHORTSTOP
1. Francisco Lindor, New York Mets: 41,505
2. Willy Adames, Milwaukee Brewers: 33,881
3. Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates: 27,069

LEFT FIELD
1. Brandon Nimmo, New York Mets: 28,561
2. Teoscar Hernández, Los Angeles Dodgers: 26,308
3. Jorge Soler, San Francisco Giants: 25,662

CENTER FIELD
1. Michael Harris II, Atlanta Braves: 41,992
2. Cody Bellinger, Chicago Cubs: 41,558
3. Jack Suwinski, Pittsburgh Pirates: 25,510

RIGHT FIELD
1. Ronald Acuna Jr., Atlanta Braves: 57,787
2. Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers: 47,456
3. Jordan Walker, St. Louis Cardinals: 41,801

DESIGNATED HITTER
1. Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers: 50,672
2. Marcell Ozuna, Atlanta Braves: 45,199
3. Xander Bogaerts, San Diego Padres: 38,148

STARTING PITCHER
1. Spencer Strider, Atlanta Braves: 22,166
2. Zack Wheeler, Philadelphia Phillies: 21,972
3. Blake Snell, San Francisco Giants: 20,799
4. Justin Steele, Chicago Cubs: 20,082
5. Sonny Gray, St. Louis Cardinals: 19,508

RELIEVER
1. David Bednar, Pittsburgh Pirates: 18,942
2. Tanner Scott, Miami Marlins: 18,564
3. Camilo Doval, San Francisco Giants: 16,851
4. Evan Phillips, Los Angeles Dodgers: 15,142
5. Aroldis Chapman, Pittsburgh Pirates: 15,044

In his career, Acuna Jr. has played in 716 games, totaling 820 hits, 145 doubles, 14 triples and 180 homers. He has hit .295 with 437 RBIs and scored 582 times.

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Game Summary – May 19th – Royals Nip Athletics, 2-1



Kansas City Royals starter Carlos Hernandez turned in an exceptional performance against the Oakland Athletics at Kauffman Stadium, resulting in a Kansas City win, 2-1. Picking up the save was James McArthur, his 1st. The 4th-place Royals improved to 20-28. Hunter Renfroe helped the Kansas City cause in the bottom of the sixth inning with a run-scoring double. For the game, the right fielder was 1 for 4 with a double. Hernandez attributed the win to his team's "focus and intensity."



KANSAS CITY PITCHING LINESCORE

Player 	Rslt (W-L) IP  H R ER BB K HR PI ERA   
C. Hernandez       5.0 6 1 1  1  7 0  88 5.73    
A. Claudio         1.0 1 0 0  0  1 0  18 0.00    
C. Stratton W (4-3)2.0 1 0 0  1  1 0  28 3.04    
J. McArthur SV (1) 1.0 1 0 0  0  1 0  17 0.00

GAME NOTES
Player of the Game: Carlos Hernandez
Ballpark: Kauffman Stadium
Weather: Rain (62 degrees), wind blowing out to the center at 12 mph
Start Time: 1:10 PM CT
Time: 3:06
Attendance: 19203

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We have a 3-game series at home against the Detroit Tigers kicking off today. With their record standing at 20 wins and 26 losses, the Tigers have a winning percentage of .435. They are in 3rd place in the Central Division, 6.5 games behind the leader. Their number of runs scored of 213 ranks 6th in the American League, and their .249 batting average ranks 8th. On the other side of the diamond, they have given up 227 runs (12th) with their starters compiling an ERA of 4.89, which ranks 13th. Their bullpen sports an ERA of 4.09, ranking 11th. When playing against our Royals this season, they have a record of 2 wins and 1 loss.

Here are the projected pitching matchups, our pitchers listed first:
RHP M. Wacha (0-4, 4.25 ERA) vs RHP K. Maeda (0-5, 8.72 ERA)
RHP B. Singer (0-5, 5.80 ERA) vs RHP J. Flaherty (2-4, 4.50 ERA)
LHP C. Ragans (3-2, 2.43 ERA) vs LHP T. Skubal (5-2, 3.19 ERA)

The top 5 players on their team are:
1. SP Tarik Skubal (Age: 27, Overall: 80, Potential: 80)
2. 1B Mark Canha (35, 55, 55)
3. CL Alex Lange (28, 55, 55)
4. RP Will Vest (28, 55, 55)
5. SP Reese Olson (24, 50, 60)

I consider this one of the most important series we will play so far this year. We are one game behind our ACL divisional rivals, the Detroit Tigers, and pulling a series win or even a sweep would give us much-needed confidence going into next week’s 7-game road series with the Tampa Bay Rays and Minnesota Twins. It’d be great to end the month on another positive trend and start our home series with San Diego, whom we have not yet met this year.

We are showing improvement in most areas offensively and defensively, and our winning percentage so far this month is ahead by a game at 9-8, giving us a .529 winning percentage. But we are still one game behind our Pythagorean record of 21-27 at 20-28, giving us a .417 so far for the year, 7 ½ games back of leading the division, sitting in 4th place behind Detroit, CWS, and Minnesota Twins, respectively.



There’s still plenty of schedule left for us to change azimuth and streak positive, but I’d like to start seeing that soon.

Game Summary – May 20th – Tigers Flatten Royals, 10-1



Detroit Tigers starter Kenta Maeda pitched his team past the Kansas City Royals, 10-1. In 6.2 innings, Maeda surrendered 3 hits, while striking out 5 and walking 0. He allowed 1 run. At 21-26, the Tigers find themselves in third place in the American League Central Division. The Tigers got a big hit from shortstop Zach McKinstry. Facing Kansas City pitcher James McArthur in the top of the eighth, McKinstry pounded a bases-clearing double to center. His 10th double of the season put the Tigers ahead, 10-1.

"We did a lot of really good things, and it was a good win," said Tigers manager A.J. Hinch.

Just when I thought things were going to turn around...
What can I say about tonight other than the obvious: it was a complete disaster…period. Why does this keep happening, I ask myself.

GAME NOTES
Player of the Game: Kenta Maeda
Ballpark: Kauffman Stadium
Weather: Partly Cloudy (59 degrees), wind blowing out to right at 12 mph
Start Time: 6:40 PM CT
Time: 3:34
Attendance: 26606
Special Notes: 1B Mark Canha was injured while running the bases.

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Game Summary – May 21st – Royals Win at Home, 6-2



Kansas City picked up a win at Kauffman Stadium, bumping off the Detroit Tigers, 6-2. Pitcher Brady Singer was a major reason the Royals emerged victorious. Kansas City is now 21-29, Detroit 21-27. Vinnie Pasquantino hit a run-scoring double off Jack Flaherty in the bottom of the third, which put the Royals in front, 3-2. In addition to the double, Pasquantino had 1 single, while going 2 for 4.

"My job is to go out and execute," said Singer.

Much better job tonight, all around by the guys. Brady pitched a surprisingly strong game, and the lineup was hitting at a 75% clip, which is noteworthy. Now let’s keep this sustained through the end of the month on the road.

KANSAS CITY PITCHING LINESCORE

Player 	Rslt (W-L) IP  H R ER BB K HR PI ERA    
B. Singer W (1-5)  6.2 9 2 2  0  4 0 102 5.43    
S. Long            1.1 0 0 0  1  0 0 17  0.00    
J. Schreiber       1.0 1 0 0  0  0 0 18  2.50

GAME NOTES
Player of the Game: Brady Singer
Ballpark: Kauffman Stadium
Weather: Partly Cloudy (68 degrees), wind blowing in from the right at 11 mph
Start Time: 6:40 PM CT
Time: 3:00
Attendance: 19361