Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

[artoodeetoo]

Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

ROYALS NEWS
Speedster Hamilton claimed by the Braves
By artoodeetoo
08/16/2019

HAMILTON DESIGNATED; CLAIMED BY ATLANTA

In a quick turnaround, the Royals have learned that Billy Hamilton was claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Braves earlier this morning. He was designated for assignment just yesterday on Thursday.

In the move, the Braves will pick up the remainder of his 2019 salary and a mutual option for 2020 that is worth roughly $6MM. Hamilton has a slash-line of .211/.276/.263 in just under three-hundred plate appearances in 2019.

In a corresponding move, the Royals re-called outfielder Brett Phillips from Omaha to take his spot on the active roster. He had been struggling a bit in recent games, dropping his BA to .240 at the Triple-A level.

But his OPS remained strong (.883); and had slugged eighteen homeruns, thirteen triples, and eight doubles, thanks to a re-work in his stance that has produced much better results.

ROYALS CLAIM SOUTHPAW FROM SAN DIEGO

Left-hander Jose Gregorio Castillo was claimed by the Royals from the San Diego Padres on Thursday, and was subsequently added to the 40-man roster and assigned to Triple-A Omaha. The six-foot-five, 240-pounder has only made two appearances at the MLB level in 2019, walking two in one and two-third innings of work with one strikeout.

He was a reliable bullpen arm for the Padres last year, fashioning a 3.29 ERA in 38 1/3 innings of work, fanning fifty-two to just twelve walks; which made his designation a bit puzzling. However, it's been a bit of a numbers game in the bullpen, and Castillo has reportedly fallen out of favor with Padres' brass regarding his conditioning and general commitment to the game.

Castillo brings two plus-pitches to the table, depending on who you talk to -- a fastball that can touch 95-96 at times, and a slider that rests in the mid 80's with good bite. His change-up is a bit fringy, but some analysts have it as a plus pitch.

[artoodeetoo]

Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

NEW YORK METS (60-61) @ KANSAS CITY ROYALS (51-71)



PITCHING MATCHUPS

08/16: RHP Jacob deGrom (7-8, 2.79) vs RHP Jake Junis (9-9, 4.78)
08/17: RHP Marcus Stroman (7-12, 3.06) vs LHP Mike Montgomery (2-5, 7.00)
08/18: RHP Zack Wheeler (8-7, 4.49) vs RHP Jorge Lopez (2-7, 5.49)

GAME RECAPS

Friday, August 16th, 2019 - First pitch, 7:10 CST
NY Mets (61-61) 4, Kansas City (51-72) 1
Winner: Jacob deGrom (8-8) Loser: Jake Junis (9-10) Save: Edwin Diaz (26)
HR-NYM: Rene Rivera (1), Pete Alonso (38) HR-KC: Jorge Soler (34)

WIN STREAK STOPPED AT SIX

Only a second-inning solo homerun by Jorge Soler prevented Jacob deGrom and the Mets from shutting the Royals out in a 4-1 victory by the visiting Mets, in the first game between the two teams since the last out of the 2015 Fall Classic. DeGrom went eight innings, fanning eleven while scattering just two hits and a walk in one of his best performances of a remarkable season. Soler's homerun was his 34th of the season, and the only other hit by a Royal was an Adalberto Mondesi single in the fifth. Edwin Diaz picked up the save for the Mets, his 26th of the season.

AMERICAN LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Seattle (51-72) 2, Toronto (49-76) 6
NY Mets (61-61) 4, Kansas City (51-72) 1
Cleveland (72-51) 6, NY Yankees (76-48) 10
Baltimore (39-83) 6, Boston (67-58) 11
Detroit (36-82) 0, Tampa Bay (71-52) 8
Houston (79-44) 10, Oakland (68-54) 11 (Final/12)
Minnesota (72-50) 11, Texas (60-62) 10 (Final/12)
Chi. Sox (50-70) 7, LA Angels (63-61) 9

NATIONAL LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
San Diego (57-63) @ Philadelphia (64-57) -- PPD (Rain)
Miami (44-77) 9, Colorado (54-68) 3
San Francisco (64-59) 8, Arizona (63-60) 3
Milwaukee (64-57) 2, Washington (65-55) 4
St. Louis (60-60) 5, Cincinnati (58-63) 11
Chi. Cubs (65-57) 7, Pittsburgh (52-68) 1
LA Dodgers (82-42) 5, Atlanta (74-49) 7

MAJOR NEWS/TRANSACTIONS
Braves claim OF Billy Hamilton off waivers from the Royals
Red Sox RHP Carson Smith out for season with labrum injury

Saturday, August 17th, 2019 - First pitch, 6:10 CST
NY Mets (61-62) 3, Kansas City (52-72)
Winner: Richard Lovelady (1-0) Loser: Seth Lugo (4-3) Save: Ian Kennedy (25)
HR-NYM: Michael Conforto (27) HR-KC: Bubba Starling (7), Jorge Soler (35)

STARLING SHOT LEADS ROYALS TO VICTORY

Continuing his improbable start, Bubba Starling hit his seventh homerun of the season in the eighth inning, a solo shot to break a 3-3 tie as the Royals went on to win 4-3. Ian Kennedy picked up the save with a shaky ninth, his 25th of the season. Jorge Soler hit his 35th homerun of the season in the fourth, and Cam Gallagher added an RBI single in the sixth that tied the game at three apiece. Mike Montgomery had a sluggish third, allowing all three of his runs in that inning, but pitched well overall in six innings, fanning four while allowing eight hits and a pair of free passes.

AMERICAN LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Minnesota (72-50) @ Texas (60-62) -- PPD (Rain)
Seattle (51-73) 3, Toronto (50-76) 13
NY Mets (61-62) 3, Kansas City (52-72) 4
Cleveland (72-52) 1, NY Yankees (77-48) 7
Baltimore (39-84) 7, Boston (68-58) 8
Detroit (37-82) 3, Tampa Bay (71-53) 0
Houston (80-44) 5, Oakland (68-55) 4 (Final/11)
Chi. Sox (51-70) 7, LA Angels (63-62) 5 (Final/10)

NATIONAL LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
San Diego (57-64) 5, Philadelphia (65-57) 7 (G1)
San Diego (57-65) 2, Philadelphia (66-57) 5 (G2)
Miami (45-77) 14, Colorado (54-69) 5
San Francisco (64-60) 2, Arizona (64-60) 4
Milwaukee (64-58) 2, Washington (66-55) 6
St. Louis (60-61) 5, Cincinnati (59-63) 13
Chi. Cubs (66-57) 7, Pittsburgh (52-69) 4
LA Dodgers (83-42) 5, Atlanta (74-50) 2

MAJOR NEWS/TRANSACTIONS
Royals claim LHP Jose Castillo off waivers from San Diego
Rangers place OF Shin Soo-Choo (elbow) on 60-day disabled list

Sunday, August 18th, 2019 - First pitch, 12:10 CST
NY Mets (61-63) 3, Kansas City (53-72) 6
Winner: Jorge Lopez (3-7) Loser: Zack Wheeler (8-8) Save: Ian Kennedy (26)
HR-NYM: Wilson Ramos (13), Todd Frazier (15) HR-KC: Bubba Starling (8)

STARLING COMES UP BIG AGAIN

Bubba Starling hit his eighth homerun of the season; and his third in as many starts, in the second inning to stake the Royals to a 3-0 lead after just two frames. They would go on to put up two more in the fifth, and one in the sixth as they took the home series with the Mets, winning by a 6-3 count. Jorge Lopez picked up the victory, allowing three runs in seven innings, although he gave up a homerun in each of his final two innings of work. He fanned five and scattered six hits, backing up his seven shutout innings from his last start against Detroit. Alex Gordon was the team's other offensive star, going 2-for-5 with a run scored and a pair of stolen bases, his first multi-stolen base game since 2014.

AMERICAN LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Minnesota (72-51) 3, Texas (60-62) 19 (G1)
Minnesota (72-52) 5, Texas (61-62) 6 (G2)
Seattle (52-73) 6, Toronto (50-77) 2
NY Mets (61-63) 3, Kansas City (53-72) 6
Cleveland (72-53) 0, NY Yankees (78-48) 7
Baltimore (39-85) 6, Boston (69-58) 8
Detroit (38-82) 6, Tampa Bay (71-54) 0
Houston (81-44) 4, Oakland (68-56) 2
Chi. Sox (51-71) 5, LA Angels (64-62) 6

NATIONAL LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
San Diego (58-65) 5, Philadelphia (66-58) 2
Miami (45-78) 0, Colorado (55-69) 10
San Francisco (64-61) 1, Arizona (65-60) 5
Milwaukee (64-59) 9, Washington (67-55) 10
St. Louis (60-62) 2, Cincinnati (60-63) 3
Chi. Cubs (66-58) 5, Pittsburgh (53-69) 7
LA Dodgers (83-43) 0, Atlanta (75-50) 2

MAJOR NEWS/TRANSACTIONS
Indians RHP Shane Bieber to miss season with rotator cuff injury
Astros RHP Roberto Osuna shut down after elbow tenderness

[artoodeetoo]

Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

KANSAS CITY ROYALS (53-72) @ BALTIMORE ORIOLES (39-85)



PITCHING MATCHUPS

08/19: LHP Danny Duffy (5-6, 4.43) vs RHP Nate Karns (0-2, 4.34)
08/20: RHP Brad Keller (11-9, 3.54) vs LHP Wade Miley (10-6, 3.63)
08/21: RHP Jake Junis (9-10, 4.83) vs RHP Bryan Mitchell (0-1, 10.32)

GAME RECAPS

Monday, August 19th, 2019 - First pitch, 7:05 CST
Kansas City (54-72) 5, Baltimore (39-86) 0
Winner: Danny Duffy (6-6) Loser: Nate Karns (0-3) Save: None
HR-KC: Whit Merrifield (18), Brett Phillips (1) HR-BAL: None

DUFFY DAZZLES AS ROYALS CONTINUE TO ROLL

Danny Duffy turned in one of his best efforts in recent memory, fanning eight over seven and two-third innings in a 5-0 combined shutout victory over the Orioles. Jacob Barnes picked up the last four outs, fanning two in one and one-third innings. After a solid series against the Mets, Brett Phillips racked up three more hits, including a three-run homerun in the eighth that put the game out of reach. Whit Merrifield kicked off the scoring in the first, parking a Nate Karns fastball into the left field seats to put Kansas City up 1-0. Karns, the former Royal, walked five and fanned six in four and two-third innings before being replaced by Chris Lee. Baltimore mustered just four hits in the game, with two of them coming from Mark Trumbo. Merrifield also walked twice and stole a base, his 20th of the season.

AMERICAN LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Seattle (53-73) 7, Tampa Bay (71-55) 4
Kansas City (54-72) 5, Baltimore (39-86) 0
LA Angels (64-63) 4, Texas (63-62) 9 (G1)
LA Angels (64-64) 4, Teas (64-62) 6 (G2)
Detroit (38-83) 1, Houston (82-44) 2
Chi. Sox (52-71) 15, Minnesota (72-53) 5

NATIONAL LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Washington (67-56) 6, Pittsburgh (54-69) 7
San Diego (58-66) 5, Cincinnati (61-63) 6 (Final/13)
Milwaukee (65-59) 2, St. Louis (60-63) 1
Colorado (56-69) 9, Arizona (65-61) 7

MAJOR NEWS/TRANSACTIONS
Astros knock Dodgers off top spot in Power Rankings
O's Nunez, Phils' Harper earn Player of the Week honors

Tuesday, August 20th, 2019 - First pitch, 7:05 CST
Kansas City (55-72) 5, Baltimore (39-87) 1
Winner: Brad Keller (12-9) Loser: Paul Fry (1-5) Save: None
HR: None

RED-HOT ROYALS OVERCOME THE O'S

Brad Keller allowed just one run over seven innings, picking up his fifth straight victory in a 5-1 decision over the hapless Orioles. Bubba Starling was 3-for-5 to lead the Royals' offense, stroking a pair of doubles. Brett Phillips was 2-for-5 with a double and a triple, and Adalberto Mondesi went 1-for-5 with two steals.

AMERICAN LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
NY Yankees (79-48) 5, Oakland (68-57) 1
Philadelphia (67-58) 7, Boston (69-59) 5
Seattle (53-74) 3, Tampa Bay (72-55) 4
Kansas City (55-72) 5, Baltimore (39-87) 1
LA Angels (64-65) 2, Texas (65-62) 5
Detroit (38-84) 1, Houston (83-44) 12
Chi. Sox (52-72) 5, Minnesota (73-53) 14

NATIONAL LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
San Francisco (65-61) 7, Chi. Cubs (66-59) 6 (Final/10)
Toronto (50-78) 6, LA Dodgers (84-43) 7
Washington (67-57) 1, Pittsburgh (55-69) 4
Cleveland (72-54) 5, NY Mets (62-63) 6
San Diego (59-66) 5, Cincinnati (61-64) 3
Miami (45-79) 5, Atlanta (76-50) 6
Milwaukee (66-59) 4, St. Louis (60-64) 3
Colorado (56-70) 2, Arizona (66-61) 9

MAJOR NEWS/TRANSACTIONS
Dodgers RHP Kenley Jansen notches 300th career save in 7-6 victory over Toronto
Rockies SS Trevor Story to miss rest of season with broken ankle

Wednesday, August 21st, 2019 - First pitch, 7:05 CST
Kansas City (55-73) 6, Baltimore (40-87) 7 (Final/10)
Winner: Tanner Scott (2-3) Loser: Scott Barlow (3-4) Save: None
HR-KC: Whit Merrifield (19), Adalberto Mondesi (9), Hunter Dozier (21) HR-BAL: Dwight Smith, Jr. (13), Pedro Severino (11)

ORIOLES WALK THE ROYALS OFF IN 10TH

Jake Junis posted another quality start, allowing three earned runs in six innings, but the bullpen couldn't hold a 6-3 lead as the Orioles eventually went on to win 7-6 in ten innings. Anthony Santander drilled a bases-loaded single to left against Scott Barlow, sending the few fans in attendance in Camden Yards home happy. With three runs in the third and fourth frames, the Royals raced out to a 6-1 lead, but a pair of solo homeruns against Junis in the sixth set the stage for the O's comeback -- they tied the game in the seventh against the duo of Kyle Zimmer and Richard Lovelady before Jacob Barnes gave the Royals one and two-third innings of spotless baseball.

AMERICAN LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
NY Yankees (80-48) 7, Oakland (68-58) 2
Philadelphia (68-58) 9, Boston (69-60) 4
Seattle (53-75) 3, Tampa Bay (73-55) 5
Kansas City (55-73) 6, Baltimore (40-87) 7 (Final/10)
LA Angels (64-66) 3, Texas (66-62) 7
Detroit (38-85) 10, Houston (84-44) 11 (Final/13)
Chi. Sox (52-73) 3, Minnesota (74-53) 9

NATIONAL LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
San Francisco (65-62) 6, Chi. Cubs (67-59) 7
Toronto (51-78) 3, LA Dodgers (84-44) 2
Washington (68-57) 7, Pittsburgh (55-70) 4
Cleveland (73-54) 8, NY Mets (62-64) 4
San Diego (59-67) 2, Cincinnati (62-64) 3 (Final/15)
Miami (45-80) 4, Atlanta (77-50) 18
Milwaukee (66-60) 3, St. Louis (61-64) 4
Colorado (57-70) 15, Arizona (66-62) 5

MAJOR NEWS/TRANSACTIONS
Cubs LHP Jon Lester (elbow) to miss remainder of 2019 season
Orioles 1B/DH Mark Trumbo (shoulder) out for rest of season

[artoodeetoo]

Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

OAKLAND ATHLETICS (70-59) @ KANSAS CITY ROYALS (56-75)



PITCHING MATCHUPS

08/26: RHP Homer Bailey (9-7, 4.95) vs RHP Brad Keller (12-9, 3.45)
08/27: LHP A.J. Puk (0-0, 0.00) vs RHP Jake Junis (9-10, 4.82)
08/28: RHP Jharel Cotton (1-1, 3.86) vs LHP Mike Montgomery (3-5, 6.05)
08/29: LHP Sean Manaea (0-1, 3.21) vs RHP Jorge Lopez (3-8, 5.47)

GAME RECAPS

Monday, August 26th, 2019 - First pitch, 7:15 CST
Oakland (70-60) 2, Kansas City (57-75) 6
Winner: Jake Newberry (2-0) Loser: Homer Bailey (9-8) Save: None
HR-OAK: Mark Canha (21) HR-CLE: Cheslor Cuthbert 2 (8)

CUTHBERT POWERS ROYALS VICTORY

Cheslor Cuthbert hit a pair of solo homeruns to help bolster the Royals' offense in their series-opening 6-2 victory over the Oakland A's on Monday night. They faced former Royal Homer Bailey, as they tagged the long-time Red with four earned runs over six innings, although he struck out seven Royals in the process. Not only did Cuthbert hit a pair of homeruns, Jorge Soler added to his team-best RBI total, going 2-for-3 with a single and a double to give him ninety-one RBI on the season. Royals fans held their breath a bit in the fifth inning when Brad Keller was pulled from the game after experiencing what was termed a "lower leg" issue, but manager Ned Yost did not deem it serious, and insinuated he might miss "one start, at worst". In four-and-one-third no-hit innings, he walked three and fanned six, and unfortunately didn't pitch long enough to pick up the decision. That went to Jake Newberry, now 2-0 after allowing two earned runs in one-and-two-third innings.

AMERICAN LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Oakland (70-60) 2, Kansas City (57-75) 6
NY Yankees (82-51) 4, Seattle (53-79) 1

NATIONAL LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Atlanta (81-51) 11, Colorado (60-72) 12 (Final/12)
Cincinnati (64-66) 9, Miami (47-83) 8
Pittsburgh (57-73) 3, Philadelphia (70-60) 4
St. Louis (63-67) 6, Milwaukee (69-61) 8
Arizona (68-64) 6, San Francisco (67-64) 1
LA Dodgers (88-45) 6, San Diego (60-70) 2

MAJOR NEWS/TRANSACTIONS
Astros' Alvarez, Pirates' Diaz named AL, NL Players of the Week

Tuesday, August 27th, 2019 - First pitch, 7:15 CST
Oakland (70-61) 0, Kansas City (58-75) 8
Winner: Jake Junis (10-10) Loser: Jharel Cotton (1-2) Save: None
HR-OAK: None HR-CLE: Jorge Soler 2 (37)

'SOLER POWER' LEADS ROYALS TO VICTORY

With a pair of homeruns, Jorge Soler now sits just one longball away from tying Mike Moustakas' 2017 single-season mark of thirty-eight as the Royals whitewashed Oakland 8-0 to secure at least a series split with the AL wildcard contender. Soler hit his first homerun, a three-run shot, against Jharel Cotton in the fourth. He went deep against Cotton again in the fifth, this time for a pair of runs. He also walked once, and scored three times. Jake Junis was absolutely dealing, fanning a dozen with just two walks and three hits over six-and-two-third innings of work to even his record at 10-10. Oakland's Ramon Laureano collected a trio of hits for the A's offense, but only mustered five total as a team.

AMERICAN LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Oakland (70-61) 0, Kansas City (58-75) 8
Cleveland (76-56) 10, Detroit (39-89) 8
Atlanta (81-52) 3, Toronto (55-79) 7
Minnesota (76-55) 5, Chi. Sox (55-75) 6
NY Yankees (83-51) 4, Seattle (53-80) 3
Tampa Bay (74-59) 2, Houston (87-46) 3
Texas (68-65) 2, LA Angels (67-67) 6

NATIONAL LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Boston (72-61) 10, Colorado (60-73) 5
Chi. Cubs (69-62) 3, NY Mets (64-67) 8
Baltimore (43-89) 1, Washington (71-59) 3
Cincinnati (64-67) 6, Miami (48-83) 7 (Final/10)
Pittsburgh (57-74) 6, Philadelphia (71-60) 9
St. Louis (63-68) 6, Milwaukee (70-61) 13
Arizona (68-65) 5, San Francisco (68-64) 8
LA Dodgers (88-46) 2, San Diego (61-70) 7

MAJOR NEWS/TRANSACTIONS
Goldy, Albers suspended four and eight games from Cards-Brewers fracas

Wednesday, August 28th, 2019 - First pitch, 7:15 CST
Oakland (70-62) 2, Kansas City (59-75) 3
Winner: Mike Montgomery (4-5) Loser: A.J. Puk (0-1) Save: Ian Kennedy (28)
HR-OAK: None HR-CLE: Cheslor Cuthbert (9)

RED-HOT ROYALS ROLL AGAIN

Cheslor Cuthbert provided a key blow again, drilling a two-run homerun against southpaw A.J. Puk in the sixth inning to give the Royals a 3-0 lead, as they went on to win 3-2 over the A's. Stephen Piscotty brought the A's to within one against Scott Barlow, who came in with two on and one out in relief of Mike Montgomery, who had not allowed a run or walk in six-and-one-third innings of fantastic baseball, stewarding the Royals to a 3-0 lead at the time. But Barlow allowed both runners to score, tagging Montgomery with both runs before getting out of the inning otherwise unscathed. Josh Staumont struck out the side in the eighth, before Ian Kennedy cleaned up in the ninth with a 1-2-3 frame to pick up his 28th save of the season.

AMERICAN LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Oakland (70-62) 2, Kansas City (59-75) 3
Cleveland (76-57) 0, Detroit (40-89) 2
Atlanta (82-52) 9, Toronto (55-80) 6 (Final/12)
Minnesota (77-55) 5, Chi. Sox (55-76) 1
NY Yankees (84-51) 9, Seattle (53-81) 5
Tampa Bay (75-59) 4, Houston (87-47) 1
Texas (69-65) 9, LA Angels (67-68) 1

NATIONAL LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Boston (73-61) 14, Colorado (60-74) 0
Chi. Cubs (69-63) 1, NY Mets (65-67) 5
Baltimore (43-90) 1, Washington (72-59) 5
Cincinnati (64-68) 3, Miami (49-83) 6
Pittsburgh (58-74) 3, Philadelphia (71-61) 2 (Final/10)
St. Louis (64-68) 9, Milwaukee (70-62) 7
LA Dodgers (89-46) 9, San Diego (61-71) 4

MAJOR NEWS/TRANSACTIONS
Atlanta southpaw Max Fried to miss additional start, still set to return

Thursday, August 29th, 2019 - First pitch, 12:15 CST
Oakland (71-62) 10, Kansas City (59-76) 7
Winner: Lou Trivino (4-5) Loser: Jake Newberry (2-1) Save: Liam Hendriks (16)
HR-OAK: Ramon Laureano (25) HR-CLE: Hunter Dozier 2 (23)

A'S SALVAGE FINAL GAME OF SERIES

Oakland's bats caught fire in the middle innings, tagging the Royals for ten runs through the fifth, sixth, and seventh innings as the Royals fell by a field goal, 10-7. Ramon Laureano homered, doubled twice, and drove in a trio of runs while scoring three times himself. Jorge Lopez was brilliant through the first four innings, shutting Oakland out with seven strikeouts against just three hits, but a rough fifth inning knocked him from the game after just five innings. Jake Newberry didn't fare a lot better, getting tagged with three earned runs in just two-thirds of an inning.

AMERICAN LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Oakland (71-62) 10, Kansas City (59-76) 7
Cleveland (77-57) 5, Detroit (40-90) 3
Minnesota (78-55) 3, Chi. Sox (55-77) 1
Seattle (53-82) 7, Texas (70-65) 11
Tampa Bay (76-59) 8, Houston (87-48) 1

NATIONAL LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
LA Dodgers (89-47) 7, Arizona (69-65) 15
Chi. Cubs (69-64) 1, NY Mets (66-67) 3
Cincinnati (64-69) 2, Miami (50-83) 7
Pittsburgh (59-74) 6, Colorado (60-75) 3
San Diego (61-72) 1, San Francisco (69-64) 4

MAJOR NEWS/TRANSACTIONS
Rays place RHP Ryan Yarbrough (shoulder) on 10-day injured list

[artoodeetoo]

Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

ROYALS NEWS
Glass family begins process of selling franchise
By artoodeetoo
08/30/2019

SALE OF FRANCHISE IMMINENT

Not only is it the biggest news in Kansas City, the biggest story in all of baseball is that David Glass is nearing a deal to sell the Royals to Kansas City-area business person and philanthropist John Sherman for a reported amount of nearly $1bn. The sale is subject to approval by the league's ownership, but Sherman has ownership experience.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today is reporting that the deal is quite close to being consummated, and Jayson Stark and Ken Rosenthal reported the deal was in the works earlier in the week. The Glass family, headed by patriarch David Glass, purchased the Royals for $96MM in 2000, and has seen it payoff nearly ten-fold, if the reports turn out to be true.

Sherman is currently a minority owner of the Cleveland Indians, and the purchase is contingent on selling his 30% stake in the Indians. Early speculation is that the owner of the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers, Dan Gilbert, would be an interested party in buying some, or all, of Sherman's stake.

Health reasons are speculated to be the driving factor in the sale, and that David Glass' son, Dan, is not interested in being the majority owner of the franchise; even though he's been the public-facing ownership group member for the last few years.

The deal is expected to be finalized in November, soon after the completion of the World Series.

KELLER EXPECTED TO MAKE NEXT START; WILL BE SHUT DOWN AFTER THAT

Right-hander Brad Keller, who was pulled from his last start against Oakland on Monday night with a hamstring issue, is expected to make his next start on Saturday night against Baltimore, according to manager Ned Yost.

Keller, who is 12-9 on the season with a 3.39 ERA, has won his last five decisions. He's dropped his ERA from a high of 4.63 in late June, all the way to 3.36 after Monday night's start in which he went just four-and-one-third innings. He fanned six with three walks, and didn't allow a single hit.

However, manager Ned Yost and general manager Dayton Moore are expected to shut the right-hander down for the remainder of the season after his start on Saturday. He's not expected to go more than ninety pitches, regardless of innings worked.

2018 DRAFTEE TO UNDERGO SEASON-ENDING SURGERY

Right-hander Jackson Kowar, picked 33rd out of Florida in the 2018 MLB Draft, received some bad news after his start on Tuesday night -- he'll have to undergo Tommy John surgery to repair a damaged ligament in his pitching elbow. He had gone just five batters that night before feeling a 'pop' in his elbow, and figured soon after that he had likely suffered a pretty serious injury.

"Yeah, this definitely puts a damper on things," he said following the game, "But I'll be back as soon as I can. Hopefully, the rehab goes well."

Kowar is the team's 10th-overall prospect according to Baseball America, and has a 3.28 ERA through twelve starts with the Double-A Naturals. In thirteen starts with the Wilmington Blue Rocks (High-A), he sported a 3.53 ERA.

He's been mentioned as a possible darkhorse for the 2020 Royals' pitching staff out of the bullpen or as a back-end starter, but that timetable has certainly been pushed back after this latest news.

[artoodeetoo]

Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

BALTIMORE ORIOLES (43-90) @ KANSAS CITY ROYALS (59-76)



PITCHING MATCHUPS

08/30: LHP Wade Miley (11-6, 3.72) vs LHP Danny Duffy (6-6, 4.35)
08/31: RHP Bryan Mitchell (0-1, 9.47) vs RHP Brad Keller (12-9, 3.36)
09/01: RHP Dylan Bundy (7-11, 4.76) vs RHP Jake Junis (10-10, 4.62)

GAME RECAPS

Friday, August 30th, 2019 - First pitch, 7:15 CST
Baltimore (43-91) 2, Kansas City (60-76) 6
Winner: Danny Duffy (7-6) Loser: Wade Miley (11-7) Save: None
HR-BAL: None HR-KC: Hunter Dozier 2 (25)

THE BULL-DOZIER STRIKES AGAIN

For the second straight night, Hunter Dozier hit a pair of homeruns, leading the Royals to a 6-2 victory to open the final series of August. Dozier also added an RBI double in the first to get the Royals off to a good start, before going deep in the third and the fifth against Wade Miley. Danny Duffy picked up the victory, going six-and-one-third innings. He allowed just two runs on seven hits, fanning six. The win for Duffy is just his seventh of the season. Jacob Barnes and Richard Lovelady finished out the game with two-and-two-thirds scoreless, with Lovelady fanning the side in the ninth in relief of Barnes, who left with an oblique strain.

AMERICAN LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Houston (88-48) 7, Toronto (55-81) 4
Baltimore (43-91) 2, Kansas City (60-76) 6
Oakland (72-62) 12, NY Yankees (84-52) 10
Minnesota (79-55) 9, Detroit (40-91) 8 (Final/10)
Cleveland (77-58) 1, Tampa Bay (77-59) 3
Boston (74-61) 5, LA Angels (67-69) 1
Seattle (53-83) 2, Texas (71-65) 3

NATIONAL LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Cincinnati (64-70) 0, St. Louis (65-68) 1 (G1, Final/13)
Cincinnati (65-70) 9, St. Louis (65-69) 5 (G2)
NY Mets (66-68) 3, Philadelphia (72-61) 6
Milwaukee (70-63) 4, Chi. Cubs (70-64) 9
Miami (50-84) 0, Washington (73-59) 2
Chi. Sox (55-78) 4, Atlanta (83-52) 7
Pittsburgh (60-74) 11, Colorado (60-76) 8
LA Dodgers (90-47) 12, Arizona (69-66) 2
San Diego (62-72) 4, San Francisco (69-65) 0

MAJOR NEWS/TRANSACTIONS
Minnesota activates OF Byron Buxton from the injured list

Saturday, August 31st, 2019 - First pitch, 7:15 CST
Baltimore (44-91) 5, Kansas City (60-77) 1
Winner: Bryan Mitchell (1-1) Loser: Brad Keller (12-10) Save: None
HR-BAL: Jonathan Villar (19) HR-KC: None

KELLER FALLS IN FINAL 2019 START

Making his final appearance of the season, Brad Keller wasn't his usual sharp self, allowing four earned over five innings as the Royals couldn't secure the series victory with a 5-1 loss to the Orioles. Despite the loss, he followed up a solid rookie year with a good sophomore campaign, finishing 12-10 with a 3.47 ERA in 176 1/3 innings of work. The Royals' only run in this one came on an error in the second inning, allowing Ryan O'Hearn to score on a Cam Gallagher ground ball. Ten days after giving up six earned runs to the Royals at Camden Yards, Bryan Mitchell allowed just the one unearned run in his five-and-one-third innings, walking two, scattering three hits, and fanning one. Drew Jackson singled and doubled, going 2-for-3 with two RBI to lead the O's offensive attack.

AMERICAN LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Houston (88-49) 3, Toronto (56-81) 5
Baltimore (44-91) 5, Kansas City (60-77) 1
Oakland (72-63) 6, NY Yankees (85-52) 10
Minnesota (80-55) 9, Detroit (40-92) 6
Cleveland (77-59) 5, Tampa Bay (78-59) 6
Boston (75-61) 5, LA Angels (67-70) 3
Seattle (53-84) 3, Texas (72-65) 4

NATIONAL LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Cincinnati (65-71) 5, St. Louis (66-69) 6
NY Mets (66-69) 6, Philadelphia (73-61) 8
Milwaukee (70-64) 6, Chi. Cubs (71-64) 10
Miami (51-84) 3, Washington (73-60) 2
Chi. Sox (55-79) 4, Atlanta (84-52) 5
Pittsburgh (61-74) 5, Colorado (60-77) 2
LA Dodgers (91-47) 7, Arizona (69-67) 6 (Final/10)
San Diego (62-73) 1, San Francisco (70-65) 0

MAJOR NEWS/TRANSACTIONS
Twins' Pineda to miss rest of season with torn elbow ligaments

Sunday, September 1st, 2019 - First pitch, 12:15 CST
Baltimore (45-91) 5, Kansas City (60-78) 1
Winner: Richard Bleier (4-0) Loser: Jake Junis (10-11) Save: None
HR-BAL: Drew Jackson (1), Danny Santana (18) HR-KC: Cheslor Cuthbert (10)

K.C. FALLS IN RUBBER MATCH

A rough seventh inning between pitchers Jake Junis and Jake Newberry led to another 5-1 defeat at the hands of the Orioles. With the loss, the Royals dropped their first series in over a month. They got on the board first with a solo homerun from Cheslor Cuthbert in the bottom of the first inning against Dylan Bundy; but Bundy stiffened up after that, not allowing another run to cross the plate in his five innings of work. Richard Bleier picked up the victory, tossing two-and-one-third innings of scoreless relief, although he allowed four baserunners, all via base hits. Junis left with the game in a 1-1 tie and a man on first base, but that man scored when Drew Jackson homered in the seventh, tagging him with the earned run and the defeat. He did, however, strike out nine over his 6 2/3 inning performance, allowing just two earned runs with four walks and four hits apiece.

AMERICAN LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Houston (89-49) 5, Toronto (56-82) 2
Baltimore (45-91) 5, Kansas City (60-78) 1
Oakland (72-64) 2, NY Yankees (86-52) 7
Minnesota (81-55) 12, Detroit (40-93) 4
Cleveland (78-59) 2, Tampa Bay (78-60) 1
Boston (76-61) 3, LA Angels (68-70) 4 (Final/10)
Seattle (54-84) 6, Texas (72-66) 9

NATIONAL LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Cincinnati (65-72) 0, St. Louis (67-69) 4
NY Mets (66-70) 5, Philadelphia (74-61) 6
Milwaukee (70-65) 7, Chi. Cubs (72-64) 8
Miami (51-85) 1, Washington (74-60) 5
Chi. Sox (55-80) 3, Atlanta (85-52) 7
Pittsburgh (61-75) 2, Colorado (61-77) 7
LA Dodgers (91-48) 1, Arizona (70-67) 6 (Final/10)
San Diego (63-73) 11, San Francisco (70-66) 0

MAJOR NEWS/TRANSACTIONS
Detroit's Boyd, Yankees' Judge win AL honors for August
Dodgers' Jansen, Braves' Donaldson secure NL August Player of the Month awards
Alvarez of Houston, Tatis, Jr., of San Diego with August rookie awards

[artoodeetoo]

Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

FIVE WHO COULD IMPACT IN SEPTEMBER AND BEYOND
Hahn to make Royals debut nearly two years after acquisition
By artoodeetoo
09/02/2019

It's that time of year again, as the thirty MLB franchises begin a roster churn to bring up as many young players to get them as much experience as they can before next season. It takes on a bit more meaning this year, though, as the roster max after September 1st, 2020 will be twenty-eight instead of forty. Such is the life of a small market club; the Royals are always looking for contributors from the depths of their 40-man roster or in the upper levels of the minors. The below five are a mix of veterans and rookies, pitchers and hitters alike that could make an impact throughout this month, and even beyond.

JESSE HAHN, RHP: Nearly twenty (!!) months after acquiring him from the Oakland A's, right-hander Jesse Hahn will be making his Royals debut at some point in the coming days. He's been out with an elbow ligament injury in his pitching elbow that did not require Tommy John surgery, and has been rehabbing ever since. In a fairly impressive rehab stint, he fanned twenty-nine hitters in 26 2/3 innings (five starts) between the top three levels of the Royals' minor leagues, while walking ten and allowing just five earned runs over that time frame. If he's healthy, he could add another weapon either as a swing starter or long-relief spot, as he has MLB experience in both roles. Oh, and he's still controlled through 2021.

NICK HEATH, OF: Heath isn't officially on the 40-man roster, but there's nothing stopping the Royals from making some moves to do so in the (quite possibly) near-future. With the only true speed threats on the roster now being just Whit Merrifield and Adalberto Mondesi, the Royals might be looking for the next Terrance Gore -- someone who can play reasonably well on defense, and can impact the game on the basepaths. Heath is still developing defensively as an outfielder, but there might not be a faster person in the Royals' system, and that includes fellow Omaha teammate Dairon Blanco, as well as the aforementioned Mondesi and Merrifield. Like Gore, he's not going to wow you with a superior hit tool, but Heath has a solid knowledge of the strike zone, and plays within himself at the plate. Despite a .208 BA through 108 PA in Triple-A, he carries a decent .296 OBP with just eighteen strikeouts and nine steals in fourteen tries.

BRYAN BRICKHOUSE, RHP: The former 2011 third-round pick has been one of the best stories in the Royals' minor leagues this season. He's overcome multiple arm injuries since then, and looks to be on the cusp of the majors with sixteen strikeouts to just five walks in 13 1/3 Triple-A innings, all while allowing just two earned runs (no homeruns). Brickhouse can touch triple digits with his fastball, and has a plus-curveball with an average change-up. He's not on the 40-man, so some roster finagling would have to be done, but you figure the Royals are going to re-shuffle the roster in the offseason, and Brickhouse would be one of the first to get a look.

JORGE BONIFACIO, OF: The biggest problem for Bonifacio hasn't been talent, it's been opportunity. After an 80-game PED suspension last year, he's found himself stuck behind others like Bubba Starling, Brett Phillips, and up until recently, Terrance Gore and Billy Hamilton. The emergence of Jorge Soler as a legitimate middle-of-the-order hitter has also been a roadblock to playing time, since they have similar profiles. He hit seventeen homeruns with a .253/.342/.453 slash in 2017 before finding himself in the doghouse a bit last season, and began this season on the injured list. He has been up-and-down between Omaha and Kansas City in 2019, but has found a groove in recent weeks with the Storm Chasers with ten doubles, a triple, and six homeruns in the last five weeks. Bonifacio's big issue is that he's nearly out of options, but still has a chance to contribute on the major-league roster going forward.

JOSE CASTILLO, LHP: The big southpaw was claimed off waivers a few weeks ago from the Padres, and has been in Triple-A up until the last few days. Castillo was a big contributor for San Diego in 2018, logging 38 1/3 innings of work while fanning fifty-two in that timeframe. However, he got caught in a numbers game in southern California, and has a nice opportunity in a Royals' bullpen that is crying out for some consistency. In 8 2/3 innings with the Storm Chasers since coming over, he has seven strikeouts to just one walk with a 3.12 ERA. Best of all, he has options remaining, and is controlled through 2024.

[artoodeetoo]

Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

ROSTER/STANDINGS UPDATE

[artoodeetoo]

Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

DETROIT TIGERS (41-93) @ KANSAS CITY ROYALS (60-78)



PITCHING MATCHUPS

09/03: LHP Matt Boyd (10-9, 3.52) vs LHP Mike Montgomery (4-5, 5.72)
09/04: LHP Tyler Alexander (0-5, 5.92) vs RHP Jorge Lopez (3-8, 5.54)
09/05: RHP Spencer Turnbull (4-13, 3.94) vs LHP Danny Duffy (7-6, 4.27)

GAME RECAPS

Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019 - First pitch, 7:15 CST
Detroit (41-94) 4, Kansas City (61-78) 6
Winner: Mike Montgomery (5-5) Loser: Matt Boyd (10-10) Save: Ian Kennedy (29)
HR-DET: John Norwood (2), Ronny Rodriguez (14) HR-KC: Cam Gallagher (3), Jorge Soler (38)

SOLER TIES MOOSE'S HOMERUN RECORD IN WIN

Cam Gallagher broke out of a prolonged slump with three hits, including a homerun, as the Royals were able to stave off a few late Detroit rallies to post a 6-4 victory. Mike Montgomery allowed just one earned run over six innings to post the victory to even his record at 5-5. Detroit's Matt Boyd had one of the strangest stat lines you'll ever see -- he allowed six earned runs on five hits and two walks in five and two-thirds innings, but struck out thirteen out of seventeen possible outs of the Royals in a losing effort. Jorge Soler tied Mike Moustakas' team record for homeruns in the very first inning, hitting a 423-foot shot to left-center for his 38th homerun of the 2019 campaign. He's also just one RBI short of one-hundred.

AMERICAN LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Detroit (41-94) 4, Kansas City (61-78) 6
Chi. Sox (55-82) 6, Cleveland (80-59) 9
Texas (72-68) 1, NY Yankees (88-52) 6
Minnesota (81-57) 3, Boston (76-62) 4 (Final/11)
Baltimore (45-93) 1, Tampa Bay (80-60) 2
LA Angels (68-71) 7, Oakland (73-64) 10

NATIONAL LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Toronto (56-83) @ Atlanta (86-52) -- PPD (Rain)
Philadelphia (75-62) 6, Cincinnati (66-73) 4
NY Mets (68-70) 7, Washington (74-62) 1
Miami (52-85) 7, Pittsburgh (61-76) 4
San Francisco (71-67) 5, St. Louis (68-70) 1
Houston (90-50) 3, Milwaukee (71-66) 2
Seattle (54-86) 3, Chi. Cubs (74-64) 4 (Final/10)
San Diego (64-74) 7, Arizona (71-68) 9
Colorado (61-79) 3, LA Dodgers (93-48) 5

MAJOR NEWS/TRANSACTIONS
Braves LHP A.J. Minter (shoulder) sidelined for remainder of season
Mets 1B Pete Alonso (foot) to miss the next two to three weeks

Wednesday, September 4th, 2019 - First pitch, 7:15 CST
Detroit (42-94) 6, Kansas City (61-79) 1
Winner: Tyler Alexander (1-5) Loser: Jorge Lopez (3-9) Save: None
HR-DET: None HR-KC: Whit Merrifield (20)

KELLER FALLS IN FINAL 2019 START

Jorge Lopez put forth one of his worst starts in recent memory, allowing five hits, runs, and walks apiece as Detroit led wire-to-wire in a 6-1 defeat for the Royals. Two young southpaws made their Royals debut in tonight's game -- Jose Castillo and Gabe Speier combined to throw 2 2/3 innings of shutout ball, fanning three with no baserunners allowed. Whit Merrifield went 2-for-4 with a homerun, his 20th of the season, to lead off the Royals' half of the first, but Kansas City never really threatened to score again after the first, as they left the bases loaded in that inning. Niko Goodrum doubled twice and drove in four runs to lead the Detroit offense. Tyler Alexander scattered one earned run and a pair of walks over eight innings to pick up his first victory of 2019 for the Tigers. Cam Gallagher collected three more hits, including a double, for the Royals.

AMERICAN LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Detroit (42-94) 6, Kansas City (61-79) 1
Chi. Sox (55-83) 6, Cleveland (81-59) 14
Texas (72-69) 2, NY Yankees (89-52) 13
Minnesota (81-58) 0, Boston (77-62) 4 (Final/11)
Baltimore (45-94) 0, Tampa Bay (81-60) 5
LA Angels (68-72) 7, Oakland (74-64) 14

NATIONAL LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Philadelphia (75-62) @ Cincinnati (66-73) -- PPD (Rain)
Toronto (56-84) 0, Atlanta (87-52) 6
NY Mets (68-71) 2, Washington (75-62) 7
Miami (52-86) 5, Pittsburgh (62-76) 9
San Francisco (71-68) 0, St. Louis (69-70) 1
San Diego (65-74) 10, Arizona (71-69) 5
Colorado (61-80) 0, LA Dodgers (94-48) 1

MAJOR NEWS/TRANSACTIONS
Astros' Greinke picks up 200th career victory with 3-2 win over MIL

Thursday, September 5th, 2019 - First pitch, 7:15 CST
Detroit (42-95) 0, Kansas City (62-79) 3
Winner: Danny Duffy (8-6) Loser: Spencer Turnbull (4-14) Save: None
HR: None

LATE RALLY WINS THE SERIES

It was a pitcher's duel between Spencer Turnbull and Danny Duffy, with Duffy prevailing in a 3-0 shutout victory for the Royals' left-hander. Turnbull cruised through the first seven innings, striking out eleven Royals to match Duffy blow-for-blow until four straight hitters reached in the eighth; prompting Ron Gardenhire to bring in Buck Farmer, who allowed two more runs to score before finally getting out of the inning. Duffy went on to strike out the side in the ninth, working around a one-out hit to pick up his eighth victory of the season, and first complete-game shutout since 2017. Duffy scattered just two hits and three walks in the contest. The Royals collected just six hits the entire game, all of them singles.

AMERICAN LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Detroit (42-95) 0, Kansas City (62-79) 3
Chi. Sox (55-84) 9, Cleveland (82-59) 10 (Final/14)
Texas (73-69) 13, NY Yankees (89-53) 3
Minnesota (81-59) 4, Boston (78-62) 6
Seattle (54-87) 3, Houston (91-50) 6
Toronto (57-84) 5, Tampa Bay (81-61) 2
LA Angels (69-72) 8, Oakland (74-65) 5

NATIONAL LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Philadelphia (75-63) 1, Cincinnati (67-73) 2 (G1)
Philadelphia (75-64) 2, Cincinnati (68-73) 5 (G2)
Washington (75-63) 5, Atlanta (88-52) 8
Chi. Cubs (75-64) 8, Milwaukee (71-67) 2
Miami (52-87) 2, Pittsburgh (63-76) 9
San Francisco (71-69) 2, St. Louis (70-70) 3

MAJOR NEWS/TRANSACTIONS
Dodgers LHP Clayton Kershaw (elbow) out for rest of season; 2020 in doubt
Phils OF Corey Dickerson has hit streak snapped at twenty games

[artoodeetoo]

Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

KANSAS CITY ROYALS (60-78) @ MIAMI MARLINS (52-87)



PITCHING MATCHUPS

09/06: RHP Heath Fillmyer (0-1, 9.00) vs RHP Nick Neidert (1-3, 8.89)
09/07: RHP Jake Junis (10-11, 4.55) vs RHP Jordan Yamamoto (4-4, 3.84)
09/08: RHP Jesse Hahn (0-0, 0.00) vs LHP Caleb Smith (9-5, 3.56)

GAME RECAPS

Friday, September 6th, 2019 - First pitch, 7:10 CST
Kansas City (62-80) 3, Miami (53-87) 7
Winner: Nick Neidert (2-3) Loser: Heath Fillmyer (0-2) Save: Tommy Eveld (3)
HR-KC: None HR-MIA: Austin Dean (3), Harold Ramirez (9)

ROYALS DROP FIRST ROADIE OF SEPTEMBER

Kansas City jumped out to a 1-0 lead, but the Marlins added two in the fourth, and three in the fifth to hang on for a 7-3 victory over the visiting Royals. Nick Neidert overcame a rough first inning to post a solid line, allowing just one earned run over six innings, fanning six with three walks. Heath Fillmyer cruised through the first three innings, but Austin Dean brought home two with a single in the fourth, and Garrett Cooper, Brian Anderson, and Jorge Alfaro all had RBI hits in the fifth.

AMERICAN LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Oakland (74-66) 4, Detroit (43-95) 5 (G1, Final/10)
Detroit (44-95) 2, Oakland (74-67) 0 (G2)
NY Yankees (90-52) 6, Boston (78-63) 2
Texas (74-69) 5, Baltimore (45-96) 3
Toronto (57-85) 3, Tampa Bay (82-61) 4
Seattle (54-88) 3, Houston (92-50) 13
LA Angels (70-72) 6, Chi. Sox (55-85) 5
Cleveland (82-60) 2, Minnesota (82-59) 9

NATIONAL LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Kansas City (62-80) 3, Miami (53-87) 7
Arizona (71-70) 8, Cincinnati (69-73) 10
St. Louis (71-70) 4, Pittsburgh (63-77) 2
Philadelphia (76-64) 3, NY Mets (68-72) 1
Washington (75-64) 3, Atlanta (89-52) 4
San Francisco (71-70) 1, LA Dodgers (95-48) 10
Chi. Cubs (75-65) 8, Milwaukee (72-67) 10
Colorado (61-81) 3, San Diego (66-74) 4

MAJOR NEWS/TRANSACTIONS
Dodgers clinch NL West with 10-1 win over Giants

Saturday, September 7th, 2019 - First pitch, 6:10 CST
Kansas City (63-80) 6, Miami (53-88) 4
Winner: Josh Staumont (1-0) Loser: Riley Ferrell (0-5) Save: Ian Kennedy (30)
HR-KC: Alex Gordon (15), Jorge Soler (39) HR-MIA: Brian Anderson (21), Garrett Cooper (17), Starlin Castro (9)

SOLER BREAKS RECORD AS ROYALS WIN

Jorge Soler is now the owner of the Royals' single-season homerun record, hitting his 39th dinger of the season in a 6-4 victory over the Marlins to even their series at one win apiece. Soler also tripled in the ninth, scoring on an Adalberto Mondesi double to put the Royals on top 5-4. Jake Junis surrendered three runs in seven innings, leaving with a 4-3 lead. Josh Staumont surrendered a big knock to Garrett Cooper in the bottom of the eighth to tie the score, but Mondesi and Cheslor Cuthbert's RBI hits gave Ian Kennedy the opportunity to slam the door for his 30th save of the season. Alex Gordon also collected a pair of hits, including a two-run homerun in the fifth against Jordan Yamamoto.

AMERICAN LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Detroit (45-95) 2, Oakland (74-68) 1
NY Yankees (91-52) 10, Boston (78-64) 4
Texas (75-69) 5, Baltimore (45-97) 2
Toronto (57-86) 5, Tampa Bay (83-61) 12
Seattle (54-89) 0, Houston (93-50) 6
LA Angels (70-73) 2, Chi. Sox (56-85) 5
Cleveland (83-60) 13, Minnesota (82-60) 9

NATIONAL LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Kansas City (63-80) 6, Miami (53-88) 4
Arizona (72-70) 7, Cincinnati (69-74) 6
St. Louis (71-71) 3, Pittsburgh (64-77) 4
Philadelphia (77-64) 11, NY Mets (68-73) 6
Washington (76-64) 6, Atlanta (89-53) 3
San Francisco (71-71) 1, LA Dodgers (96-48) 4
Chi. Cubs (76-65) 8, Milwaukee (72-68) 6
Colorado (62-81) 4, San Diego (66-75) 0

MAJOR NEWS/TRANSACTIONS
Jays' Grichuk, Rays' Honeywell suspended for mound altercation

Sunday, September 8th, 2019 - First pitch, 12:10 CST
Kansas City (63-80) 6, Miami (53-88) 4
Winner: Tommy Eveld (1-1) Loser: Kevin McCarthy (2-3) Save: None
HR-KC: Bubba Starling (10), Adalberto Mondesi (12) HR-MIA: Neil Walker (11), Harold Ramirez (10), Austin Dean (4)

ROYALS WALKED OFF BY WALKER

Neil Walker's two-run bomb off Kevin McCarthy in the eleventh sent the Royals home a loser, as the Marlins took the game and the series with a 5-3 walk-off victory. Jesse Hahn made his first appearance in a Royals uniform, and was solid in allowing just two earned runs (three total) in six innings, allowing just three hits and no walks with three strikeouts. First baseman Ryan McBroom dropped a fairly easy pop fly in foul territory off the bat of Harold Ramirez in the sixth inning; and two pitches later Ramirez parked a Hahn fastball just over the left field fence to break a 2-2 tie. Hunter Dozier doubled twice as part of a 3-for-5 performance for the Royals, but no other player had more than one hit against the Marlins and starter Caleb Smith.

AMERICAN LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Detroit (45-956) 2, Oakland (75-68) 3
NY Yankees (92-52) 11, Boston (78-65) 2
Texas (76-69) 8, Baltimore (45-98) 5
Toronto (58-86) 5, Tampa Bay (83-62) 4 (Final/10)
Seattle (54-90) 7, Houston (94-50) 9
LA Angels (70-74) 3, Chi. Sox (57-85) 4
Cleveland (83-61) 2, Minnesota (83-60) 4

NATIONAL LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Kansas City (63-81) 3, Miami (54-88) 5 (Final/11)
Arizona (73-70) 1, Cincinnati (69-75) 0
St. Louis (72-71) 8, Pittsburgh (64-78) 5
Philadelphia (77-65) 7, NY Mets (69-73) 10 (Final/11)
Washington (77-64) 7, Atlanta (89-54) 3
San Francisco (71-72) 1, LA Dodgers (97-48) 8
Chi. Cubs (77-65) 10, Milwaukee (72-69) 5
Colorado (63-81) 3, San Diego (66-76) 2

MAJOR NEWS/TRANSACTIONS
Cubs activate C Willson Contreras from the 10-day injured list
Pittsburgh placed OF Starling Marte (back) on 10-day injured list

[artoodeetoo]

Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

KANSAS CITY ROYALS (63-81) @ CHICAGO WHITE SOX (57-85)



PITCHING MATCHUPS

09/10: LHP Mike Montgomery (5-5, 5.37) vs RHP Lucas Giolito (13-8, 4.20)
09/11: LHP Danny Duffy (8-6, 3.99) vs RHP A.J. Puckett (0-0, 4.76)
09/12: RHP Scott Barlow (3-5, 5.59) vs Dane Dunning (0-3, 7.59)

GAME RECAPS

Tuesday, September 10th, 2019 - First pitch, 7:10 CST
Kansas City (64-81) 2, Chi. Sox (57-86) 1
Winner: Richard Lovelady (2-0) Loser: Zack Burdi (0-1) Save: Ian Kennedy (31)
HR-KC: None HR-CHW: Daniel Palka (3)

ROYALS' LATE RALLY WINS IT

Mike Montgomery scattered nine hits and one run over six innings, allowing just a fourth-inning homerun to Daniel Palka. However, he didn't factor into the decision as the Royals were tied with the White Sox at 1-1 at the time of his departure, eventually taking a 2-1 victory after a ninth-inning rally. Monty didn't strike anyone out, but didn't surrender a free pass in his six innings of work. Ian Kennedy picked up his 31st save of the campaign, and Richard Lovelady earned his second victory of the season in relief. In the ninth inning, Adalberto Mondesi tripled against Aaron Bummer, who then allowed an RBI double to pinch-hitter Cheslor Cuthbert to easily score Mondesi from third base.

AMERICAN LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Kansas City (64-81) 2, Chi. Sox (57-86) 1
LA Dodgers (98-48) 11, Baltimore (45-99) 1
NY Yankees (93-53) 12, Detroit (45-97) 3
Boston (80-65) 11, Toronto (58-87) 3
Tampa Bay (84-62) 5, Texas (76-70) 2
Cleveland (83-63) 5, LA Angels (72-74) 6
Washington (78-64) 4, Minnesota (83-61) 3
Oakland (75-70) 2, Houston (96-50) 9
Cincinnati (69-76) 1, Seattle (55-90) 5

NATIONAL LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Atlanta (91-54) 5, Philadelphia (77-67) 3
Milwaukee (72-71) 2, Miami (56-88) 3
Arizona (75-70) 14, NY Mets (69-75) 5
Pittsburgh (64-80) 8, San Francisco (73-72) 13
Chi. Cubs (77-67) 5, San Diego (68-76) 6
St. Louis (72-72) 4, Colorado (64-81) 14

MAJOR NEWS/TRANSACTIONS
Yankees C Gary Sanchez (groin) suffers setback; could miss remainder of season (incl. playoffs)
Mariners shut RHP Matt Wisler (shoulder) down for rest of 2019

Wednesday, September 11th, 2019 - First pitch, 7:10 CST
Kansas City (65-81) 6, Chi. Sox (57-87) 3
Winner: Danny Duffy (9-6) Loser: A.J. Puckett (0-1) Save: Richard Lovelady (1)
HR-KC: Ryan McBroom (1) HR-CHW: Eloy Jimenez (25)

DUFFY DOMINANT AS ROYALS ROLL

Danny Duffy picked up the Royals with a strong seven-inning effort, allowing just two earned runs (three total) as the Royals pulled away late in a 6-3 victory over the White Sox, pulling to within sixteen games of .500. Ryan McBroom and Hunter Dozier each drove in a pair of runs, with McBroom hitting his first MLB homerun in the fourth inning, a solo bomb against A.J. Puckett, a former Royals farmhand. Duffy fanned five in his outing, dropping his ERA to 3.92 and inching him closer to the ten-win mark. McBroom, Adalberto Mondesi, and Whit Merrifield all had two hits, while Eloy Jimenez provided all the offense for the White Sox in this one; homering in the first against Duffy, and then doubling home a run against Duffy in the fourth.

AMERICAN LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Kansas City (65-81) 6, Chi. Sox (57-87) 3
LA Dodgers (99-48) 5, Baltimore (45-100) 4
NY Yankees (93-54) 2, Detroit (46-97) 4
Boston (80-66) 5, Toronto (59-87) 6 (Final/13)
Tampa Bay (85-62) 13, Texas (76-71) 3
Cleveland (84-63) 6, LA Angels (72-75) 4
Washington (79-64) 3, Minnesota (83-62) 3
Oakland (75-71) 0, Houston (97-50) 12
Cincinnati (69-77) 2, Seattle (56-90) 5

NATIONAL LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Atlanta (92-54) 5, Philadelphia (77-68) 1
Milwaukee (73-71) 3, Miami (56-89) 0
Arizona (76-70) 2, NY Mets (69-76) 0
Pittsburgh (65-80) 5, San Francisco (73-73) 3
Chi. Cubs (77-68) 6, San Diego (69-76) 10
St. Louis (73-72) 6, Colorado (64-82) 4

MAJOR NEWS/TRANSACTIONS
Padres RHP Dinelson Lamet (elbow) headed to the 60-day IL, will need surgery

Thursday, September 12th, 2019 - First pitch, 5:10 CST
Kansas City (66-81) 10, Chi. Sox (57-88) 4
Winner: Eric Skoglund (1-0) Loser: Dane Dunning (0-4) Save: None
HR-KC: Ryan O'Hearn (8), Adalberto Mondesi (13) HR-CHW: Tim Anderson (12), Jose Abreu (29)

KANSAS CITY PULLS OFF ROAD SWEEP

Kansas City did all of their damage in the first four innings, rolling up ten runs against Dane Dunning and Dylan Covey as they ended up sweeping the White Sox on the road via a 10-4 victory. Hunter Dozier and Ryan O'Hearn each collected three hits, as O'Hearn was the offensive star of the day with a three-run homerun in the fourth inning, as part of his three-hit day. Dozier collected a double amongst his three hits, and Adalberto Mondesi slugged a three-run homerun of his own as part of a four-run first. Scott Barlow got the spot start, and cruised through the first inning with three punchouts, but left after just three innings and sixty pitches, allowing seven hits and three runs, although he did fan five total. Eric Skoglund got the win in relief, going four and two-third innings, allowing just one run on three hits while striking out five.

AMERICAN LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Kansas City (66-81) 10, Chi. Sox (57-88) 4
LA Dodgers (99-49) 4, Baltimore (46-100) 8
NY Yankees (94-54) 14, Detroit (46-98) 7
Boston (81-66) 7, Toronto (59-88) 4
Tampa Bay (85-63) 4, Texas (77-71) 5
Washington (80-64) 15, Minnesota (83-63) 4
Oakland (75-72) 2, Houston (98-50) 10
Cincinnati (69-78) 0, Seattle (57-90) 2

NATIONAL LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Atlanta (93-54) 10, Philadelphia (77-69) 7
Milwaukee (73-72) 4, Miami (57-89) 7
Arizona (77-70) 6, NY Mets (69-77) 4
Pittsburgh (66-80) 4, San Francisco (73-74) 2
Chi. Cubs (78-68) 9, San Diego (69-77) 4
St. Louis (74-72) 20, Colorado (64-83) 2

MAJOR NEWS/TRANSACTIONS
Astros' Bregman, A's Dull suspended for roles in mound altercation
Cards' Dominic Leone gets nine games, Rockies' Arenado four games for mound brawl

[artoodeetoo]

Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

ROYALS NEEDS FOR 2020
Pitching staff, outfield figure to be amongst top priorities
By artoodeetoo
09/13/2019

There are roughly three weeks left in the season, but the Royals were just mathematically eliminated from the playoffs within the past few days, so we can really start to turn our attention to 2020. Even with the recent hot streak to put the Royals under the 100-loss max, it's still pretty likely that they'll fall in the 93-96 loss category with series against the Twins, Astros, A's, and Braves all on the docket after the Royals completed the road sweep. There's still plenty of work to do on the rebuild despite the progress made over the past handful of weeks.

The good news is Salvador Perez returns in 2020, as do Nick Dini, Meibrys Viloria, and Cam Gallagher, so the catching corps is quite set for next year. You have to figure that the other set positions are Adalberto Mondesi (shortstop), Whit Merrifield (second base/right field), and Hunter Dozier (third base). Jorge Soler also figures to be back next year; as long as he gets something in arbitration, or the Royals decide to extend him.

The rest of the 40-man roster is likely up for grabs with a new owner now in tow, but what do we expect John Sherman to do? Where will he want to upgrade the roster first?

Outfield: The first (and biggest) order of business is taking care of the Alex Gordon situation. He has a $23MM option on the books for next season, but the team can buy him out for a paltry sum of $4MM, which even with Gordon's renaissance season, is not worth a $23M option. Expect the Royals to buy him out and try to bring him back on a one-year, incentive-laden deal, likely in the $7MM-$10MM range when you consider that he'll at least have $4MM in the bank for 2020. There's not a lot of depth in the upper levels of the Royals' minor league system, so it seems prudent for the organization to try and bring him back to act as a bridge between him and someone like a Khalil Lee when they are ready to go, likely in 2021 at some point.

After hot starts, both Brett Phillips and Bubba Starling have cooled off, so there is some uncertainty about who will man center and right field for next season even taking into account their immense capabilities on defense. Merrifield, Dozier, and Soler all have logged some pretty extensive outfield innings, and the team has started to rotate Cheslor Cuthbert in at the corner spots in recent games. Jorge Bonifacio may figure in, but was not a part of the initial call-ups at the turn of the month, which is an ominous sign for his future with the club. Absent Gordon, this might be a position where the Royals take a flyer on a veteran outfielder in the offseason, whether that's via trade or free agency.

Third Base: A lot of what happens here depends on where Dozier plays next year. If the Royals can't figure out first base (more on that later), Dozier becomes a candidate to move there. He's a pretty league-average third baseman metrics-wise, but would likely be a solidly above-average glove at first. Dozier has also dabbled at the corners in the outfield, much like Cuthbert, so that's also a possibility. In the minors, only Kelvin Gutierrez would really be a realistic option, and there are concerns if he'll hit enough to stick with a big-league club as a regular. Side note -- before the pending sale of the team, I would have said you were crazy if the Royals went out and spent much money in the free agent market, but with John Sherman now pulling the strings, don't be surprised if they dip their toes in a pretty good third base market. Anthony Rendon is scheduled to hit free agency, as well as old friend Mike Moustakas.

Internally, this could also be a place that Cuthbert lands, or even Merrifield. It's not out of the realm of possibility that the starting infield left-to-right next season is Merrifield-Mondesi-Lopez-Dozier, with Cuthbert and Ryan O'Hearn in reserve roles as platoon bats.

First base: The aforementioned O'Hearn has hit better as of late, but he's still been a massive disappointment after a superb 40-45 game stretch to end last season. There's a chance he could get back in the good graces of the organization if he continues his recent, but brief upward trajectory, but they went out and got Ryan McBroom for a reason. McBroom isn't young (twenty-seven), but has decent-to-good pop and has all three options available to him. Cuthbert is also a possibility here, but has been playing some outfield as of late, making me wonder if they don't have different plans for him. He's hitting a remarkable .301/.340/.459 with ten homeruns and ten doubles in 283 plate appearances, after being left for dead earlier this season.

Starting rotation: Barring something unexpected, the top three figure to be Danny Duffy, Jake Junis, and Brad Keller in some order to begin the season in 2020. Duffy has been strong of late, with two earned runs or fewer in seven of his last ten starts. Junis and Keller are two promising young arms that would likely be mid-to-back end starters for contending teams. That leaves others, such as Mike Montgomery, Jesse Hahn, Eric Skoglund, Glenn Sparkman, and Jorge Lopez as the most likely candidates to fill the other two spots. Monty has been pretty good since coming over from the Cubs, but has struggled to miss bats (just 48 K in 84 IP). Sparkman has run hot-and-cold, more cold lately. Lopez is probably a better fit as a one or two-inning guy than as a starter, and I'm intrigued by Scott Barlow as a potential starter.

Bullpen: Ian Kennedy has been a revelation since being slotted in as the closer, spinning thirty-two saves and a 2.78 ERA in fifty-three innings of work. The men behind him haven't been too shabby either, with newcomers Josh Staumont and Richard Lovelady both averaging better than ten strikeouts per nine. Staumont especially has been a nice surprise, with twenty-three strikeouts to just eight walks over seventeen innings, and hasn't walked a batter in his last 10 1/3 innings of work. However, there's a bit of uncertainty behind those three. Jacob Barnes has a sub-2.00 ERA, but has ten walks in fourteen innings since coming over from the Brewers. Kyle Zimmer has almost as many walks (15) as strikeouts (16) in sixteen innings of work. Tim Hill still struggles against right-handed hitters, which limits him to a specialist role.

Youngsters like Jose Castillo, Gabe Speier, and Jake Newberry don't have the track records to really make definitive judgments on yet, although Newberry has had some extremely positive moments so far in 2019.

Veteran additions in Brad Boxberger, Justin Grimm, and Wily Peralta the last few years have not panned out at all, but with the seventh-worst bullpen ERA in baseball, the Royals might have to try and dip into the free-agent market to try and improve the middle innings. Scott Barlow has power stuff, but has suffered from the homerun ball, and has seen an uptick in walks in recent weeks.

[artoodeetoo]

Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

HOUSTON ASTROS (98-50) @ KANSAS CITY ROYALS (66-81)



PITCHING MATCHUPS

09/13: RHP Collin McHugh (4-7, 6.34) vs RHP Jake Junis (10-11, 4.53)
09/14: RHP Zack Greinke (14-7, 3.27) vs RHP Jesse Hahn (0-0, 3.00)
09/15: RHP Brad Peacock (6-6, 4.32) vs LHP Mike Montgomery (5-5, 5.07)

GAME RECAPS

Friday, September 13th, 2019 - First pitch, 7:10 CST
Houston (98-51) 2, Kansas City (67-81) 6
Winner: Jake Junis (11-11) Loser: Collin McHugh (4-8) Save: Ian Kennedy (32)
[b]HR-HOU:[/b} Carlos Correa (19), Yulieski Gurriel (27) HR-KC: Meibrys Viloria (1)

ROYALS WIN FOURTH STRAIGHT BEHIND JUNIS

Behind eleven strikeouts from Jake Junis, the Royals handed Houston a 6-2 defeat. Junis went seven innings; fanning eleven with just two walks, allowing just one run on a Yuli Gurriel homerun to even his record at 11-11. Kansas City did most of their damage in the fourth inning, with Adalberto Mondesi smacking a two-run triple, and Meibrys Viloria driving him in with a homerun; his first MLB homerun, just a handful of pitches later. Hunter Dozier and Jorge Soler extended the lead in the seventh with RBI hits. Houston was able to load the bases against Kyle Zimmer in the ninth with two outs, but Ian Kennedy came on to coax a ground ball out of Yordan Alvarez to end the game, picking up his 32nd save of the campaign.

AMERICAN LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Houston (98-51) 2, Kansas City (67-81) 6
Baltimore (46-101) 1, Detroit (47-98) 4
Minnesota (83-64) 1, Cleveland (85-63) 5
NY Yankees (95-54) 8, Toronto (59-89) 5
Oakland (75-73) 3, Texas (78-71) 8
Chi. Sox (58-88) 10, Seattle (57-91) 6
Tampa Bay (86-63) 2, LA Angels (72-76) 1

NATIONAL LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Atlanta (94-54) 13, Washington (80-65) 4 (G1)
Atlanta (95-54) 7, Washington (80-66) 4 (G2)
LA Dodgers (100-49) 4, NY Mets (69-78) 1
Pittsburgh (66-81) 2, Chi. Cubs (79-68) 5
Cincinnati (70-78) 8, Arizona (77-71) 3
San Diego (70-77) 10, Colorado (64-84) 8 (Final/12)
Miami (58-89) 3, San Francisco (73-75) 1
Milwaukee (74-72) 13, St. Louis (74-73) 4

MAJOR NEWS/TRANSACTIONS
Indians RHP Corey Kluber (oblique) to miss remainder of season
Mets RHP Jacob deGrom day-to-day with oblique strain

Saturday, September 14th, 2019 - First pitch, 7:10 CST
Houston (99-51) 5, Kansas City (67-82) 2
Winner: Zack Greinke (15-7) Loser: Jesse Hahn (0-1) Save: Ryan Pressly (19)
[b]HR-HOU:[/b} Jose Altuve (26) HR-KC: None

WIN STREAK SNAPPED AT FIVE

Following up his last start in which he allowed just two earned runs over six innings, Jesse Hahn lasted just three innings before leaving with a blister on his right hand as the Royals dropped the second game against the Astros by a 5-2 count, snapping the team's five-game win streak. The blister may have contributed to his control issues, as he walked three with no strikeouts while allowing five hits over his three-plus innings of work. Glenn Sparkman cruised through three innings of relief of Hahn, before a strong seventh inning by the Astros against Sparkman put the game out of reach. Zack Greinke was strong in his first start against the Royals since 2017, striking out eight in seven innings of work.

AMERICAN LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Houston (99-51) 5, Kansas City (67-82) 2
Baltimore (46-102) 4, Detroit (48-98) 7
Minnesota (83-65) 7, Cleveland (86-63) 10
NY Yankees (96-54) 8, Toronto (59-90) 4
Oakland (75-74) 8, Texas (79-71) 11
Chi. Sox (58-89) 2, Seattle (58-91) 6
Tampa Bay (87-63) 11, LA Angels (72-77) 3

NATIONAL LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Atlanta (96-54) 7, Washington (80-67) 4
Boston (82-66) 5, Philadelphia (77-70) 2
LA Dodgers (100-50) 6, NY Mets (70-78) 7
Pittsburgh (67-81) 7, Chi. Cubs (79-69) 4
Cincinnati (70-79) 3, Arizona (78-71) 4
San Diego (70-78) 5, Colorado (65-84) 8
Miami (59-89) 2, San Francisco (73-76) 1
Milwaukee (74-73) 2, St. Louis (75-73) 4

MAJOR NEWS/TRANSACTIONS
Braves clinch division after 7-4 victory over the Nats

Sunday, September 15th, 2019 - First pitch, 12:10 CST
Houston (99-51) 4, Kansas City (68-82) 5
Winner: Mike Montgomery (6-5) Loser: Brad Peacock (6-7) Save: Ian Kennedy (33)
[b]HR-HOU:[/b} Tyler White (7), Aledmys Diaz (9) HR-KC: None

BACK TO THE WINNING WAYS

Aledmys Diaz hit a two-run bomb in the ninth against Ian Kennedy with one out, but a double play two hitters later got the veteran closer out of the jam, giving the Royals a 5-4 victory and the series victory over the first-place Astros. Kansas City did most of their work in the fourth, with a two-run Brett Phillips double sandwiched in between RBI hits from Ryan O'Hearn and Ryan McBroom. Mike Montgomery picked up his sixth victory of the season, allowing just two earned runs in six innings; but again struggled to miss bats, fanning just one with one walk. Houston's Brad Peacock went just five innings, but struck out nine in a losing effort.

AMERICAN LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Houston (99-52) 4, Kansas City (68-82) 5
Baltimore (46-103) 0, Detroit (49-98) 5
Minnesota (84-65) 2, Cleveland (86-64) 1
NY Yankees (97-54) 11, Toronto (59-91) 1
Oakland (76-74) 2, Texas (79-72) 1
Chi. Sox (59-89) 11, Seattle (58-92) 5
Tampa Bay (87-64) 2, LA Angels (73-77) 4

NATIONAL LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Atlanta (96-54) @ Washington (80-67) -- PPD (Rain)
Boston (83-66) 9, Philadelphia (77-71) 1
LA Dodgers (101-50) 9, NY Mets (70-79) 2
Pittsburgh (67-82) 0, Chi. Cubs (80-69) 7
Cincinnati (71-79) 10, Arizona (78-72) 6
San Diego (71-78) 7, Colorado (65-85) 5
Miami (60-89) 11, San Francisco (73-77) 10
Milwaukee (75-73) 6, St. Louis (75-74) 2

MAJOR NEWS/TRANSACTIONS
Nats LHP Sean Doolittle (shoulder) to miss rest of 2019

[artoodeetoo]

Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

KANSAS CITY ROYALS (68-82) @ OAKLAND ATHLETICS (76-74)



PITCHING MATCHUPS

09/16: RHP Jorge Lopez (3-9, 5.72) vs RHP Chris Bassitt (8-8, 4.68)
09/17: LHP Danny Duffy (9-6, 3.92) vs RHP James Kaprelian (2-0, 6.67)
09/18: RHP Scott Barlow (3-5, 5.59) vs LHP Jesus Luzardo (0-1, 5.91)

GAME RECAPS

Monday, September 16th, 2019 - First pitch, 7:07 CST
Kansas City (68-83) 1, Oakland (77-74) 7
Winner: Chris Bassitt (9-8) Loser: Jorge Lopez (3-10) Save: None
HR-KC: None HR-OAK: Khris Davis (23)

BASSITT, A'S DROP THE ROYALS

A seven-run salvo by the A's in the sixth inning buried the Royals in a 7-1 defeat to open a three-game road series at Oakland. Offensively, they ran into the Chris Bassitt buzzsaw, as the veteran righty allowed just one run in eight innings, fanning four with no walks and just six hits scattered. Whit Merrifield drove in a run in the third inning for Kansas City, but that was all the fireworks that the Royals could muster. As he has done several time this season, Jorge Lopez dazzled for four or five innings (this time five), taking a no-hitter into the sixth. But things fell apart for him in that inning, as he was tagged for four earned runs after Kyle Zimmer surrendered a grand slam to Khris Davis, just a handful of pitches after taking over for Lopez. Zimmer ended up getting tagged for three runs, also walking three with one strikeout in just two-thirds of one inning.

AMERICAN LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Kansas City (68-83) 1, Oakland (77-74) 7
Chi. Sox (59-90) 3, Minnesota (85-65) 12
Baltimore (46-104) 4, Detroit (50-98) 6

NATIONAL LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
San Diego (71-79) 5, Milwaukee (76-73) 6
Cincinnati (71-80) 2, Chi. Cubs (81-69) 3
NY Mets (70-80) 8, Colorado (66-85) 9
Washington (80-68) 0, St. Louis (76-74) 2
Miami (61-89) 9, Arizona (78-73) 5

MAJOR NEWS/TRANSACTIONS
Yanks' Voit, Tatis Jr., of San Diego earn Player of the Week awards
Braves top new Power Rankings

Tuesday, September 17th, 2019 - First pitch, 7:07 CST
Kansas City (68-84) 1, Oakland (78-74) 2
Winner: J.B. Wendelken (4-2) Loser: Jacob Barnes (1-2) Save: Liam Hendriks (21)
HR-KC: None HR-OAK: Matt Olson (32)

TENSIONS BOIL OVER IN SECOND STRAIGHT LOSS

Oakland received another terrific performance from a starter, as James Kaprelian held the Royals to just one run on five hits over six innings, eventually leading to a 2-1 decision over the visiting Royals. Fireworks went off in the fifth inning, as Danny Duffy drilled Matt Chapman with a first-pitch fastball after Matt Olson hit a very long, majestic homerun to lead off the fifth against Duffy, stopping a no-hit and shutout bid all in one swing. After a fracas ensued, both Duffy and Chapman had been tossed, along with catcher Cam Gallagher and bench coach Dale Sveum.

AMERICAN LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Kansas City (68-84) 1, Oakland (78-74) 2
Toronto (60-91) 8, Baltimore (46-105) 6
LA Angels (73-78) 1, NY Yankees (98-54) 8
San Francisco (74-77) 6, Boston (83-67) 4
Texas (79-73) 0, Houston (100-52) 16
Chi. Sox (59-91) 0, Minnesota (86-65) 4
Baltimore (46-104) 4, Detroit (50-98) 6

NATIONAL LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Tampa Bay (88-64) 5, LA Dodgers (101-51) 2
Philadelphia (77-72) 4, Atlanta (97-54) 7
Seattle (59-92) 7, Pittsburgh (67-83) 2
San Diego (72-79) 8, Milwaukee (76-74) 7
Cincinnati (72-80) 3, Chi. Cubs (81-70) 1
NY Mets (70-81) 4, Colorado (67-85) 11
Washington (80-69) 0, St. Louis (77-74) 1
Miami (62-89) 6, Arizona (78-74) 2

MAJOR NEWS/TRANSACTIONS
Yankees clinch playoff berth with 8-1 victory over the Angels

Wednesday, September 18th, 2019 - First pitch, 2:37 CST
Kansas City (68-85) 2, Oakland (79-74) 5
Winner: Jesus Luzardo (1-1) Loser: Scott Barlow (3-6) Save: Liam Hendriks (22)
HR-KC: Jorge Soler (40) HR-OAK: None

SOLER HITS NUMBER FORTY; ROYALS SWEPT

Jorge Soler crossed the 40-homerun plateau in the third inning, hitting a two-run blast against rookie Jesus Luzardo in the top of the first, but that's all of the offense the Royals could put forth as the A's swept the visiting Royals out of Oakland with a 5-2 Wednesday victory. Making his second start of the season, Scott Barlow allowed just one run through five, but was tagged for four runs (three earned) in the sixth, leaving with the bases loaded and justt one out as the A's pulled ahead against the bullpen. Only Whit Merrifield and Nick Dini had hits besides Soler, who was 2-for-3 with a walk. Luzardo overcame the first-inning Soler bomb to post a six-and-one-third inning outing, allowing just two runs on four hits; while fanning six to pick up his first MLB victory.

AMERICAN LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Kansas City (68-85) 2, Oakland (79-74) 5
Toronto (60-92) 1, Baltimore (47-105) 7
LA Angels (74-78) 9, NY Yankees (98-55) 5
San Francisco (74-78) 5, Boston (84-67) 13
Texas (80-73) 2, Houston (100-53) 1
Chi. Sox (60-91) 15, Minnesota (86-66) 1
Detroit (50-100) 1, Cleveland (88-64) 7

NATIONAL LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Tampa Bay (88-65) 2, LA Dodgers (102-51) 13
Philadelphia (78-72) 8, Atlanta (97-55) 4
Seattle (59-93) 2, Pittsburgh (68-83) 3
San Diego (73-79) 6, Milwaukee (76-75) 5
Cincinnati (73-80) 11, Chi. Cubs (81-71) 3
NY Mets (70-82) 4, Colorado (68-85) 10
Washington (80-70) 0, St. Louis (78-74) 3
Miami (62-90) 3, Arizona (79-74) 11

MAJOR NEWS/TRANSACTIONS
Royals' Duffy, Sveum, Gallagher; A's Chapman suspended following mound altercation

[artoodeetoo]

Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

ROYALS HEADLINES
Duffy, Gallagher begin suspensions
By artoodeetoo
09/19/2019

ROYALS PLAYERS BEGIN SUSPENSIONS

Royals players Danny Duffy and Cam Gallagher are set to begin their suspensions that were handed down by MLB late yesterday, as Duffy will miss six games (one start, essentially), and Gallagher; who landed a punch on A's third baseman Matt Chapman, who was also suspended, will get two. For his part, Chapman will sit out the next three and even Royals bench coach Dale Sveum got nailed for a one-game hiatus.

The altercation that led to the suspensions happened when Duffy took umbrage to Matt Olson's speed (or lack thereof) around the bases after breaking up a no-hit and shutout bid to begin the fifth inning, hitting a 456-foot shot to right field. In addition, Olson also stood at the plate for a few seconds before beginning the slow trot. The next hitter, Chapman, was thrown behind by Duffy with a fastball, leading Chapman to point to the mound, shouting at Duffy. The benches cleared, and a few punches were thrown, leading to the bullpens eventually getting involved.

There has been some bad blood between the two teams since the 2014 Wild Card game in Kansas City, when the Royals walked the A's off with a Salvador Perez single in the 14th inning as the Royals went on to represent the AL in the 2014 World Series. In 2015, benches cleared in a Royals-A's matchup when Josh Donaldson was on the team, and again in 2017 with the late Yordano Ventura and Brett Lawrie of Oakland as the instigators.

MORE CALLED UP FROM OMAHA

Two more Omaha Storm Chasers were called up from Triple-A to join the Royals on the September roster, with outfielder Jorge Bonifacio and newcomer Erick Mejia added to the active roster for the last several weeks of the season. Bonifacio is a name that should be familiar to Royals fans, but for Mejia, this is his first go-round.

Mejia has been in-and-out of the lineup in Omaha, battling a ribcage muscle strain, but hit a respectable .278/.338/.342 this season, with five steals in eight attempts. He's also one of the more versatile players in the upper minors, having played left, center, second, short, and third this season.

Meanwhile, Bonifacio had a pretty stellar season in Omaha when he wasn't battling an elbow injury. In 219 plate appearances, he slashed .314/.388/.531 with ten homeruns, ten doubles, and thirty-six RBI. That said, his PED suspension of last year really seemed to rankle Royals' brass, as he's been passed over for promotions by Brett Phillips and Bubba Starling despite the production. There's clearly some offensive talent there, but could he be a casualty of the new ownership group as they look to re-tool the roster?