Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

[artoodeetoo]

Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

PITCHING MATCHUPS (04/12 - 04/15)

04/12: RHP Matt Shoemaker (1-1, 3.97) vs RHP Jake Junis (1-0, 2.84)
04/13: RHP JC Ramirez (2-0, 2.08) vs LHP Eric Skoglund (1-0, 4.50)
04/14: RHP Shohei Ohtani (1-2, 7.42) vs LHP Danny Duffy (3-0, 3.00)
04/15: RHP Garrett Richards (1-1, 6.61) vs RHP Jason Hammel (1-1, 4.95)

GAME RECAPS

April 12th, 2018
Angels (7-7) 4, Royals (9-4) 5
Winner: Blaine Boyer (1-0) Loser: Cam Bedrosian (1-2) Save: Kelvin Herrera (2)

Escobar, Royals Eke Out 5-4 Victory Over Halos

For the first three innings, it looked like it would be a slugfest as each team hit one homerun and scored four runs apiece in that timeframe. But the Royals came through with a bases-loaded infield single from Alcides Escobar with two gone in the eighth inning to sneak past the Angels by a 5-4 count. The hit extended Escobar's streak to thirteen games, and gave him thirteen RBI, the most RBI he's ever had in any month in his career. Eric Skoglund lasted just 2 2/3 innings, giving a tested Royals bullpen another tough task, but they were up to it, allowing just one earned run the rest of the way. The only run allowed by the bullpen was courtesy of Wily Peralta, who gave up a two-run homerun to Chris Young, the first batter he faced. However, he set down eight of the next nine batters he faced, while fanning five of them. Blaine Boyer picked up the win in relief, and Kelvin Herrera fanned two in the bottom of the ninth to pick up his second save. The Royals are now 6-1 at home so far in 2018.

MLB SCOREBOARD
NY Yankees (10-3) 9, Boston (6-6) 5
Detroit (4-9) 4, Cleveland (7-6) 2
LA Angels (7-7) 4, Kansas City (9-4) 5
Chi. Sox (6-7) 1, Minnesota (6-6) 7
Pittsburgh (7-4) 8, Chi. Cubs (7-6) 2
Colorado (6-8) 5, Washington (9-4) 6 (Final/13)
St. Louis (8-5) 12, Cincinnati (4-8) 5
San Francisco (7-6) 4, San Diego (6-8) 1

April 13th, 2018
Angels (7-8) 4, Royals (10-4) 7
Winner: Jake Junis (2-0) Loser: JC Ramirez (2-1) Save: None

Royals Continue Home Dominance Behind Junis

Jake Junis went the distance in a tidy ninety-seven pitches, while the Royals backed him up with a solid effort offensively in a 7-3 victory to ensure at least a series split. Junis moved to 2-0 while fanning five with just one walk and nine hits surrendered. Whit Merrifield extended his hit streak to nineteen games, going 1-for-3 with a free pass. Alcides Escobar also increased his career-high hitting streak to fourteen games with a 1-for-4 performance. The Angels actually struck first off Junis with two runs in the third, including Albert Pujols' first homerun of 2018. But Mike Moustakas put the Royals in front for good with a three-run shot in the bottom of the frame off JC Ramirez, and the Royals then took control with a four-run fifth inning thanks in no small part to Abraham Almonte's second homerun of the season, a three-run homerun.

MLB SCOREBOARD
Philadelphia (7-6) 6, Tampa Bay (5-8) 3
NY Yankees (11-3) 12, Detroit (4-10) 8
Toronto (5-9) 4, Cleveland (8-6) 9
LA Angels (7-8) 3, Kansas City (10-4) 7
Baltimore (5-9) 10, Boston (6-7) 4
Texas (8-7) 3, Houston (8-6) 2
Chi. Sox (6-8) 5, Minnesota (7-6) 12
Oakland (7-7) 7, Seattle (4-8) 4
Atlanta (8-5) 4, Chi. Cubs (7-7) 1
Colorado (7-8) 6, Washington (9-5) 4
St. Louis (8-6) 1, Cincinnati (5-8) 4
Milwaukee (5-9) 2, NY Mets (6-7) 3 (Final/11)
San Francisco (8-6) 7, San Diego (6-9) 0
Pittsburgh (7-5) 3, Miami (6-7) 5
Arizona (8-5) 7, LA Dodgers (7-6)

April 14th, 2018
Angels (8-8) 6, Royals (10-5) 3
Winner: Zach Petrick (1-0) Loser: Danny Duffy (3-1) Save: None

Angels Score Early and Often in 12-4 Royals Defeat

Falling just a triple short of the cycle, Angels outfielder Ryan Schimpf homered twice, doubled, and singled as he led Los Angeles to a 12-4 victory over the host Royals. The Halos scored in six of the nine innings, and in five of the first six. Danny Duffy labored through five innings, allowing ten hits and eight runs, but did fan seven with just one walk to fall to 3-1 on the season. Alcides Escobar saw his hitting streak snapped at fourteen, but a sixth-inning Whit Merrifield single pushed his to an even twenty. Angels starter Shohei Ohtani also struggled in his outing, going just four innings while throwing seventy-nine pitches while allowing five hits and three walks. Kansas City goes for the series win tomorrow when Garrett Richards and Jason Hammel take to the hill.

MLB SCOREBOARD
Philadelphia (7-7) 1, Tampa Bay (6-8) 5
NY Yankees (11-4) 8, Detroit (5-10) 9
Toronto (5-10) 9, Cleveland (9-6) 12
LA Angels (8-8) 12, Kansas City (10-5) 4
Baltimore (6-9) 13, Boston (6-8) 2
Texas (9-7) 4, Houston (8-7) 3 (Final/12)
Chi. Sox (6-9) 4, Minnesota (8-6) 7
Oakland (8-7) 7, Seattle (4-9) 4
Atlanta (8-6) 2, Chi. Cubs (8-7) 5 (Final/11)
Colorado (8-8) 6, Washington (9-6) 1
St. Louis (8-7) 4, Cincinnati (6-8) 7
San Francisco (8-7) 0, San Diego (7-9) 2
Pittsburgh (8-5) 8, Miami (6-8) 6
Arizona (8-6) 1, LA Dodgers (8-6) 4 (Final/12)
Milwaukee (5-9) @ NY Mets (6-7) -- PPD

April 15th, 2018
Angels (8-9) 2, Royals (11-5) 3
Winner: Jason Hammel (2-1) Loser: Garrett Richards (1-2) Save: Kelvin Herrera (3)

Tight Tilt Goes Kansas City's Way

Jason Hammel fanned five in 7 2/3 innings, and Alex Gordon's two-run homerun in the second proved to be the difference as the Royals snuck past the Angels 3-2 to take the series three games to one. With the win, the Royals move into a tie for the AL's best record with the Yankees at 11-5. Aside from Gordon's homerun, Whit Merrifield extended his hit streak to twenty-one games with a seventh-inning double, and Mike Moustakas drove in the Royals' other run with an RBI double in the fifth. As they've done in other games in the series, the Angels got on the board first only to see the lead evaporate rather quickly. Garrett Richards failed to get through five innings, allowing seven hits and three runs in 4 2/3 innings, throwing just eighty pitches. Brian Flynn got the final out of the eighth inning on a flyout off the bat of Luis Valbuena, and Kelvin Herrera shut the door in the ninth to earn his third save.

MLB SCOREBOARD
Philadelphia (8-7) 5, Tampa Bay (6-9) 2
NY Yankees (11-5) 4, Detroit (6-10) 7
Toronto (5-11) 2, Cleveland (10-6) 4
LA Angels (8-9) 2, Kansas City (11-5) 3
Baltimore (6-10) 0, Boston (7-8) 3
Texas (9-8) 7, Houston (9-7) 12
Chi. Sox (6-10) 7, Minnesota (9-6) 15
Oakland (9-7) 1, Seattle (4-10) 0
Atlanta (9-6) 7, Chi. Cubs (8-8) 6 (Final/10)
Colorado (9-8) 4, Washington (9-7)
San Francisco (8-8) 3, San Diego (8-9) 5
Pittsburgh (9-5) 2, Miami (6-9) 1
Arizona (9-6) 5, LA Dodgers (8-7) 3
Milwaukee (5-10) 2, NY Mets (7-7) 3 (G1)
Milwaukee (5-11) 3, NY Mets (8-7) 9 (G2)
St. Louis (8-7) @ Cincinnati (6-8) -- PPD

MAJOR NEWS/INJURIES/TRANSACTIONS
04/12: Toronto RHP Aaron Sanchez placed on 10-day disabled list (ankle), out 1-2 weeks
04/12: St. Louis OF Tommy Pham placed on 10-day disabled list (back stiffness), will be out 1-2 weeks
04/13: Baltimore SS Manny Machado signs 3-year, $57M extension with the Orioles
04/14: Detroit RHP Mike Fiers placed on 10-day disabled list (shoulder), out 3-4 weeks
04/15: Arizona extends LHP Robbie Ray with 4-year, $47M deal

[artoodeetoo]

Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

ROYALS INJURY NEWS

Nathan Karns has suffered a setback in his return from thoracic outlet surgery, as he's developed inflammation in his throwing elbow while on a rehab assignment to Omaha. Out of an abundance of caution, he's been placed on the disabled list and will likely miss the next four to six weeks.

[artoodeetoo]

Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

PITCHING MATCHUPS (04/16 - 04/18)

04/16: RHP Ian Kennedy (1-1, 2.70) vs LHP J.A. Happ (1-2, 5.14)
04/17: LHP Eric Skoglund (1-0, 6.23) vs RHP Joe Biagini (0-0, 0.00)
04/18: RHP Jake Junis (2-0, 2.91) vs RHP Marco Estrada (1-1, 6.75)

GAME RECAPS

April 16th, 2018
Royals (11-6) 1, Blue Jays (6-11) 6
Winner: J.A. Happ (2-2) Loser: Kevin McCarthy (0-1) Save: None

Explosive Eighth Propels Blue Jays to Victory, 6-1

A five-run eighth inning by Toronto's offense doomed the Royals to a 6-1 defeat at the hands of the Blue Jays. Kevin McCarthy took the loss in just his second appearance of the season for the Royals, while J.A. Happ nearly went the distance in picking up his second win of the season. McCarthy hurled 1 1/3 innings of relief, as he was charged with the Blue Jays' go-ahead run. The only run the Royals were able to come up with was a second-inning solo homerun from Cheslor Cuthbert, his second of the season. Ian Kennedy went just 4 2/3 innings, leaving with what was diagnosed later as elbow soreness. With the off-day coming up on Thursday, manager Ned Yost mentioned that they are going to move back his bullpen sessions one day to allow for additional rest. Whit Merrifield raised his hitting streak to twenty-one games with a third-inning single.

MLB SCOREBOARD
Miami (6-10) 2, NY Yankees (12-5) 9
Baltimore (6-11) 0, Boston (8-8) 2
Kansas City (11-6) 1, Toronto (6-11) 6
Texas (10-8) 5, Tampa Bay (6-10) 2
Chi. Sox (6-11) 4, Oakland (10-7) 7
Houston (9-8) 4, Seattle (5-10) 6
Colorado (9-9) 2, Pittsbirgh (10-5) 3 (Final/11)
St. Louis (8-8) 6, Chi. Cubs (9-8) 10
Washington (9-8) 0, NY Mets (9-7) 5
Cincinnati (7-8) 4, Milwaukee (5-12) 3 (Final/10)
Philadelphia (9-7) 4, Atlanta (9-7) 2
LA Dodgers (9-7) 9, San Diego (8-10) 8

April 17th, 2018
Royals (12-6) 7, Blue Jays (6-12) 0
Winner: Eric Skoglund (2-0) Loser: Joe Biagini (0-1) Save: None

Skoglund Stops Toronto with Two-Hitter

Eric Skoglund took a no-hitter into the eighth inning, and Mike Moustakas drove in three runs as the Royals whitewashed the Blue Jays in a decisive 7-0 victory. The Royals 1, 2, and 3 hitters of Whit Merrifield, Jon Jay, and Mike Moustakas combined to post a 6-for-15 performance with a homerun, a triple, two doubles, four runs scored, and six RBI. Skoglund eventually finished with a two-hit shutout, walking one and striking out four while hitting one batter. Joe Biagini made his first appearance for the Blue Jays, and was knocked around in the second inning as the Royals scored four runs. Outside of that inning, he was outstanding in allowing just one baserunner, but ultimately left after just 4 2/3 innings in a losing effort. Merrifield extended his hitting streak to twenty-two games with his second-inning single, before adding a triple in the ninth.

MLB SCOREBOARD
Miami (7-10) 7, NY Yankees (12-6) 2
Baltimore (6-12) 2, Detroit (7-10) 3
Kansas City (12-6) 7, Toronto (6-12) 0
Texas (10-9) 1, Tampa Bay (7-10) 2
Cleveland (11-6) 7, Minnesota (9-7) 5
Boston (8-9) 0, LA Angels (9-9) 5
Chi. Sox (7-11) 5, Oakland (10-8) 4
Houston (10-8) 7, Seattle (5-11) 4
Colorado (10-9) 4, Pittsbirgh (10-6) 0
St. Louis (8-9) 3, Chi. Cubs (10-8) 5
Washington (9-9) 5, NY Mets (10-7) 12
Cincinnati (8-8) 16, Milwaukee (5-13) 5
Philadelphia (9-8) 2, Atlanta (10-7) 5
LA Dodgers (10-7) 3, San Diego (8-11) 2
San Francisco (8-9) 2, Arizona (10-6) 7

April 18th, 2018
Royals (13-6) 3, Blue Jays (6-13) 0
Winner: Jake Junis (3-0) Loser: Marco Estrada (1-2) Save: None

Junis Goes The Distance Again; Royals Blank Blue Jays

For his second straight start, Jake Junis went the distance, this time shutting out the Blue Jays while scattering just four hits and a walk to move to 3-0 on the campaign. He carried a no-hitter into the fifth, only to see Curtis Granderson break it up with a base hit to center with no one out. Neither team actually had a hit until that point; but the Royals got on the board first on a throwing error by Josh Donaldson in the seventh inning, allowing Ryan Goins to score. Jorge Soler added a two-run homerun in the eighth to put things out of reach, but the Jays never really threatened after that point. Unfortunately, Whit Merrifield saw his hitting streak come to an end at twenty-two games, going 0-for-4 with a strikeout. After an off day tomorrow, the Royals will head out to Detroit to take on the fourth-place Tigers in a three-game set.

MLB SCOREBOARD
Baltimore (7-12) 5, Detroit (7-11) 4 (Final/10)
Kansas City (13-6) 3, Toronto (6-13) 0
Texas (11-9) 5, Tampa Bay (7-11) 4
Cleveland (12-6) 6, Minnesota (9-8) 4
Boston (9-9) 7, LA Angels (9-10) 4
Chi. Sox (7-11) 6, Oakland (11-8) 15
Houston (10-9) 1, Seattle (6-11) 2
Colorado (11-9) 2, Pittsburgh (10-7) 1
St. Louis (9-9) 10, Chi. Cubs (10-9) 3
Washington (9-10) 5, NY Mets (11-7) 8
Cincinnati (8-9) 4, Milwaukee (6-13) 17
LA Dodgers (11-7) 9, San Diego (8-12) 2

MAJOR NEWS/INJURIES/TRANSACTIONS
04/16: Boston places LHP Chris Sale on 10-day disabled list (elbow)
04/16: Colorado signs 3B Nolan Arenado to six-year, $181.7M extension
04/17: Cleveland signs RHP Josh Tomlin to two-year, $12.2M extension
04/17: Baltimore places RHP Alex Cobb on 10-day disabled list (hamstring)
04/18: Boston signs CF Jackie Bradley Jr. to four-year, $39.7M extension

[artoodeetoo]

Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

ROYALS INJURY NEWS

Salvador Perez has completed his time on the disabled list, and was recently sent on a rehab assignment, starting with Northwest Arkansas and ending with Omaha. His return won't come a moment too soon, as there has been little production out of the catcher spot in the lineup. That said, we're not going to push him too hard out of the gate. He should be ready to go by the end of the month.

[artoodeetoo]

Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

MLB STANDINGS & STATS UPDATE

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Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

PROSPECT PROMOTION

The Royals have promoted shortstop Matt Morales from Lexington to Wilmington after second baseman Gabriel Cancel suffered a minor hand injury that will land him on the disabled list for about a week. It's early, but Morales has slashed .333/.419/.370 in 63 PA so far for the Legends in 2018. He's the Royals' 19th-ranked prospect according to Baseball America.

[artoodeetoo]

Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

PITCHING MATCHUPS (04/20 - 04/22)

04/20: LHP Danny Duffy (3-1, 5.19) vs RHP Michael Fulmer (2-2, 4.12)
04/21: RHP Jason Hammel (2-1, 4.23) vs RHP Jordan Zimmermann (1-2, 10.67)
04/22: RHP Ian Kennedy (1-1, 2.11) vs LHP Matt Boyd (1-1, 4.64)

GAME RECAPS

April 20th, 2018
Royals (13-7) 2, Tigers (8-12) 12
Winner: Michael Fulmer (3-2) Loser: Danny Duffy (3-2) Save: None

Royals' Bullpen Implodes as Tigers Pull Away Late

Two Tiger players collected four hits apiece, and Michael Fulmer pitched seven strong innings as the Tigers boatraced the Royals in a 12-2 defeat. Danny Duffy struggled for the second straight start; and was chased after just 5 1/3 innings with two runners left on base, with both scoring in a six-run sixth inning. John Hicks hit a pair of homeruns, driving in six runs in a 4-for-5 performance for the host Tigers, while Dixon Machado also had four hits, driving in a pair of runs with one run scored himself. Alcides Escobar was 2-for-4 with two base hits, and Jon Jay reached base three times in four plate appearances (one double, walk, hit batsman).

MLB SCOREBOARD
Kansas City (13-7) 2, Detroit (8-12) 12
Cleveland (12-7) 4, Baltimore (9-12) 8
Toronto (7-14) 3, NY Yankees (13-7) 4
Minnesota (9-9) 3, Tampa Bay (8-11) 7
Seattle (7-12) 9, Texas (11-10) 4
Boston (9-11) 5, Oakland (12-8) 7
Houston (12-9) 10, Chi. Sox (7-13) 5
San Francisco (11-9) 5, LA Angels (10-11) 4
Pittsburgh (10-9) 1, Philadelphia (11-9) 11
Miami (7-12) 1, Milwaukee (8-13) 4
NY Mets (11-9) 3, Atlanta (13-7) 4
Cincinnati (8-10) 3, St. Louis (10-9) 9
Chi. Cubs (11-9) 8, Colorado (11-10) 6
Washington (9-11) 2, LA Dodgers (12-7) 3
San Diego (8-13) 1, Arizona (11-8) 2

April 21st, 2018
Royals (13-8) 3, Tigers (9-12) 4
Winner: Alex Wilson (1-1) Loser: Wily Peralta (0-1) Save: Joe Jimenez (5)

Key Mistakes Send Royals to Second Straight Defeat

Despite a 3-for-5 performance from Jon Jay, the Royals couldn't overcome a costly fielding error by Whit Merrifield in the seventh inning, falling 4-3 to the Tigers. With the score tied at three, James McCann singled with two outs in the seventh, followed by Dixon Machado reaching on Merrifield's error. Leonys Martin then dumped a single into right, scoring McCann from second. Shane Greene and Joe Jimenez shut the door on the Royals from that point on, as Jimenez picked up his fifth save. The loss puts the Royals under .500 on the season on the road, with a 5-6 mark through eleven road contests.

MLB SCOREBOARD
Kansas City (13-8) 3, Detroit (9-12) 4
Cleveland (12-8) 4, Baltimore (10-12) 12
Toronto (8-14) 6, NY Yankees (13-8) 4
Minnesota (10-9) 5, Tampa Bay (8-12) 1
Seattle (7-13) 1, Texas (12-10) 3
Boston (9-12) 3, Oakland (13-8) 4
San Francisco (11-10) 0, LA Angels (11-11) 3
Houston (12-9) @ Chi. Sox (7-13) -- PPD
Pittsburgh (11-9) 4, Philadelphia (11-10) 0
Miami (8-12) 8, Milwaukee (8-14) 1
NY Mets (11-10) 2, Atlanta (14-7) 5
Cincinnati (8-11) 0, St. Louis (11-9) 4
Chi. Cubs (11-10) 6, Colorado (12-10) 7
Washington (10-11) 4, LA Dodgers (12-8) 3
San Diego (9-13) 10, Arizona (11-9) 1

April 22nd, 2018
Royals (14-8) 6, Tigers (9-13) 4 (Final/6)
Winner: Kevin McCarthy (1-1) Loser: Matt Boyd (1-2) Save: None

Royals Take Rain-Shortened Affair, 6-4

Heavy rains forced the umpires to call the game in the sixth inning, with the Royals claiming a 6-4 victory. Ian Kennedy left his second straight start after 4 2/3 innings with back issues, and manager Ned Yost hinted that they may put the veteran righty on the disabled list in his post-game comments. Kevin McCarthy came in to throw just three pitches, getting Jeimer Candelario to fly out to end the fifth inning. He picked up the victory, his first of the season. However, Detroit might have won had it not been for a disastrous third inning by Tiger shortstop Jose Iglesias, as he committed not one, but two fielding errors, and mishandled the ball on a third play that was scored a hit. Cheslor Cuthbert made him pay for those miscues with a three-run homerun that served as the decisive blow. Kansas City has another day off tomorrow before they head back home to begin a six-game homestand with two games against the struggling Milwaukee Brewers.

MLB SCOREBOARD
Houston (13-9) 7, Chi. Sox (7-14) 3 (G1)
Houston (14-9) 2, Chi. Sox (7-15) 0 (G2)
Kansas City (14-8) 6, Detroit (9-13) 4 (Final/6)
Cleveland (12-9) 3, Baltimore (11-12) 8
Toronto (8-15) 2, NY Yankees (14-8) 6
Minnesota (10-10) 5, Tampa Bay (9-12) 8
Seattle (7-14) 2, Texas (13-10) 8
Boston (9-13) 8, Oakland (14-8) 12
LA Angels (11-11) @ San Francisco (11-10) -- PPD
Pittsburgh (11-10) 5, Philadelphia (12-10) 6
Miami (9-12) 5, Milwaukee (8-15) 3
NY Mets (11-11) 0, Atlanta (15-7) 3
Cincinnati (9-11) 5, St. Louis (11-10) 1
Chi. Cubs (11-11) 0, Colorado (13-10) 5
Washington (10-12) 2, LA Dodgers (13-8) 6
San Diego (10-13) 7, Arizona (11-10) 4 (Final/11)

MAJOR NEWS/INJURIES/TRANSACTIONS
04/20: Minnesota 1B Joe Mauer collects hit number 2,000 in 7-3 loss to Tampa
04/20: Seattle RHP Dan Altavilla to have Tommy John procedure, placed on 60-day DL (elbow)
04/20: White Sox claim INF Jefry Marte off waivers from the Angels
04/21: Pittsburgh places RHP Dovydas Neverauskas on 10-day disabled list (ankle)
04/22: Detroit places LHP Daniel Norris on 60-day disabled list (torn labrum)
04/22: Angels place RHP Garrett Richards on 10-day disabled list, retro to 04/21/2018 (elbow)

[artoodeetoo]

Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

MINOR LEAGUE UPDATE (04/23)

[artoodeetoo]

Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

PITCHING MATCHUPS (04/24 - 04/25)

04/24: LHP Wade Miley (2-0, 2.28) vs RHP Jake Junis (3-0, 2.05)
04/25: RHP Zach Davies (0-1, 3.34) vs LHP Eric Skoglund (2-0, 3.06)

GAME RECAPS

April 24th, 2018
Brewers (8-16) 2, Royals (15-8) 3
Winner: Jake Junis (4-0) Loser: Wade Miley (2-1) Save: Kelvin Herrera (4)

Herrera Holds Off Late Rally, Clips Milwaukee 3-2

Behind seven strong innings from Jake Junis, the Royals continued their strong play at home with a narrow 3-2 decision over struggling Milwaukee. Thanks to a Drew Butera triple that was followed by an Alcides Escobar single, the Royals scored a pair of runs in the bottom of the second to tie the game at two; but the deciding run was scored in the sixth inning on a wild pitch from Wade Miley, who had two wild pitches and was the victim of a passed ball from catcher Stephen Vogt in that inning alone. Those miscues allowed Jorge Soler to come all the way around to score without the ball being hit into play at all. The bullpen ran into issues in the eighth and ninth inning, as the Brewers had runners in scoring position with less than two out in both frames. However, lefty Tim Hill got the Royals out of a jam in the eighth, and Kelvin Herrera had runners at the corners with no one out before fanning Brett Lawrie and Jonathan Villar, and then coaxing a groundball out of former teammate Lorenzo Cain to end the contest.

MLB SCOREBOARD
Chi. Cubs (12-11) 8, Cleveland (12-11) 3
Milwaukee (8-16) 2, Kansas City (15-8) 3
Seattle (8-15) 2, Chi. Sox (8-16) 4
Minnesota (11-11) 5, NY Yankees (15-9) 3
Tampa Bay (10-12) 5, Baltimore (12-13) 3
Oakland (16-8) 4, Texas (13-12) 2
Boston (10-13) 4, Toronto (8-16) 2
LA Angels (13-11) 2, Houston (14-11) 0
Atlanta (16-8) 5, Cincinnati (10-12) 2
Detroit (10-13) 8, Pittsburgh (11-11) 1
Arizona (11-11) 6, Philadelphia (13-10) 12
NY Mets (11-12) 1, St. Louis (12-10) 3
San Diego (12-13) 7, Colorado (13-12) 5
Washington (11-13) 10, San Francisco (12-11) 5
Miami (9-14) 2, LA Dodgers (15-8) 3

April 25th, 2018
Brewers (9-16) 6, Royals (15-9) 0
Winner: Zach Davies (1-1) Loser: Eric Skoglund (2-1) Save: None

Brewers Blank Royals Behind Davies' Performance

The top-third of the Brewers' batting order went 8-for-14 with three RBI, as Zach Davies and Milwaukee blanked the suddenly offensively-challenged Royals 6-zip. Lorenzo Cain was the last out in last night's game, but keyed the Brewers victory with a 2-for-5 performance, scoring a run. Christian Yelich was 3-for-5 with an RBI triple and two runs scored, while Ryan Braun was 2-for-4 with two RBI. Milwaukee struck for five runs in the first three innings, chasing Eric Skoglund from the game with five earned runs in just 2 2/3 innings. On the plus side, the combination of Brian Flynn and Blaine Boyer combined to throw 6 1/3 innings of one-run ball out of the bullpen.

MLB SCOREBOARD
Chi. Cubs (13-11) 3, Cleveland (12-12) 2
Milwaukee (9-16) 6, Kansas City (15-9) 0
Seattle (8-16) 4, Chi. Sox (9-16) 6
Minnesota (11-12) 0, NY Yankees (16-9) 4
Tampa Bay (10-13) 5, Baltimore (13-13) 8
Oakland (17-8) 8, Texas (13-13) 7
Boston (11-13) 10, Toronto (8-17) 4
LA Angels (13-12) 4, Houston (15-11) 8
Atlanta (16-9) 4, Cincinnati (11-12) 5 (Final/12)
Detroit (11-13) 2, Pittsburgh (11-12) 0
Arizona (11-12) 2, Philadelphia (14-10) 4
NY Mets (12-12) 5, St. Louis (12-11) 1
San Diego (13-13) 7, Colorado (13-13) 3
Washington (12-13) 5, San Francisco (12-12) 3
Miami (9-15) 1, LA Dodgers (16-8) 4

MAJOR NEWS/INJURIES/TRANSACTIONS
04/24: Washington RHP Stephen Strasburg placed on 60-day disabled list (shoulder inflammation)

[artoodeetoo]

Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

ROYALS INJURY NEWS

Salvador Perez has returned from his rehab assignment a little quicker than expected. Cam Gallagher's bat needs some work, so he's being sent down to get consistent AB's as he's splitting time with Drew Butera at the ML level.

[artoodeetoo]

Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

PITCHING MATCHUPS (04/26 - 04/29)

04/26: RHP Lucas Giolito (0-3, 5.32) vs LHP Danny Duffy (3-2, 5.46)
04/27: RHP Miguel Gonzalez (1-3, 5.03) vs RHP Jason Hammel (2-1, 4.45)
04/28: LHP Hector Santiago (0-4, 7.91) vs RHP Ian Kennedy (1-1, 2.77)
04/29: RHP Carson Fulmer (1-2, 8.71) vs RHP Jake Junis (4-0, 2.15)

GAME RECAPS

April 26th, 2018
White Sox (9-17) 2, Royals (16-9) 6
Winner: Danny Duffy (4-2) Loser: Lucas Giolito (0-4) Save: None

Royals Coast Behind Duffy's Strong Performance

Danny Duffy rebounded from a pair of subpar starts with an eight-inning, 118-pitch outing to help the Royals take the first game of their four-game set with Chicago by a 6-2 count. Duffy went on to fan seven with no walks, as he continues to maintain an absurdly-impressive 36/3 K/BB ratio through 39 1/3 innings. Lucas Duda and Alex Gordon contributed with a pair of RBI apiece, with Gordon's coming via the homerun ball. Alcides Escobar also went 1-for-3 with an RBI triple and a run scored. Newly-called up Burch Smith pitched the final inning, walking one and fanning one in his first action of 2018.

MLB SCOREBOARD
San Francisco (12-13) 5, LA Angels (14-12) 6
Chi. Sox (9-17) 2, Kansas City (16-9) 6
Minnesota (11-13) 2, NY Yankees (17-9) 3
Seattle (9-16) 3, Cleveland (12-13) 0
Tampa Bay (11-13) 6, Baltimore (13-14) 5
Boston (11-14) 5, Toronto (9-17) 9
Detroit (12-13) 4, Pittsburgh (11-13) 3
Atlanta (17-9) 9, Cincinnati (11-13) 3
Arizona (11-13) 3, Philadelphia (15-10) 9
Milwaukee (9-17) 6, Chi. Cubs (14-11) 7
NY Mets (13-12) 6, St. Louis (12-12) 3

April 27th, 2018
White Sox (10-17) 10, Royals (16-10) 8
Winner: Bruce Rondon (2-0) Loser: Blaine Boyer (1-1) Save: Reynaldo Lopez (1)

White Sox Take Slugfest By 10-8 Count

Despite a 4-for-4 performance from Mike Moustakas; including a pair of homeruns, the Royals couldn't overcome a poor start from Jason Hammel in a 10-8 defeat to the last-place White Sox. The Royals led 4-2 after three innings, but a four-run fifth by the White Sox chased Hammel from the contest. Kansas City scored once again in the fifth, and followed up with three in the sixth, but the Royals again coughed up the lead as Blaine Boyer loaded the bases, only to see Justin Grimm allow all of them to score before getting the final two outs of the inning. Whit Merrifield and Salvador Perez also added homeruns in the victory, their second and first of the season, respectively.

MLB SCOREBOARD
NY Yankees (18-9) 3, LA Angels (14-13) 2
Chi. Sox (10-17) 10, Kansas City (16-10) 8
Cincinnati (11-14) 5, Minnesota (12-13) 8
Seattle (9-17) 1, Cleveland (13-13) 2
Tampa Bay (12-13) 8, Boston (11-15) 1
Oakland (17-9) 2, Houston (16-11) 5
Detroit (13-13) 8, Baltimore (13-15) 7
Texas (14-13) 11, Toronto (9-18) 3
LA Dodgers (17-8) 6, San Francisco (12-14) 4
Colorado (14-13) 4, Miami (9-16) 2
NY Mets (14-12) 4, San Diego (13-14) 3
St. Louis (13-12) 5, Pittsburgh (11-14) 2
Atlanta (17-10) 2, Philadelphia (16-10) 3
Arizona (11-14) 5, Washington (13-13) 8
Milwaukee (9-18) 5, Chi. Cubs (15-11) 8

April 28th, 2018
White Sox (11-17) 6, Royals (16-11) 2
Winner: Miguel Gonzalez (2-3) Loser: Ian Kennedy (1-2) Save: None

ChiSox Pound Out Fifteen Hits In 6-2 Victory

The Royals led 2-1 after three innings, but a pair of runs in the fourth and sixth innings by the White Sox helped put the game out of reach as the White Sox clinched at least a split of the four-game series with a 6-2 victory. Ian Kennedy went 5 1/3 innings, allowing a dozen hits and a walk with six strikeouts in ninety-six pitches. Kevin McCarthy and Blaine Boyer went the rest of the way, each giving up an earned run along the way. Mike Moustakas' RBI single in the first, and Alcides Escobar's homerun in the third were the only runs the Royals' offense could muster. After a 13-6 start, the Royals have now lost five of their last eight games.

MLB SCOREBOARD
NY Yankees (19-9) 7, LA Angels (14-14) 3
Chi. Sox (11-17) 6, Kansas City (16-11) 2
Cincinnati (11-15) 3, Minnesota (13-13) 11
Seattle (9-18) 6, Cleveland (14-13) 8
Tampa Bay (13-13) 3, Boston (11-16) 0
Oakland (17-10) 7, Houston (17-11) 8
Texas (15-13) 5, Toronto (9-19) 4
Detroit (13-13) @ Baltimore (13-15) -- PPD
LA Dodgers (18-8) 7, San Francisco (12-15) 5
Colorado (15-13) 6, Miami (9-17) 3
NY Mets (14-13) 1, San Diego (14-14) 2
St. Louis (13-13) 2, Pittsburgh (12-14) 6
Atlanta (18-10) 7, Philadelphia (16-11) 5
Arizona (12-14) 6, Washington (13-14) 4
Milwaukee (9-19) 3, Chi. Cubs (16-11) 8

April 29th, 2018
White Sox (12-17) 6, Royals (16-12) 2
Winner: Nate Jones (1-0) Loser: Tim Hill (0-1) Save: Joakim Soria (5)

Royals Fall 4-2 In Extras

Jorge Soler had a game he'd like to forget; going 0-for-4 with a walk and a pair of strikeouts, including the game-ending strikeout with a man on base. In addition, he also misplayed a routine fly ball with two out in the 10th that led to two unearned runs in a 4-2 defeat at the hands of the White Sox. The loss also cemented a losing homestand for the first time this season, going 2-4 against two of the worst teams in baseball in Milwaukee and the Pale Hose, and was the team's first extra-inning contest of the season. Jose Abreu was the main antagonist for the Royals in this game, hitting a two-run homerun in the fourth off Jake Junis which was the only black mark on an otherwise great performance for the youngster. He went seven innings, scattering five hits and a walk while fanning eight, but didn't figure into the decision as he left with the game tied up at two apiece. Former Royal Joakim Soria locked down the save in the bottom of the 10th for the ChiSox, his fifth.

MLB SCOREBOARD
Detroit (13-14) 0, Baltimore (14-15) 4 (G1)
Detroit (14-14) 9, Baltimore (14-16) 4 (G2)
NY Yankees (20-9) 12, LA Angels (14-15) 6
Chi. Sox (12-17) 4, Kansas City (16-12) 2 (Final/10)
Cincinnati (12-15) 5, Minnesota (13-14) 4
Seattle (9-19) 0, Cleveland (15-13) 6
Tampa Bay (14-13) 7, Boston (11-17) 3
Oakland (18-10) 6, Houston (17-12) 2
Texas (15-14) 1, Toronto (10-19) 10
LA Dodgers (19-8) 8, San Francisco (12-16) 6
Colorado (16-13) 6, Miami (9-18) 3
NY Mets (14-14) 2, San Diego (15-14) 9
St. Louis (13-14) 1, Pittsburgh (13-14) 4
Atlanta (19-10) 4, Philadelphia (16-12) 1
Arizona (12-15) 2, Washington (14-14) 4
Milwaukee (9-20) 2, Chi. Cubs (17-11) 7

MAJOR NEWS/INJURIES/TRANSACTIONS
04/26: Texas signs RHP Arnold Leon to pro-rated one-year, $1.24M deal
04/27: San Francisco places RHP Chris Stratton on 60-day disabled list, retro to 04/24/2018 (shoulder coracoid bone)

[artoodeetoo]

Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

PROSPECT PROMOTION

With Arnaldo Hernandez and a few other pitchers with the A-Advanced club in Wilmington going on the disabled list, Lexington southpaw Garrett Davila is getting the call to the Blue Rocks. With a 2.03 ERA in 31 innings, the 22nd-ranked team prospect Davila is going to get a pretty solid audition to see if he belongs at this level with Hernandez out up to three or four months. In Lexington, Yefri Del Rosario (another young prospect we like) is going to move from the bullpen to the rotation at just eighteen years of age, so we'll find out if he can hack it as a starter. If not, he may have to go down to Burlington when their season begins later this summer.

[artoodeetoo]

Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

GM'S APRIL MONTH-END REPORT

The end of the month is not quite here, but I'm going to send out my first monthly report anyway. The most recent homestand was disappointing, although it's not time to worry just yet. We turn the calendar over with Boston this week before coming back home to face a resurgent Detroit squad that has looked better since we played them last.

Record: 16-12
Place: 1st

Batter of the Month: Some would say that Alcides Escobar has put up better overall numbers, but Whit Merrifield hit .370/.387/.513 with seven doubles, two triples, and a pair of homeruns. He leads the league in hits with forty-four, and has struck out just sixteen times in 124 PA.

Pitcher of the Month: With a 4-0 mark in April, Jake Junis fashioned a 2.22 ERA in 44 2/3 innings, with just nine walks to thirty-five strikeouts. Danny Duffy's 39/3 K/BB ratio is impressive, but has an ERA more than double Junis'.

Minor League Batter of the Month: The team's top prospect, Khalil Lee, takes home this honor for April. The 19-year-old outfielder slashed an impressive .322/.408/.567, ranking second in the Carolina League in both homeruns and RBI.

Minor League Pitcher of the Month: With a nod to Scott Blewett and Garrett Davila, Foster Griffin was just a touch better than both of them in April. Not known as a strikeout artist, Griffin fanned thirty-four in 28 1/3 innings, covering five starts. He also has a team-best 1.91 ERA in that same time frame.

[artoodeetoo]

Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

PITCHING MATCHUPS (04/30 - 05/02)

04/30: LHP Eric Skoglund (2-1, 4.87) vs RHP Rick Porcello (1-1, 4.80)
05/01: LHP Danny Duffy (4-2, 4.81) vs LHP Drew Pomeranz (0-4, 3.42)
05/02: RHP Jason Hammel (2-1, 5.45) vs LHP David Price (2-2, 3.82)

GAME RECAPS

April 30th, 2018
Royals (16-13) 3, Red Sox (12-17) 7
Winner: Eric Skoglund (2-2) Loser: Rick Porcello (2-1) Save: None

Martinez, Red Sox Hand Royals Fourth Straight Loss

The Royals ended April on a four-game losing skid, falling 7-3 to the struggling Red Sox in Boston. J.D. Martinez, as he's always been to the Royals, was a thorn in their side; drawing a pair of walks and hitting a pair of towering homeruns off Eric Skoglund, who allowed five earned runs in five innings of work. Whit Merrifield led the offensive attack for the Royals with a 3-for-5 performance, doubling twice and adding a triple. Cheslor Cuthbert was 3-for-4 with a double of his own, and drove in two of the team's three runs. Alcides Escobar hit a sacrifice fly in the second to drive in the team's other run. Since a 13-7 start, the Royals have now lost six of their last nine games.

MLB SCOREBOARD
Tampa Bay (14-14) 1, Detroit (15-14) 11
Texas (16-14) 4, Cleveland (15-14) 3 (Final/10)
NY Yankees (20-10) 3, Houston (18-12) 5
Kansas City (16-13) 3, Boston (12-17) 7
Toronto (11-19) 2, Minnesota (13-15) 1 (Final/16)
Colorado (16-14) 5, Chi. Cubs (18-11) 7
Pittsburgh (13-15) 1, Washington (15-14) 2
Milwaukee (9-21) 1, Cincinnati (13-15) 8
LA Dodgers (20-8) 2, Arizona (12-16) 1
Philadelphia (16-13) 0, Miami (10-18) 5
San Diego (16-14) 5, San Francisco (12-17) 3

May 1st, 2018
Royals (17-13) 7, Red Sox (12-18) 6
Winner: Danny Duffy (5-2) Loser: Drew Pomeranz (0-5) Save: Kelvin Herrera (5)

Royals Hold Off Late Rally, Stop Losing Skid

A six-run fifth inning proved to be just enough for the Royals, as the Red Sox fought their way back from a 7-1 deficit just to fall short by a 7-6 count to start the month of May on the right foot. Jorge Soler was 3-for-4 with a run scored and a two-RBI hit that put the Royals up 3-1. Lucas Duda, Salvador Perez, and Cheslor Cuthbert all had RBI hits in the inning following Soler's hit. Danny Duffy earned his fifth victory of the season, although it was hard-fought. He pitched just five innings, allowing three runs, three hits, and surrendering a season-worst three walks with three strikeouts. He was cruising along until the fifth inning, when J.D. Martinez and Xander Bogaerts hit back-to-back homeruns off Duffy to pull the Red Sox back to within four runs at the time, 7-3. Five relievers combined to keep the lead, although they surrendered three runs, two in the eighth. Kelvin Herrera pitched a scoreless ninth inning to pick up his fifth save of the season.

MLB SCOREBOARD
Kansas City (17-13) 7, Boston (12-18) 6
Tampa Bay (14-15) 3, Detroit (16-14) 5
Texas (16-15) 2, Cleveland (16-14) 5
NY Yankees (21-10) 4, Houston (18-13) 3
Toronto (11-20) 8, Minnesota (14-15) 9
Oakland (18-11) 4, Seattle (10-19) 5 (Final/14)
Baltimore (14-17) 4, LA Angels (15-15) (Final/10)
Pittsburgh (14-15) 5, Washington (15-15) 3 (Final/13)
Milwaukee (9-22) 2, Cincinnati (14-15) 3 (Final/10)
Atlanta (20-10) 8, NY Mets (14-15) 1
Philadelphia (16-14) 4, Miami (11-18) 5
Colorado (17-14) 5, Chi. Cubs (18-12) 2
LA Dodgers (21-8) 5, Arizona (12-17) 2
Chi. Sox (12-18) 0, St. Louis (14-14) 2
San Diego (17-14) 5, San Francisco (12-18) 3

May 2nd, 2018
Royals (18-13) 8, Red Sox (12-19) 4
Winner: Burch Smith (1-0) Loser: Tyler Thornburg (0-1) Save: None

Royals Fall Behind Early; Double Up BoSox 8-4

David Price had the Royals down 4-0 after four innings, but the Royals scored eight runs in their final four at-bats as they doubled up the Red Sox 8-4 to claim the series two games to one. Price was chased from the game with two outs in the fifth having allowed three runs with three walks. Just recently called up from Omaha, Burch Smith picked up the victory with 2 2/3 innings of relief, taking over for an ineffective Jason Hammel in the fourth. He fanned three while walking just one, and allowing just one hit. Kansas City broke a 4-4 tie in the seventh with a two-out RBI single by Cheslor Cuthbert, and then Lucas Duda banged a two-run homerun in the next at-bat to bring Cuthbert home.

MLB SCOREBOARD
Kansas City (18-13) 8, Boston (12-19) 4
Tampa Bay (14-16) 3, Detroit (17-14) 5
Texas (16-16) 2, Cleveland (17-14) 3
NY Yankees (22-10) 10, Houston (18-14) 4
Toronto (12-20) 10, Minnesota (14-16) 4
Oakland (18-12) 3, Seattle (11-19) 5
Baltimore (14-18) 2, LA Angels (16-15) 7
Milwaukee (9-23) 2, Cincinnati (15-15) 3
Atlanta (20-11) 3, NY Mets (15-15) 13
Philadelphia (17-14) 5, Miami (11-19) 1
Colorado (18-14) 6, Chi. Cubs (18-13) 3
LA Dodgers (21-9) 2, Arizona (13-17) 6
Chi. Sox (12-19) 1, St. Louis (15-14) 5
San Diego (18-14) 4, San Francisco (12-19) 0
Pittsburgh (14-15) @ Washington (15-15) -- PPD

MAJOR NEWS/INJURIES/TRANSACTIONS
04/30: San Francisco activates LHP Madison Bumgarner from disabled list; send to Triple-A for rehab assignment
04/30: NY Yankees activate 1B Greg Bird from disabled list; send to Triple-A for rehab assignment
05/01: Mazara, Tanaka win AL April monthly awards
05/01: Giants' Blach, Cubs' Rizzo win NL monthlies for April
05/01: Twins' Garver, Phils' Crawford claim April Rookie of the Month honors

[artoodeetoo]

Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

PITCHING MATCHUPS (05/03 - 05/06)

05/03: RHP Mike Fiers (0-2, 9.88) vs RHP Ian Kennedy (1-2, 3.45)
05/04: LHP Matt Boyd (2-2, 4.60) vs RHP Jake Junis (4-0, 2.22)
05/05: LHP Francisco Liriano (3-1, 2.09) vs LHP Eric Skoglund (2-2, 5.68)
05/06: RHP Michael Fulmer (5-2, 2.79) vs LHP Danny Duffy (5-2, 4.87)

GAME RECAPS

May 3rd, 2018
Tigers (18-14) 9, Royals (18-14) 3
Winner: Mike Fiers (1-2) Loser: Ian Kennedy (1-3) Save: None

Royals Fall Into First-Place Tie With 9-3 Defeat

Mike Moustakas' three-run homerun in the first was all the Royals put forth offensively, as the Tigers scored single runs in the second, third, and fourth innings, and six more over the final five innings as the Tigers tripled up the Royals by a 9-3 count. Jeimer Candelario reached base in all five plate appearances, going 4-for-4 with a homerun, two runs scored, and three RBI and a walk. Ian Kennedy took the loss to fall to 1-3, going six innings while allowing six runs (five earned) with six strikeouts and a walk. In his first appearance since coming off the disabled list, Mike Fiers went five innings, allowing three runs while walking four and fanning two in seventy-seven pitches. Jon Jay was the only Royal with more than one hit, hitting a single and a double, and also drawing a walk. Jose Iglesias was 3-for-5 with three runs scored, and Miguel Cabrera hit a two-run homerun as part of a three-run seventh for streaking Detroit, winners of five in a row to draw to a first-place tie in the Central.

MLB SCOREBOARD
Boston (13-19) 3, Texas (16-17) 1
Detroit (18-14) 9, Kansas City (18-14) 3
Minnesota (15-16) 7, Chi. Sox (12-20) 5 (Final/10)
NY Yankees (22-11) 0, Houston (19-14) 1
Baltimore (14-19) 2, LA Angels (17-15) 9
Oakland (18-13) 3, Seattle (12-19) 7
Pittsburgh (14-16) 3, Washington (16-15) 4 (G1, Final/11)
Pittsburgh (14-17) 2, Washington (17-15) 7 (G2)
Atlanta (20-12) 2, NY Mets (16-15) 5
LA Dodgers (21-10) 2, Arizona (14-17) 3

May 4th, 2018
Tigers (18-15) 2, Royals (19-14) 10
Winner: Jake Junis (5-0) Loser: Francisco Liriano (3-2) Save: None

Junis, Royals Regain Central Lead With 10-2 Victory

The Royals scored six runs in the first inning on a pair of three-run homeruns off Francisco Liriano; one by Mike Moustakas and the other by Paulo Orlando, and coasted to a 10-2 win over the Tigers. Orlando drove in a career-high five runs in the contest, adding an RBI single and a sac fly later on. Jake Junis notched his AL-leading third complete game, allowing two runs and fanning six with no walks; also scattering just five hits. With the win, he joins Danny Duffy in the five-win club, and the two also comprise the only starting pitcher duo in the majors with five wins each.

MLB SCOREBOARD
Detroit (18-15) 2, Kansas City (19-14) 10
Toronto (12-21) 3, Tampa Bay (15-16) 9
Cleveland (17-15) 2, NY Yankees (23-11) 9
Boston (13-20) 1, Texas (17-17) 7
Minnesota (15-17) 4, Chi. Sox (13-20) 6
LA Angels (17-16) 1, Seattle (13-19) 9
Baltimore (14-20) 1, Oakland (19-13) 4
Philadelphia (18-14) 9, Washington (17-16) 6
Miami (11-20) 6, Cincinnati (16-15) 8
Colorado (18-15) 5, NY Mets (17-15) 8
San Francisco (12-20) 1, Atlanta (21-12) 3
Pittsburgh (15-17) 5, Milwaukee (9-24) 3
Houston (19-15) 1, Arizona (15-17) 13
Chi. Cubs (18-14) 4, St. Louis (16-14) 5
LA Dodgers (21-11) 2, San Diego (19-14) 6

May 5th, 2018
Tigers (19-15) 11, Royals (19-15) 3
Winner: Matt Boyd (3-2) Loser: Eric Skoglund (2-3) Save: None

Big Fifth Inning Propels Tigers to Victory, 11-3

Nick Castellanos and Victor Martinez each drove in four runs, and Castellanos fell a double short of the cycle as the Royals were shellacked by an 11-3 score. Leading just 2-0 going into the fifth, a six-run salvo in the fifth blew the game open, and chased Royals starter Eric Skoglund from the game. Skoglund lasted just four and one-third innings, surrendering eight runs with one strikeout and no walks. Just re-called from Omaha, Brandon Maurer pitched 3 2/3 innings of scoreless relief only to see the deficit expand in the ninth with Blaine Boyer allowing three more tallies. Paulo Orlando followed up his five-RBI performance yesterday with three more hits, and Mike Moustakas doubled and singled as part of a 2-for-4 day.

MLB SCOREBOARD
Toronto (13-21) 6, Tampa Bay (15-17) 3
Detroit (19-15) 11, Kansas City (19-15) 3
Cleveland (17-16) 2, NY Yankees (24-11) 5
Minnesota (15-18) 5, Chi. Sox (14-20) 6
Boston (14-20) 7, Texas (17-18) 3
LA Angels (18-16) 4, Seattle (13-20) 3
Baltimore (15-20) 4, Oakland (19-14) 3
Chi. Cubs (18-15) 7, St. Louis (17-14) 8 (Final/12)
LA Dodgers (22-11) 7, San Diego (19-15) 4
Philadelphia (19-14) 5, Washington (17-17) 4
Miami (12-20) 3, Cincinnati (16-16) 2
Pittsburgh (15-18) 3, Milwaukee (10-24) 6
Houston (20-15) 8, Arizona (15-18) 3
San Francisco (12-21) 2, Atlanta (22-12) 6
Colorado (18-16) 0, NY Mets (18-15) 1 (Final/13)

May 6th, 2018
Tigers (20-15) 7, Royals (19-16) 5
Winner: Blaine Hardy (1-0) Loser: Burch Smith (0-1) Save: Joe Jimenez (10)

Big Fifth Inning Propels Tigers to Victory, 11-3

A two-out triple by Jose Iglesias off Burch Smith to score Dixon Machado brought broke a 5-5 tie, and an Alcides Escobar error led to another run as the Tigers took three of four from the Royals in Kansas City. The Royals were down 5-1 after three innings, but fought back to tie the score at five before the key eighth inning salvo by Detroit. Danny Duffy didn't figure into the decision, going six innings while allowing five runs on seven hits. He fanned three and walked three. Smith pitched admirably, going the final three innings while allowing just one earned run (two total) with three punchouts. Iglesias went 4-for-4 with a pair of RBI, while Mikie Mahtook also drove in a pair of runs while going 2-for-5. Jon Jay dealt the game-tying hit for the Royals in the sixth, a two-run single. Cheslor Cuthbert also drove in a pair of runs with a two-run homerun in the fifth. The only other run came when Alex Gordon was hit by a pitch in the first inning, the first of two times he was hit by a pitch.

MLB SCOREBOARD
Toronto (14-21) 5, Tampa Bay (15-18) 4
Detroit (20-15) 7, Kansas City (19-16) 5
Cleveland (17-17) 3, NY Yankees (25-11) 6
Minnesota (16-18) 11, Chi. Sox (14-21) 2
Boston (14-21) 2, Texas (18-18) 4
LA Angels (18-17) 1, Seattle (14-20) 2
Baltimore (15-21) 0, Oakland (20-14) 5
Chi. Cubs (18-16) 2, St. Louis (18-14) 4
LA Dodgers (23-11) 3, San Diego (19-16) 1
Philadelphia (20-14) 4, Washington (17-18) 3 (Final/11)
Miami (13-20) 10, Cincinnati (16-17) 4
Pittsburgh (15-19) 0, Milwaukee (11-24) 4
Houston (20-16) 2, Arizona (16-18) 7
San Francisco (12-22) 4, Atlanta (23-12) 9
Colorado (19-16) 3, NY Mets (18-16) 0

MAJOR NEWS/INJURIES/TRANSACTIONS
05/07: Mariners' Ryon Healy, Rockies' Nolan Arenado named MLB AL, NL Players of the Week