The first thing we did while preparing for this series was make a roster change to get Bobby Witt Jr. back into the lineup, so we optioned Garcia to Omaha and put Witt into the starting lineup.
McLeod compiled the scouting report on notable player development changes since Monday, July 1st, 2024, and sent me the list earlier today. Its no surprise to see Garcia at the top, as he has had a fantastic month filling in for Bobby at shortstop. But he started to struggle in these last few games, so I told him to spend some time in Omaha and figure out how to regain what he had a few weeks ago. We'll get him back up to the clubhouse for roster expansion, if not sooner.
Double-A demonstrated the most significant player development in the past month, and the roster adjustments made for the draft and before the trade deadline appear to have positively influenced the entire system. Additionally, I believe we have identified a few more changes we can make before the off-season in some waivers and releases.
Notable Development Changes
SS Maikel Garcia, Age 24, Kansas City Royals:
+ Current contact rating improves from 60 to 65.
+ Current and potential power ratings improve from 30 to 35.
+ Potential eye rating improves from 50 to 55.
+ Current and potential gap ratings improve from 45 to 50.
+ Overall rating improves from 45 to 50 / 80. (As 3B)
CF Sam Haggerty, Age 30, Kansas City Royals:
- Current and potential power ratings drop from 45 to 40.
- Current and potential gap ratings drop from 55 to 50.
RP Danny Wilkinson, Age 23, Omaha Storm Chasers (Triple A):
+ Current stuff rating improves from 60 to 65.
+ Potential movement rating improves from 50 to 55.
+ Potential control rating improves from 35 to 40.
CL John Schreiber, Age 30, Omaha Storm Chasers (Triple A):
- Current and potential stuff ratings drop from 65 to 55.
- Current stamina rating drops from 35 to 30.
- Overall and potential ratings drop to 50. (As RP)
RP Walter Pennington, Age 26, Omaha Storm Chasers (Triple A):
+ Current movement rating improves from 50 to 55.
+ Overall and potential ratings improve to 45. (As RP)
RP Jimmy Nelson, Age 35, Omaha Storm Chasers (Triple A):
- Current and potential stuff ratings drop from 70 to 60.
- Current and potential movement ratings drop from 55 to 50.
- Current and potential control ratings drop from 35 to 30.
- Overall and potential ratings drop to 35. (As RP)
1B Dillan Shrum, Age 26, Omaha Storm Chasers (Triple A):
- Potential contact rating drops from 45 to 40.
+ Potential power rating improves from 50 to 55.
- Current defensive rating at First Base drops from 45 to 40.
+ Potential gap rating improves from 45 to 50.
3B Nate Eaton, Age 27, Omaha Storm Chasers (Triple A):
- Current speed rating drops from 60 to 55.
+ Overall and potential ratings improve to 45. (As RF)
The Detroit Tigers are our next opponents in a four-game series starting tonight, August 1st. They play at Comerica Park, a ballpark that favors pitchers and can hold 41681 fans. The Tigers are batting .459 this season, with a record of 50 wins and 59 losses. They sit in 4th place in the Central Division, 10.5 games behind the leader. The Tigers are currently on a losing streak, having lost their last four games. Their total runs scored of 440 place them 14th in the American League, and their .231 batting average ranks 15th. On defense, they have given up 458 runs (3rd in AL), with starters posting an ERA of 4.17, which ranks 5th. Their bullpen boasts an ERA of 3.24, the best in the league. Against our Royals this season, they have a record of 3 wins and 3 losses.
Here are the projected pitching matchups:
RHP C. Hernandez (4-5, 4.63 ERA) vs LHP T. Holton (5-8, 3.93 ERA)
RHP Z. Eflin (5-8, 4.46 ERA) vs RHP J. Jobe (4-1, 3.32 ERA)
LHP D. Lynch IV (3-3, 6.25 ERA) vs LHP T. Skubal (9-9, 3.43 ERA)
LHP A. Veneziano (2-0, 3.00 ERA) vs RHP R. Olson (5-9, 5.07 ERA)
The top 5 players on their team are:
1. SP Tarik Skubal (Age: 27, Overall: 75, Potential: 80)
2. RF Riley Greene (23, 55, 80)
3. CF Parker Meadows (24, 55, 55)
4. 2B Colt Keith (22, 55, 80)
5. CL Alex Lange (28, 55, 55)
Game Summary August 1st Tigers Squelch Royals Offense in Shutout Win
The exploits of right fielder Riley Greene, who is tied for third in the AL in triples with seven, helped the Detroit Tigers defeat the Kansas City Royals, 5-0. Greene went 2-for-3 with a home run and a walk. He scored two runs. The win lifts Detroit's record to 51-59. One pivotal at-bat came with no one out in the top of the fourth. With runners on first and second and Kansas City trailing 3-0, Luis Cessa needed to excel against Jonathan India. Cessa won the battle, as India hit into a double play, and the Tigers went on to win.
GAME NOTES
Player of the Game: Riley Greene
Ballpark: Comerica Park
Weather: Partly Cloudy (78 degrees), wind blowing in from right at 10 mph
Start Time: 6:40 PM ET
Time: 2:51
Attendance: 21493
Special Notes: SP Tyler Holton was injured while pitching.