Zero to Hero - A Scotsman in MLB

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Development Lab

David Rojo has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his base-stealing technique.

• No noticeable changes (poor)

Steve Katzin has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his defense at second base.

A.J. Terry has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his defense at center field.

Bernalldino Igrejas has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his defense at shortstop.

Rodolfo Lara has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his defense at center field.

Mike Gronkiewicz has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his defense at center field.

Juan Montelongo has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his base-stealing technique.

Nelson Saiz has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his defense at catcher.

• No noticeable changes.

Esmarly Roseberry has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his base-stealing technique.

• Stealing improves by 5
• Stealing aggressiveness improves by <5

Bobby Nickelberry has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his defense at right field.

• Outfield arm rating improves by <5
• Outfield range rating improves by <5
• Outfield error rating improves by 5

Branson Huot has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his defense at second base.

• Infield arm rating improves by <5
• Infield range rating improves by 5
• Infield error rating improves by <5
• Turn doubleplay rating improves by <5

David de Anda has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his base-stealing technique.

• Stealing improves by <5
• Stealing aggressiveness improves by <5

Spring Training

A rare poor Spring Training as the Royals only go 16-11 but with many young players getting ABs and IPs the long-term impact will have been strong!

The Royals lose Chris Morrow for two months which will hurt the start of the season and Ben Lane will be starting the season rusty after suffering forearm tendinitis on his first start back from injury. Steve Campista will be out until after the trade deadline with a torn labrum and with that being his second torn labrum in two seasons the Royals are highly likely to move on from him.

Transactions

Sunday, March 6th , 2050
RP Chris Morrow was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Wednesday, March 9th , 2050
RP Chris Morrow diagnosed with acute elbow soreness, will miss 2 months.
Friday, March 11th , 2050
RP Steve Campista was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: back spasms. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last one week.
Tuesday, March 15th , 2050
RP Steve Campista was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: back tightness. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last one week.
Activated SP Ben Lane from the injured list.
Thursday, March 17th , 2050
RP Steve Campista was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Friday, March 18th , 2050
RP Steve Campista diagnosed with a torn labrum, will miss 5 months.
Sunday, March 27th , 2050
SP Ben Lane was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: forearm tendinitis. He's expected to miss about one week. 

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Ahead of the season, the Royals media centre jumps on the quarter century craze and asks fans and media experts to vote for their favourites since 2025. If Stewart had been asked the same question, these are the players he would have selected

Catcher

Sam Hart, 2028 6th Round selection, is an easy pick to start us off. Seven years as the Royals Catcher, Hart put up almost twice the WAR (20.2) as the next player on the list while also recording a total of 29.6 FRM with a CERA of 3.66. In addition, he was one of only three to have a wRC+ over 100, his 103 second only to Nelson Saiz. Hart was a three-time All Star and the 2038 Platinum Bat selection at C.

If Nelson Saiz was two years older he might have made this decision more difficult, having put up 10.4 WAR across his first two seasons with a 3.40 CERA. Saiz is already a two-time All Star, won the 2048 Platinum Bat Award in 2048, as well as the triumvirate of Batting Title, Rookie of the Year, and MVP. Undoubtably Saiz will be the greatest Catcher of the Stewart era but Hart’s longevity wins the day.

First Base

Fourteen different players played a season as the most used 1B for the Royals, which made this one of the more challenging positions. Gilberto Matos had three years in the position, put up 15.9 WAR for the Royals with a 145 wRC+ and a .958 Defensive Efficiency. If he had managed to stay fit then 2033 International Amateur signing might have finished top of this list with his three All-Star selections and two Platinum Bats.

However, the 2037 International Amateur Luis Aceves managed five years in the role, putting up 19.8 WAR from a 139 wRC+ with a .991 Defensive Efficiency to pip Matos to the position. Aceves combined 4 All-Start appearances, with two Platinum Bat Awards across four World Series rings, where he was Series MVP in both the 2045 ALCS and 2047 ALDS. He led the league in slugging in 2045 and 2048, the latter year also seeing him lead the league in HRs and RBIs.

Second Base

The Royals have been blessed with 2B since the start of this quarter decade, with Nick Loftin providing four years of above average defense and 16.2 WAR. Tim Storer took over from Loftin, with three years in the role, and 11.4 WAR. More recently, Arturo Oramas made the position his own, starting there for four season with an average of 5 WAR/season, 20 in total.

However, this spot could only go to 2029’s International Amateur signing out of the Dominican Republic, Edgar Mir. Mir had 11 consecutive seasons as the Royals starting 2B, amassing 64.4 WAR, behind a 129 wRC+ and a 1.058 Defensive Efficiency. Mir won two MVP Awards (2036 & 2040), was the 2035 Rookie of the Year, was selected to 9 All-Start Games, with 7 Platinum Bats and a Great Glove. He was part of 4 Royals World Series, and earned Series MVP awards in the 2038, 2039, and 2041 ALDS. In 2040 and 2043 he led the league in batter WAR, one of baseball’s marquee players over the last quarter century.

Third Base

Another position where the Royals have had a more revolving cast with eleven different starting 3B over the quarter century.

Perhaps surprisingly, the man who had more years than any other was Luis Garcia, a player who always seemed to be on the way out but who had 5 years as the starting 3B, with a 1.012 Defensive Efficiency but pedestrian 92 wRC+ with 9.9 WAR.

Jadon Tezeno’s overall body of work might be enough for him to be included in a list of top Royals over the last quarter century but he switch from SS to 3B means he didn’t have enough time to make his case. Three years with 9.6 WAR, and a 120 wRC+ is strong, although his defensive transition hasn’t been all plain sailing with a .993 efficiency rating.

Jeremy Rogerson played 4 years at 3B but also moved around, putting up an impressive 1.019 efficiency with a 122 wRC+ and 11.4 WAR. Rogerson made two All-Star teams but not in a year he was predominantly at 3B, harming his credentials.

In the end that allowed Estanislau Covete to beat him out and take the 3B position. The Royals acquired Covete in a trade with the New York Mets in 2039 for their 2035 1st round pick and their 2033 2nd round pick. He repaid that investment over 4 years, putting up 14.6 WAR with a 127 wRC+. Covete was the 2041 Rookie of the Year, won two Platinum Sticks, and two All-Star selections. He won four World Series with the Royals, and was the Series MVP in the 2043 and 2046 ALDS. Despite the Royals eventually moving on from Covete due to his defensive limitations (.966 at 3B), he was a key figure in their success in the 2040s.

Shortstop

The second position needing minimal consideration as, despite Jadon Tezeno’s strong four year run at the position, the Royals had a decade where Bobby Witt Jr. was the nailed on starter at Shortstop. Witt Jr. had a 19-year MLB career, with every day spent with the Royals organisation. The Royals didn’t manage to win him a World Series and he never quite matched the heights of his early years, but Witt Jr. is a bona fide legend of the Royals. He put up 65.2 WAR, was named an All-Star four times, earned a Platinum Stick in 2025, the same year he won the MVP, while he was Series MVP in the 2032 ALCS. He led the league in R, H, and WAR in 2025, H and 3B in 2030 while winning the Batting Title, and 2B in 2032.

Left Field

Two players dominated the LF position over the last quarter century, covering almost half of the time between them.

Wyatt Langford was an early acquisition by Colin Stewart, signed in 2028 and he went on to start for five years, winning three great gloves, making one All Star appearance, and earning back-to-back ALDS MVP Awards in 2030 and 2031. He put up 11.7 WAR with a 1.043 Defensive Efficiency and 104 wRC+.

However, his output was far exceeded by the 2029 1st round pick Billy Mumaugh. Mumaugh patrolled LF for 7 years for the Royals, and earned five All-Star selections. In addition, he was named Series MVP three times, the 2031 ALCS, and back-to-back ALWS in 2034 and 2035. He put up 46.4 WAR across those years, with a 128 wRC+ and a better than most 1.027 Defensive Efficiency.

Center Field

Centerfield was another challenging position, with a couple of players standing out, with 11 years between them in centerfield.

Drew Burress was acquired in a trade with the Giants in 2033 and proceeded to lock down the CF position for 6 years. In his first year with the Royals, he finished second in the AL MVP voting and proceeded to put up 17.1 WAR with a 118 wRC+. He did have an injury riddled time with the Royals however, and only made 1 All-Star appearance.

More recently 2041 International Amateur signing Jorge Corujo has spent the last five years as the Royals CF, putting up 22.8 WAR with a 1.022 defensive efficiency. Corujo secured the CF position with his two All-Star Appearances, one Platinum Bat award, while being part of three World Series-winning teams. In the 2047 World Series, he was named MVP to highlight an outstanding run with the team. Corujo’s defense has been elite but he is best known for his base stealing, leading the league three times, as well as in 3B three times, including a 90 SB year in 2049, a Royals single-season record, a record that had stood for 70 years.

Right Field

In right field, it was a straight shoot-out between two draftees, 2027 1st round pick Jimmy Goodman and 2037 1st round pick Bobby Nickelberry.

Goodman was part of Stewart’s first pennant-winning team, playing for 8 years and amassing 34.1 WAR with a 1.061 Defensive Efficiency. While not an elite bat (winning only one Platinum Bat), his glove certainly was, winning 4 Great Gloves. He made the All Stat team once, while earing a Series MVP in the 2033 ALDS.

Bobby Nickelberry has started in RF for the last 7 years and is on track for legendary status with the Royals. He has put up 40.4 WAR with a 142 wRC+, all with a 1.042 Defensive Efficiency. He has been named an All-Star six times, with four Platinum Bats. In 2042 he won the hat trick of Rookie of the Year, MVP, and the Batting Title. He repeated as MVP in 2046, winning the Batting Title again, and has been part of three World Series teams. In 2047 he was the ALDS MVP then followed that up in 2048 winning the MVP Award in both the ALDS and the World Series. He has lead the league in RBIs four times, Hits and Slugging 3 times, and WAR once. He is on the Hall of Fame track with his health the biggest risk, missing two months with fractures in 2048 plus the 2049 postseason with blurred vision.

Quarter-Century Position Players

C Sam Hart 2035-41

1B Luis Aceves 2045-49
2B Edgar Mir 2035-45
3B Estanislau Covete 2041-44
SS Bobby Witt Jr. 2025-34

LF Bill Mumaugh 2033-39
CF Jorge Corujo 2044-49
RF Bobby Nickleberry 2042-49

Starting Rotation

Despite the fact that there were five spaces in the rotation, this became quite an easy process looking at longevity. Only five pitchers produced over 30 WAR for the Royals while having top five starts in at least 8 years:

Curt Bogans 11 year, 48.2 WAR
Mason Barnett 10 years, 35.9 WAR
Ethan Chafin 9 years, 37.6 WAR
Eddie Baquerizo 8 years, 37.8 WAR
Ben Lane 8 years, 34.9 WAR

Bogans, the 2030 2nd round pick, had spent all but one of his 16 years in the Majors with the Royals. His 48.2 WAR came with a 77 FIP- and he had 321 GS. His WAR is the most of any Royal all-time and he was rewarded with Cy Young Awards back-to-back in 2038 and 239. He won three World Series with the Royals and was a three-time All Star.

Mason Barnett was at the Royals when Stewart arrived and spent 10 years as a starter, with 318 GS. His was a tale of longevity, rather then elite skills, only once making an All Star team. That came in 2028 the same year that he led the league in ERA.

Ethan Chafin was acquired in a 2033 trade with the Washington Nationals and went on to play 12 seasons in Kansas City. He was injury prone and so only had 9 years where he was in the top five pitchers for GS but had 244 GS in total, with an 85 FIP- for his 37.6 WAR. He was a 2041 All Star but 2039 might have been his most memorable year as he led the league with 20 W and 248 Ks.

Eddie Baquerizo was the Royals 1st round pick in Bogans’ 2030 draft class, and that turned into a quality draft from Stewart. Baquerizo had 8 years as a full-time starter out of his 11 with the Royals and was a 3 time All Star. He made over 250 starts for the Royals and had a 79 FIP-. He finished one win short of a century while racking up 1568 Ks.

Ben Lane is the youngest of the rotation, having been acquired by the Royals in 2038 from the New York Mets as a 19-year-old. Lane has had 9 years with the Royals so far, eight of which have seen him appear in the top five list for GS as he has amassed 247 GS with 34.9 WAR. 2048 is his only All Star selection but he won a Cy Young Award in 2042 in a year when he led the league in Ks and K/9.

There were some players that get an honorary mention: Cade Townsend and Mike Hoffer both put up over 20 WAR, with Hoffer doing so in only 136 GS (77 FIP-) while Townsend made had over 200 GS (86 FIP-). Cason Willard only spent two and a half years with the Royals after his acquisition but put up 15.9 WAR in 75 GS while winning a Cy Young Award.

Relievers

There was only room for three relievers on this quarter century team and, with the Royals having 6 players to win the Reliever of the Year Award, it was clear that several great player would miss out.

The Relievers of the Year to miss out on selection were Wen-Hui Pan, Banmei Kataoka, Nate Avis, and Angel Perdomo. Their common theme was a lack of longevity with the Royals, none having more than 3 years where they featured in the top three in Games played.

Of players to feature in this lists more than 3 times, one may consider himself unlucky to miss out while the other is potentially a surprise name on the list. William Schmidt was a 2024 2nd round pick who put up 5.1 WAR in his 4 years with the Royals, appearing in 94 G with a 55 FIP-. John McMillon just kept earning his spot in the bullpen and while never leading any categories for the Royals, had 5 years as one of the top three in games, pitching over 200 innings with 6.6 WAR and a 74 FIP-.

One Royal made the bullpen without a Reliever of the Year Award and that is Juan Anaya. Anaya, a 2037 International Amateur from the Dominican Republic, has had four years as one of the leading players in the Kansas City bullpen and has pitched 550+ innings, putting up 14.3 WAR with 55 Holds and a 64 FIP-. He reached 400 G in 2049. He has been selected to 4 All Star Games and is the rare pitcher to have won a postseason MVP award, in the 2043 ALCS.

That leaves two places, and both players were acquired as Major League stars who went on have more than 500 IP. Dan Nichols is likely on his way to the Major League Hall of Fame and the first half of his career was spent as a SP with White Sox before moving into a Relief role. He had one season with the Royals in 2041 before coming back for three and a half seasons from 2043 to 2046. In that time he pitched in 507.2 innings, across 270 G, recording 12.5 WAR and 65 Holds with a 67 FIP-. He won the Reliever of the Year Award in 2044 while earning All Star selections in each of his full years with the team.

The final place goes to the Royals only two-time Reliever of the Year Luis Danys Rhodes. Rhodes was a free agent signing who has gone on to have six years as the key cog in the Royals bullpen. Those Reliever of the Year Awards came in 2045 and 2049, while he was named to the All Star game in each season. He has put up 20.4 WAR while appearing in 432 G with 665.1 IP. In addition he has recorded 80 Holds and a 59 FIP-.

Closer

Rhodes had a case for the Closer role but his body of work as a Stopper is more comprehensive, while he also had the lowest successful save percentage (81.6%) from the three players on the shortlist.

Chris Wagner had two years where he led the Royals in save, his 81 SV coming at an 88% success rate while putting up a 66 FIP-.

The selection though, went to Joe Manley. Manley recorded 105 SV for the Royals at an 88.2% success rate, with a 56 FIP- and had three years where he led the team in saves.

Quarter-Century Pitchers

SP Curt Bogans 2033-47
SP Eddie Baquerizo 2033-43
SP Ethan Chafin 2037-48
SP Ben Lane 2041-49
SP Mason Barnett 2025-36

RP Juan Anaya 2042-49
RP Dan Nichols 2041, 2043-46
RP Luis Danys Rhodes 2044-49

CL Joe Manley 2041-47

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Major League Predictions

The Royals are predicted to bear the Braves 14-in-a-row record by recording the best record in baseball, another 100+ win season with a comfortable 20+ game winning margin. The AL East looks to be competitive, if mediocre, while the Mariners and the Rangers are the class of the West, albeit on a par with the Guardians and the White Sox. There are no Royals at the top of the hitting or pitching lists, although former Royal Greg Moehring is expected to have another elite season.



In the National League, the Braves are predicted to have the only other 100-win season in the Majors (and only other 900+ run team), cruising to the East division. The Cubs and the Diamondbacks are predicted to comfortably win the Central and West respectively. The Wild Cards seem to be where the excitement will come, with a raft of mid-80 win teams fighting for those three spots.



Opening Day Lineup

As expected there are some changes for the Royals after an offseason of change. Arturo Ruano will back up Nelson Saiz at Catcher while the departure of Luis Aceves after he declined the QO means Bernalldino Igrejas will be an elite glove at 1B. The rest of the infield is as expected with Branson Huot and David de Anda taking on the infield back up roles, with Chad Hart earning a starting spot in the DH position against LHP. It is Steve Katzin who misses out, he will start in Omaha looking to force Stewart’s hand during the season.

In the outfield, there are less surprises with Domingo Carrillo earning the spot vacated by Ken Crome although it was a close decision with Esmarly Roseberry impressing and likely to earn some playing time this year.



Opening Day Roster Transactions

Monday, March 28th , 2050
Optioned C Chris Early to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned 1B Jorge Rico to High-A Quad Cities.
Optioned 1B Juan Soriano to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned 2B Steve Katzin to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned CF Rodolfo Lara to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Optioned CF David Rojo to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Optioned LF Esmarly Roseberry to Triple A Omaha.

Opening Day Pitching Battery

The top of the starting rotation is boosted by the arrival of Braden Montalbano, giving an incredible 1-2 punch with T.J. Nooks. Former Cy Young winner Ben Lane will be the third starter, followed by Rob Cope and Benton Geldart. The final spot was a surprise with AAA Outstanding Pitcher Award winner Danny Mueller taking the final spot. Dusty Glick starts on the IR, where he will spend most of the season.

The AAA starting rotation should be very strong with 2046 2nd Round pick Joe Teichner, 2045 4th Round Jeff Mole, Dusty Bartosik, and Jorge Zagal all being close to major league ready.

There is less movement in the bullpen with only Joe Mays (traded) missing from the end of season player evaluation. Eric Bustamente earns the chance to replace Mays in a middle relief role.



Opening Day Roster Transactions

Monday, March 28th , 2050
Assigned RP Ferlon Goins from Spring Training camp to Triple A Omaha.
Assigned RP Joe Teichner from Spring Training camp to Triple A Omaha.
Assigned RP Jared Baynes from Spring Training camp to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Tim Parsons to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Dusty Bartosik to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Jeff Mole to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Jorge Zagal to Triple A Omaha.

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KC Top Prospects

David de Anda will start in a utility IF role but the number 4 prospect will be hoping to turn that into an every day role over the course of the season. The two OF, Rodolfo Lara and David Rojo, will be expecting to start hot in AA, cruise through AAA and be fighting for a September call up later in the season. Dusty Bartosik can consider himself unlucky not to be in the opening day starting rotation but injuries are a fact of baseball and a strong start to the Omaha season will go him a shot at a call up during the season.



MLB Top Prospects

The Nationals are debuting two top rookies this year in SS Ken Whitener and RHP Eytor Incio. Along with David de Anda, they will expect to be in the conversation for Rookie of the Year awards with the majority of the rest of the top 15 at least a couple of years from the Major Leagues.



MLB Farm Systems

The National leapfrog the Diamondbacks to have the second best farm in baseball behind the Royals. The Royals have four of the top twenty prospects to give them a healthy advantage of the top of the rankings with the Cubs the only other team with more than 100 points worth of prospects.

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MLB Standings



Kansas City Results



Kansas City Statistics





There aren't many who could be pro ballplayers and there are even fewer who could put up 5 hits in a day.

Chad Hart is one of those rare few, as he went 5-for-6 against the Chicago White Sox at Kauffman Stadium. The monster effort from the 26-year-old second baseman helped the Kansas City Royals get the win, 18-3.

"We made some bad pitches and he took advantage of it," said White Sox manager Connor Narron. "That's the game, though. Don't make mistakes and you'll win ballgames. Make mistakes and, well, you saw what happened today."

Chad Hart singled in the 1st, hit a two-run double in the 2nd, singled in the 4th, singled in the 5th, doubled in the 7th and flied out in the 8th.



Transactions & Injuries

A reasonably quiet month for the Royals as Danny Mueller will miss a couple of weeks with a ‘take no risks’ trip to the Injury List; Jeff Mole replacing him for a couple of turns through the rotation. Chris Morrow returned from injury and will take a rehab in Omaha before rejoining the team.

Wednesday, April 6th , 2050
Signed international amateur SS Pantalian Pecci out of Venezuela to a minor league contract.
Saturday, April 9th , 2050
Signed international amateur SP Hjalmar Joosten out of Netherlands Antilles to a minor league contract.
Saturday, April 16th , 2050
Signed international amateur SP Luis del Real out of Venezuela to a minor league contract.
Tuesday, April 19th , 2050
SP Danny Mueller was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: sore elbow. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 2 weeks.
Purchased the contract of SP Jeff Mole from Triple A Omaha.
Friday, April 22nd , 2050
Signed international amateur SS David Zambrano out of Venezuela to a minor league contract.
Sunday, April 24th , 2050
SP Ben Lane was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: dead arm. He's expected to miss about one week.
Signed international amateur SP Luis Uriarte out of Dominican Republic to a minor league contract.
Friday, April 29th , 2050
Sent RP Chris Morrow to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Saturday, April 30th , 2050
RP Sergio Arellano did not elect for free agency and will remain in the Kansas City organization.

Minor League News

Which Texas League hurler dominated in the month of April?
According to the voters who decide the Texas League Pitcher of the Month award, it was Juan Popoca of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals.

He put together a record of 4-0 with an ERA of 1.09 in 4 starting assignments. In addition, he struck out 25 in 24.2 innings.

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MLB Standings

The Royals trail only the Yankees for the best record in baseball, having opened up a 2.5 G lead in the AL Central.



Kansas City Results



Kansas City Statistics



The Royals’ starters are struggling so far this season, although stats below show the aces are performing well and it is the back half of the rotation that needs to up their game.



Bobby Nickelberry hit a historic home run today -- career blast number 300. "I am happy to be in such elite company. It has been quite a ride so far," Nickelberry said after the game.

The Royals right fielder went 2 for 5 with 1 home run and 2 RBI as the Kansas City Royals won 8-4 over the Texas Rangers.

Lifetime Nickelberry has hit .305 with 1396 hits, 300 home runs, 1005 RBIs and scored 763 runs.



Transactions & Injuries

It was a tough month for the Royals, injury wise. They lost highly rated SP prospect Dusty Bartosik for the season which puts some pressure on the existing back of rotation starters.

Jorge Corujo suffered the most serious injury, a torn groin running the bases ruling him out for three months but giving Esmarly Roseberry the chance to make his ML debut.

On the 16th the Royals lost both Jonathan Lish and Jadon Tezeno, Lish for a couple of weeks and Tezeno for five, opening up a space for Steve Katzin to return to the Major Leagues, at least for a spell. Lish did return at the end of the month, although currently has a day-to-day injury.

Pitching wise, Chris Morrow returned which sent struggling C.J. Binkle down to AAA; however, Zaire McKines then strained his elbow and will miss 3-4 weeks, opening the door for Binkle to return.

Sunday, May 1st , 2050
Placed SP Dusty Bartosik on the International League 7-day injured list, retroactive to 04/30/2050.
Monday, May 2nd , 2050
RF A.J. Terry was injured in a collision at a base. The Diagnosis: sprained thumb. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 3 weeks.
Tuesday, May 3rd , 2050
Signed international amateur 3B Domingo Carrillo out of Venezuela to a minor league contract.
Wednesday, May 4th , 2050
CF Jorge Corujo was injured while running the bases. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Thursday, May 5th , 2050
Optioned SP Jeff Mole to Triple A Omaha.
Activated SP Danny Mueller from the injured list.
Friday, May 6th , 2050
CF Jorge Corujo diagnosed with a torn groin muscle, will miss 3 months.
Optioned RP C.J. Binkle to Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of RP Chris Morrow from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of LF Esmarly Roseberry from Triple A Omaha.
Sunday, May 8th , 2050
C Nelson Saiz was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: quadriceps strain. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 3 weeks.
Tuesday, May 10th , 2050
RP Zaire McKines was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: sore elbow. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 5 days.
Thursday, May 12th , 2050
RP Zaire McKines was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: elbow strain. He's expected to miss about 3-4 weeks.
Purchased the contract of RP C.J. Binkle from Triple A Omaha.
Friday, May 13th , 2050
SS Jonathan Lish was injured in a collision at a base. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Signed international amateur SP Joam Alcoser out of Brazil to a minor league contract.
Saturday, May 14th , 2050
3B Jadon Tezeno was injured while throwing the ball. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Monday, May 16th , 2050
3B Jadon Tezeno diagnosed with shoulder inflammation, will miss 5 weeks.
SS Jonathan Lish diagnosed with a strained back muscle, will miss 2 weeks.
Purchased the contract of 2B Steve Katzin from Triple A Omaha.
Tuesday, May 17th , 2050
Signed international amateur SP Antan Consolao out of Venezuela to a minor league contract.
SP Rob Cope was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: mild abdominal strain. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last one week.
Sunday, May 29th , 2050
RP Mike Krebs was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: mild abdominal strain. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 4 days.
Placed SS Jonathan Lish on the active roster.
Monday, May 30th , 2050
SS Jonathan Lish was injured while throwing the ball. The Diagnosis: strained back. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 5 days.
Tuesday, May 31st , 2050
RF Bobby Nickelberry was injured while throwing the ball. The Diagnosis: pulled abdominal muscle. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last one week.

Minor League News

Dusty Bartosik has to call it a season. The Omaha Storm Chasers starting pitcher learned today that the full extent his injury suffered on 04/30/2050 is worse than hoped. He will not play again this year according to club doctors, who diagnosed the injury as a torn flexor tendon in his elbow and stated that he would not be able to play for 13 months.

The team will likely place Bartosik on the injured list today.

For this year, Bartosik has chalked up 3 wins and 1 loss in 6 starts with 27 strikeouts in 33.2 innings and a 4.28 ERA.

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MLB Standings

The Royal pass the Yankees but are still the second best team in baseball, and now are sitting in a Wild Card place after the Twins go 21-6 in the month of June to open up a 4 G lead over Kansas City. The road to 15 isn’t quite as simple as Stewart had hoped.



Kansas City Results



Kansas City Statistics



The challenge is clear, as starting pitching is proving problematic for the Royals, sitting in the bottom half of the AL and contributing to only the 8th fewest runs against so far.





There are clearly some starters (and a reliever) who are playing for their future between now and the All Star Break with changes likely. Outside of Nooks and Montalbano none of the starters are safe, while Mike Krebs continues to struggle this season.

Transactions & Injuries

Jadon Tezeno and Zaire KcKines returned for Injury Rehab stints in Omaha but it was a month of scouting discoveries as Stewart gave the existing roster every chance to earn their place for the rest of the season.

Friday, June 3rd , 2050
Sent RP Zaire McKines to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Monday, June 6th , 2050
Signed international amateur SP Juan Rivera out of Venezuela to a minor league contract.
Friday, June 10th , 2050
Signed international amateur 3B Jesus Salazar out of Dominican Republic to a minor league contract.
Saturday, June 18th , 2050
Signed international amateur C Arturo Canas out of Mexico to a minor league contract.
Sunday, June 19th , 2050
Signed international amateur RF Edgar Aquino out of Venezuela to a minor league contract.
Monday, June 20th , 2050
Sent 3B Jadon Tezeno to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Thursday, June 23rd , 2050
Signed international amateur 1B Wilfredo Monroy out of Dominican Republic to a minor league contract.

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The Royals have closed the gap to 1.5 G heading into the All Star break and confidence is returning that this could be a record breaking season in Kansas City.



To bolster that confidence the Royals have nine players selected to the All-Star Game, three pitchers and six position players, including a whole outfield.

Braden Montalbano and T.J. Nooks earn their first All-Star selections as Royals, third and second overall respectively while Luis Danys Rhodes earns his 10th, and 7th as a Royal.

Nelson Saiz earns a 3rd selection in a row, Juan Montelongo a second and there is a rookie All Star in David de Anda. In the outfield, A.J. Terry is a first time All-Star, while Mike Gronkiewicz has a second as he backs up his rookie year. Bobby Nickelberry rounds out the selections with his 7th.

SP Braden Montalbano (KC) - 7-2, 2.89 ERA, 93.1 IP, 1.00 WHIP, 10.9 K/9, 3.0 WAR
SP T.J. Nooks (KC) - 12-1, 3.22 ERA, 109.0 IP, 1.10 WHIP, 9.8 K/9, 4.1 WAR
RP Luis Danys Rhodes (KC) - 6-3, 3.24 ERA, 66.2 IP, 0.94 WHIP, 8.4 K/9, 1.8 WAR
C Nelson Saiz (KC) - .274/.379/.517, 288 AB, 16 HR, 138 wRC+, 3.1 WAR
2B Juan Montelongo (KC)* - .298/.379/.486, 329 AB, 13 HR, 5 SB, 133 wRC+, 3.6 WAR
3B David de Anda (KC) - .288/.351/.562, 260 AB, 17 HR, 8 SB, 143 wRC+, 2.6 WAR
LF A.J. Terry (KC) - .294/.354/.535, 316 AB, 19 HR, 15 SB, 137 wRC+, 2.9 WAR
CF Mike Gronkiewicz (KC)* - .304/.391/.512, 342 AB, 16 HR, 26 SB, 144 wRC+, 4.8 WAR
RF Bobby Nickelberry (KC)* - .300/.355/.517, 333 AB, 18 HR, 131 wRC+, 2.7 WAR

There are three former Royals picked, including two from 2049 in Luis Aceves and Cason Willard. Aceves is flourishing in New York, slugging .608 and already with 35 HRs.

1B Luis Aceves (NYY) - .278/.366/.608, 367 AB, 35 HR, 9 SB, 161 wRC+, 3.3 WAR
LF Mike Thomas (TOR)* - .297/.419/.519, 212 AB, 10 HR, 17 SB, 150 wRC+, 2.7 WAR (Injured)
SP Cason Willard (SF) - 7-8, 3.80 ERA, 125.2 IP, 1.20 WHIP, 8.9 K/9, 2.1 WAR



The game doesn’t go well for Royals batters as they go 0-12 with 7 Ks.

Rhodes is almost as poor, with a 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 1 K stat line but Nooks pitches a clean inning, with 2 Ks.



It’s a strong batting line up in 2050 with only the utility infielders really struggling, as Chad Hart, Branson Huot, and Steve Katzin all have a wRC+ below 100. There is nobody with off the chart numbers, just a whole team of hitters doing their jobs.



The obvious weak spot of the Royals this season is their starting pitching behind Montalbano and Nooks. Benton Geldart has been slightly better than league average by FIP- and is worth 1.3 WAR, as is Rob Cope but Ben Lane may be coming to the end of his time with his 107 FIP- and 1.4 HR/9 rating. Danny Mueller has been very poor with a 148 FIP- and negative WAR value but had scoreless outings in his two starts before the All Star break and has age on his side if the Royals feel patient.

In the bullpen, there isn’t quite the story of dominance as in previous years and Mike Krebs may be pitching himself to a reset in Omaha but in general there aren’t too many concerns.

Heading into the All Star break, the perfect end to July would be one elite LHP bullpen arm, and two elite starters, one LHP and one RHP.

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Owner Goals



Team Record:
Our fans are getting nervous. With half the season over, we're not looking like a top team. Squeeze every drop you can out of our team and get it done.

Extend your player:
I would appreciate it if you would actually listen to me when I tell you to re-sign a player. I feel like sometimes we don't show the proper loyalty to our players. If we kept our veterans like Dusty Glick around, I think we would have more respect around the rest of the league.

Acquire a player:
I love it when you put in effort to satisfy the goals I set out for you. That's why it's so disappointing to see you completely ignoring my request to acquire a Power hitter. Make an effort to reach this goal, or the next thing you may need to do is update your CV.


During our time working together, I have been good with your progress towards the goals I have set out for you. Considering your current and past successes, I am happy with your overall performance. It's important to have success on-field and in the boardroom, and you seem to be on that path.

Prospect Performance



All-Star Prospects selections

CL Jared Baynes (KC-AAA) - 3-4, 13 SV, 2.88 ERA, 34.1 IP, 1.40 WHIP, 9.4 K/9, 0.5 WAR
C Chris Early (KC-AAA) - .287/.347/.493, 282 AB, 15 HR, 100 wRC+, 1.8 WAR
3B Biagio Torrisi (KC-R) - .355/.506/.540, 124 AB, 5 HR, 148 wRC+, 0.9 WAR
CF Rodolfo Lara (KC-AA) - .281/.383/.477, 306 AB, 10 HR, 6 SB, 131 wRC+, 2.9 WAR
CF David Rojo (KC-AA) - .279/.372/.562, 315 AB, 21 HR, 2 SB, 145 wRC+, 3.5 WAR

2050 Draft

Following Colin Stewart’s decision to announce his departure from the Royals before the start of the season, the Royals allowed Scouting Director Dalfis Ortiz to make the majority of draft decisions – with Stewart monitoring for personality. The majority of the first 12-15 picks came from Stewarts pre-draft shortlist, giving the experienced GM confidence the franchise will be in safe hands.

The first round pick was a Catcher, 18-year old Jeff Katzman who profiles above average contact and defense with plus power and eye.



The Royals had six further bonus eligible picks, with a mix of IF and P selected:

• Round 1 (Suppl.), Pick 3 - 2B Daniel Cuadrado, age 18 out of high school
• Round 1 (Suppl.), Pick 4 - 2B Sergio Vega, age 19 out of high school
• Round 2 - SP Shawn Nellums, age 17 out of high school
• Round 3 - 2B Chris Sylvester, age 17 out of high school
• Round 4 - SP Joe Cox, age 18 out of high school
• Round 5 - RP Bret Barr, age 18 out of high school

The Royals signed all 22 of their draft class and sent all three of their college players to A ball, while the rest of the class will start in Rookie ball:

• Round 7 - C Brad Crocker, age 21 out of college (St. John's University; New York, NY)
• Round 9 - CF Josh Price, age 21 out of college (University of South Carolina; Columbia, SC)
• Round 18 - SP J.P. Gaddison, age 21 out of college (Cornell University; Ithaca, NY)

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MLB Standings

The Royal are back on top of the AL Central, one game up on the Twins having started the month 4 G back. On current performance, the second best team in baseball is staring at an ALWC Series!



Kansas City Results



Kansas City Statistics







Last month was a very good one for Braden Montalbano of Kansas City. So good that he has been picked as the Pitcher of the Month in the American League.

Montalbano throttled league hitters the entire month, completing July with an impressive 4-1 mark and a 2.45 ERA in 5 starts with 34 strikeouts in 29.1 innings.

Over the season Montalbano has thrown 106 innings and dished out 125 strikeouts with a 9-2 mark and a 2.80 ERA.

Transactions & Injuries

A busy month for the Royals started with the demotion of RP Mike Krebs, who 139 FIP- was an anomaly in a bullpen at the top of the AL rankings. Zaire McKines replaced Krebs with a chance to earn his place in the Majors for this season and beyond.

In the run up to the All Star Game the Royals resigned several organisational coaches and also saw the return of Jadon Tezeno, Branson Huot being optioned to AAA to make room. Tezeno, however, is coming back with David de Anda having earned an All Star nod at 3B so pressure is on the veteran to earn his playing time.

As the trade deadline approached, the Royals were contemplating how to strengthen their pitching, the 7th SP ERA not a position they were accustomed to. At the All Star Break the thought had been two SP and one RP would be a perfect approach and that was Stewart’s starting point on 28 July.

First up the Royals confirmed a trade with the Phillies to acquire SP Steve Mondie. Mondie is under contract for 4 years and the Phillies will cover 50% of his salary. In return the Royals gave up 2B Branson Huot (who lost out on the 2B / utility IF musical chairs to Steve Katzin, and prospect Mike Cerda.

Next, the Royals spoke to the Red Sox, whose poor season meant they were open to offers for SP Shammond Fairwell. Fairwell is also under contract for 4 years and the Red Soz will pick up 55% of his salary. In return the Royals gave up 2029 Trade Acquisition Ignacio Pavon. Before concluding the deal Stewart enquired about their $15m Closer Mike Smithers. The cost was Trade Acquisition Ismael Casarez, a very reasonable price for a team looking to close out Stewart’s reign with a ring.

Smithers was a bonus and the Royals still had their eye on an elite RP. Having doubled down on RHP in Mondie and Fairwell, the Royals approached the Cincinnati Reds about their closer, Omari Ambroise. Ambroise, a 2047 draft pick, has 80+ stuff and will add real firepower to the Royals back end of the bullpen. The cost, an underperforming Chad Hart, and 2049 IA David Baires.

Finally, having brought in two new SP, the Royals took the chance to explore the market for Ben Lane. Despite making the Royals All-Quarter Century team, he had been no more than league average in the penultima guaranteed year of his contract and his high injury proneness (wrecked) meant the Royals were happy to get a reasonable return. That return was two SP prospects, in Alvaro Polanco and Rogelio Cuevas. Stewart won’t be in charge to see their development but if the Royals get half the careers that Lane has produced it will be a good trade.

Four new pitchers was more than Royals fans expected but there is excitement in the stands and the clubhouse, although not for Benton Geldart or C.J. Binkle who make way for the new player, both optioned to AAA. The Royals will carry 15 P for the coming weeks to give the new collection time to gel.

The month ended with mixed emotions, however. Bobby Nickelberry tore ankle ligaments running the bases and will miss at least 2 months, and so likely the remainder, of the season. His loss allows Jon Garrison to make his big leagues bow, the 2048 Trade Acquisition (PHI) offering a combination of glove, speed and contact that should give him value in what will be a 4th/5th OF role. In more positive news, Dusty Glick, is making a good recovery from his torn UCL and should be back in time for an August Injury Rehab and potentially a month in the rotation,

Saturday, July 2nd , 2050
Optioned RP Mike Krebs to Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of RP Zaire McKines from Triple A Omaha.
Monday, July 4th , 2050
Signed - Sandy Garces to a 5-year contract extension.
Signed - Elmer Figueroa to a 5-year contract extension.
Saturday, July 9th , 2050
Optioned 2B Branson Huot to Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of 3B Jadon Tezeno from Triple A Omaha.
Friday, July 15th , 2050
Signed international amateur SP Sergio Guerrero out of Venezuela to a minor league contract.
Tuesday, July 26th , 2050
Signed international amateur C Rodolfo Manjarrez out of Netherlands Antilles to a minor league contract.
Wednesday, July 27th , 2050
RF Bobby Nickelberry was injured while running the bases. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Thursday, July 28th , 2050
Signed international amateur 2B Jesus Castaneda out of Dominican Republic to a minor league contract.
Sent RP Steve Campista to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Traded 20-year old minor league 2B Mike Cerda and 24-year old minor league 2B Branson Huot to the Philadelphia Phillies, getting 27-year old RHP Steve Mondie (retaining 50%) in return.
Traded 21-year old minor league 2B Ignacio Pavon and 19-year old minor league LF Ismael Casarez to the Boston Red Sox, getting 29-year old RHP Shammond Fairwell (retaining 55%) and 31-year old RHP Mike Smithers in return.
Traded 26-year old 2B Chad Hart and 18-year old minor league 3B David Baires to the Cincinnati Reds, getting 25-year old LHP Omari Ambroise in return.
Traded 31-year old RHP Ben Lane to the San Antonio Avalanche, getting 16-year old minor league LHP Alvaro Polanco and 17-year old minor league RHP Rogelio Cuevas in return.
Optioned SP Benton Geldart to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP C.J. Binkle to Triple A Omaha.
Friday, July 29th , 2050
Signed international amateur SP Jesus Vela out of Dominican Republic to a minor league contract.
RF Bobby Nickelberry diagnosed with torn ankle ligaments, will miss 2-3 months.
Purchased the contract of LF Jon Garrison from Triple A Omaha.
Saturday, July 30th , 2050
LF Domingo Carrillo was injured while attempting but missing a high-five with a teammate. The Diagnosis: strained rib cage muscle. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 5 days.
Sunday, July 31st , 2050
SP Danny Mueller was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: sore elbow. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 4 days.

Minor League News

A standout performance in July earned Jorge Zagal the Pitcher of the Month Award in the International League. When his name was penciled in to start by the Omaha skipper, it meant trouble for opposing teams. For the month the Storm Chasers star racked up 4 wins and 1 loss.

In 39 innings of work, Zagal limited opposing batters to 25 base hits and a .181 batting average. He notched 31 strikeouts, issued 4 walks and had a 2.54 ERA.

So far this season, Zagal has compiled a 11-5 record with a 3.54 ERA.

Mid-Season Promotions

Wednesday, July 20th , 2050
Promoted international complex member 3B David Baires to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member CF David Sandoval to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member CF Nelson Lara to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member LF Frank Oliva to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member LF Julio Rivera to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member RP Guadalupe Osorio to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member RP Jesus Salas to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member SP David Caceres to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member SP Ernesto Lazaro to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member SP Juan Alvarado to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member SP Juan Camacho to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member SP Juan Ramon to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member SP Juan Rivera to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member SP Juan Treto to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member SP Martinho Esmnia to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member SP Rogelio Rivera to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member SS Alejandro Espinoza to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted C Jorge Saucedo from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted CF Juan Saldana from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RF Alfredo Marinez from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Luis Tenente from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted SP Juan Guerrero from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted SP Juan Padilla from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted SP Juan Prieto from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted 2B Mike Cerda from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted C Mike Hurley from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted CF Andy Rainey from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted LF Robby Baker from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Chris Adams from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Frank Villarreal from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Jeff Stephenson from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Mike Stufft from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Tetsumi Fukumoto from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted SP Danny Grant from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted SS Steve Foister from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Sent 3B Zach Cavanaugh from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent C Danny Copeland from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent C Tadasumi Toyota from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent CF Hudson Girton from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent CF Jadon Notice from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent CL Tim Elkins from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent RP Billy Oliver from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent RP Josh Palmer from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent RP Nate Skinner from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent SP Edgar Magana from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent SS Alexis Guadalupe from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Promoted 3B Jesus Mendizabal from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted 3B Steve Walker from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted 3B Zidan Sudani from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted C Randy Bridenbaker from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted CL Chris Kelley from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted CL Tim Elkins from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted RP Danny Schibler from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted RP Eric Chaney from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted SP J.P. Carrillo from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted SP Randy Wambolt from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted SS Kurt Ferullo from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted 1B Andy Casazza from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Promoted 2B Chris Papp from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Promoted C Dane Cook from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Promoted CF David Rojo from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Promoted CF Rodolfo Lara from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Promoted RF Jon Dinsmore from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Promoted RP Ethan del Moral from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Promoted RP Jake Fulmer from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Promoted RP Jonathan Taylor from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Promoted RP Sergio Arellano from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Promoted SP Juan Armenteros from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Promoted SP Juan Montoya from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Released 1B Jesus Salas.
Released 1B Juan Mora.
Released 1B Luis del Real.
Released 2B Raul Arrojado.
Released 3B Jesus Arce.
Released 3B Rogelio Temblador.
Released C Alejandro Ramos.
Released C Arturo Canas.
Released C Aureliano Castilleja.
Released C Stefano Frassetto.
Released C Steve Finn.
Released C Tadasumi Toyota.
Released CF Kevin Depke.
Released CF Omarion Tennial.
Released LF Esteban Campuzano.
Released LF Jorge Osorio.
Released RF Etsuya Hamano.
Released RP Alejandro Ontiveros.
Released RP David Lara.
Released RP David Medina.
Released RP David Parrilla.
Released RP Jeff Ocampo.
Released RP Joel Harris.
Released RP Jorge Arambula.
Released RP Juan Bautista.
Released RP Juanito Portillo.
Released RP Luis Godoy.
Released RP Luis Tenente.
Released RP Sergio Malave.
Released SP Jaheim Mikell.
Released SP Sansão Manteigueiro.
Released SS Ben Dart.
Released SS Luis Moreira. 

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MLB Standings

From one and a half games back at the All Star Break, the Royals end August 14.5 Games up on the Twins, 8 G short of another 1000 W season, and a magic number of 15 to clinch a 15th straight pennant, breaking the Braves record.



Kansas City Results



Kansas City Statistics



An incredible 23-4 month has fired the Royals to postseason favourite status with the SP ERA dropping under 4.00 and improving to 5th in the AL over the course of the month.



For the month of August, David de Anda of the Kansas City Royals has really worn out the sweet spot on his bat. He has assaulted, used and abused American League pitchers to the tune of a .346 batting average and was honored as the hottest hitter of the month today.

The third baseman swung into action for the Kansas City Royals and was named August's best newcomer in the American League.

de Anda went 28 for 81 last month with 9 walks. The third baseman tallied 7 home runs, 19 RBIs, 24 runs scored and compiled a .419 on-base percentage.

This year, de Anda is batting .311 with 25 home runs.



Transactions & Injuries

Dusty Glick’s return to a Injury Rehab assignment was the big news of the month and he is set to return to the Big Leagues when the Royals take advantage of roster expansion and the same will be true for Jorge Corujo.

The Royals lost two relievers, Luis Danys Rhodes straining his hamstring and Chris Morrow hurting his shoulder. Rhodes will be out for at least 3 weeks, while Morrow should be back around the time of roster expansion. C.J. Binkle and Mike Krebs earn recalls with both pitching better in a small sample than earlier in the season.

Wednesday, August 3rd , 2050
Signed international amateur CF Nelson Rivera out of Dominican Republic to a minor league contract.
Tuesday, August 9th , 2050
RP Luis Danys Rhodes was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Thursday, August 11th , 2050
RP Luis Danys Rhodes diagnosed with a strained hamstring, is day-to-day for 3 weeks.
Friday, August 12th , 2050
Sent SP Dusty Glick to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Saturday, August 20th , 2050
RP Chris Morrow was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: sore shoulder. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last one week.
Purchased the contract of RP C.J. Binkle from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of RP Mike Krebs from Triple A Omaha.
Sunday, August 21st , 2050
Signed international amateur SP Luis Heras out of Venezuela to a minor league contract.
Wednesday, August 24th , 2050
Sent CF Jorge Corujo to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Thursday, August 25th , 2050
Signed international amateur CL Jorge Enciso out of Dominican Republic to a minor league contract.
Wednesday, August 31st , 2050
Signed international amateur SP Edgar Grajeda out of Venezuela to a minor league contract.

Minor League News

In August Northwest Arkansas starter, J.P. Carrillo really put the strong arm on the other Texas League teams and hauled in the Pitcher of the Month trophy. He did it with an impressive 5 wins and no losses.

In 5 starts and 36 innings of work, Carrillo limited opposing batters to 25 base hits and a .195 batting average. He fanned 30, issued 7 walks and had a 2.50 ERA.

This year, Carrillo has made 7 starts, thrown 49.1 innings, fanned 42 batters and walked 10. His won-lost record is 6-0 with a 2.37 ERA.

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MLB Standings

The Royals secured their 22nd consecutive playoff spot with a 10-9 victory over the Guardians on 7 September. Two days later, they secured the 15th pennant in a row, breaking the Braves record for most consecutive division titles.



Kansas City Results

In between clinching a playoff spot and winning the AL Central the Royals defeated the Twins 7-4 for their 100th win of the season, their 11th in a row.



Kansas City Statistics







Transactions & Injuries

SP Dusty Glick are RP Jared Baynes are September call ups to the pitching corps, as are relievers Steve Campista, Chris Morrow, and Luis Danys Rhodes on their return from injury.

CF Jorge Corujo is the only position player added to the roster, and the Royals lose him 11 days later, a herniated disc ruling him out for a month.

Thursday, September 1st , 2050
Purchased the contract of SP Dusty Glick from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of RP Jared Baynes from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of CF Jorge Corujo from Triple A Omaha.
Friday, September 2nd , 2050
Activated RP Steve Campista from the injured list.
Monday, September 5th , 2050
Signed international amateur RF Uberto Leanos out of Venezuela to a minor league contract.
Activated RP Chris Morrow from the injured list.
Saturday, September 10th , 2050
CF Jorge Corujo was injured while throwing the ball. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Signed international amateur SS Jesus Bustillos out of Dominican Republic to a minor league contract.
Sunday, September 11th , 2050
CF Jorge Corujo diagnosed with a herniated disc, will miss 4 weeks.
Tuesday, September 13th , 2050
Signed international amateur C Julio Cabrera out of Venezuela to a minor league contract.
Activated RP Luis Danys Rhodes from the injured list.
Monday, September 19th , 2050
Signed international amateur SP Jorge Celis out of Dominican Republic to a minor league contract.
Saturday, September 24th , 2050
Signed international amateur CF Andres Sighel out of Venezuela to a minor league contract.

Minor League News

J.P. Carrillo of Northwest Arkansas had an award-winning September as he took home the Texas League Pitcher of the Month award.

"He told me once people used to make fun of the way he pitches," Carrillo's pitching coach told reporters. "There wasn't anybody laughing in September except for J.P.."

Carrillo was all business when he took the mound though, collecting a 3-0 record in 4 starts. He struck out 31 batters in 27.2 innings and kept opponents to a .204 batting average.

Carrillo has made 11 starts so far this year and put up a 9-0 won-lost record with a 1.99 ERA. In 77 innings he has allowed 57 hits, walked 18 and struck out 73. 

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The Royals lose their last two games of the season as the bottom of the rotation fails to grab their chance to make Stewart’s playoff decisions hard.



The Royals two losses to the Braves allow Atlanta to leapfrog the Padres to secure the last remaining wildcard place as the Cardinals and Diamondbacks secure the division titles.



The Royals overperform their Pythagorean record by a game, finishing at 112-50, with a +349 Run Differential. They performed strongly across the board with the one exception being extra-innings games, where they finished with a losing 5-7 record.