MLB Standings
The Royals have a strong month to open the season, tied for the best record in baseball after an 18-win month.
Kansas City Results
The Royals started the season giving up huge numbers of runs but settled down later in the month, only losing two series in the month.
Kansas City Statistics
Nelson Sainz had a great first month with the bat, although his defense is something for the Royals to keep an eye on, a -2.2 FRM rating for the month a tough look for a Royals catcher.
Positive FIP- returns for the majority of the Royals pitching staff tells a story of being let down by luck and/or the defense. No concerns at the moment but something to keep an eye on.
Transactions & Injuries
The big hitting injury this month was to All-Star Bobby Nickelberry who will miss a month with a fractured foot after being hit by a pitch. This will give Eric McCabe his first chance at the Royals but it is likely to be a short stint with A.J. Terry heading for an injury rehab assignment in Omaha and now ready to return. Arturo Oramas is also on an Injury Rehab assignment, and that may lead to a more difficult decision for Stewart with one of Mir, Covete, Noriega, and Montelongo having to make way.
The Royals also lost T.J. Nooks for two weeks to some joint irritation, which saw Chad Johnston make his annual trip to Kansas City from Omaha. Juan Anaya is another on an injury rehab assignment, while Eli Bryden will open his season in Omaha after returning from injury.
Thursday, April 9th , 2048
RF Bobby Nickelberry was injured being hit by a pitch. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Friday, April 10th , 2048
RF Bobby Nickelberry diagnosed with a fractured foot, will miss 4 weeks.
Purchased the contract of RF Eric McCabe from Triple A Omaha.
Friday, April 17th , 2048
Sent LF A.J. Terry to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Sunday, April 19th , 2048
Sent RP Juan Anaya to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Tuesday, April 21st , 2048
Sent 2B Arturo Oramas to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Thursday, April 23rd , 2048
Optioned RP Eli Blyden to Triple A Omaha.
Saturday, April 25th , 2048
SP T.J. Nooks was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: acromioclavicular joint irritation. He's expected to miss about 2 weeks.
Purchased the contract of SP Chad Johnston from Triple A Omaha.
Minor League News
At only 22 years of age, Branson Huot could very well have many more months like this last one during his career.
That would be great news for fans of the Omaha Storm Chasers, as April was one to remember for the second baseman and he has captured the International League Batter of the Month award.
On the month he hit .314 with 7 home runs, 21 RBIs and 29 runs scored.
When Andres Sandoval takes the hill, chances are good for a Omaha victory. At least that's the way it was in May.
He excelled with a 4-0 mark and 2.84 ERA in 5 starts, tossed 38 innings, fanned 28 and held others clubs to a .206 average.
That's why the Storm Chasers star was honored today as the Pitcher of the Month by the International League.