Zero to Hero - A Scotsman in MLB

[benp28]

International Amateurs

Julio Agurcia, 16 year-old RHP out of Dominican Republic
6' 6" Julio Agurcia is an intimidating presence on the mound. He projects to have a repertoire that include a good circle change, a good fastball, a decent sinker, and a curve that won't fool many hitters. He makes up for pedestrian stuff with pinpoint command. Agurcia has a ceiling of an ace with his three plus secondary pitches.

Santiago Cordoba, 16 year-old 2B out of Dominican Republic
Lean and athletic, Santiago Cordoba hails from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He has a lot of talent, and grades out as a plus contact hitter. His elite speed will benefit him on the basepaths. He is expected to develop into a very sure-handed and reliable second baseman. Cordoba projects to be an above average big league second baseman.

However, a few invitees left me disappointed as they did not appear to match my previous assessment, although they may still end up being future stars:

Kohone Kinoro, 16 year-old 1B out of South Africa
Kohone Kinoro is a long, lean athletic first baseman who was born in Johannesburg, South Africa. He displays enough raw power to grow into a true home run threat. He trades swings and misses for hits aplenty. He has a good sense for the zone. Kinoro has the potential to develop into a big league regular for the bulk of his career.

Julio Cardenas, 16 year-old 2B out of Dominican Republic
Lean and athletic, Julio Cardenas hails from San Cristóbal, Dominican Republic. He has a lot of talent, and grades out as a plus contact hitter. He has elite raw power and can send a fastball a mile. He has shown promising pitch recognition skills. Scouts project Cardenas to fill a key role for a contending team in the big leagues.

And other players that I was able to further assess were:
Jorge Mercado, 16 year-old SS out of Venezuela
Daniel Morales, 16 year-old 3B out of Venezuela
Valentino Tarantino, 16 year-old C out of Italy
Gilberto Grijalva, 16 year-old SS out of Venezuela
Ernesto Miranda, 16 year-old 2B out of Colombia
Luis Monarca, 16 year-old RF out of Dominican Republic

Santiago Cordoba (Dominican Republic) has impressed Head Scout Justin Cowan every month and so was a no brainer as the primary target for the Royals International Amateur class in 2035. At $3m he was not cheap but joined the Royals International Complex.



Looking at remaining budget, there was room for one more player and the Royals picked up Italian Catcher, Valentino Tarantino. Tarantino has plus catcher blocking and framing, and profiles to have plus contact with average power.



Development Lab

Bobby Witt Jr. 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.
• No noticeable changes.

Ed Nicholson 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 shortstop.
• Infield arm rating improves by <5
• Infield range rating improves by <5
• Infield error rating improves by <5
• Turn doubleplay rating improves by <5

Tim Storer 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 shortstop.
• Infield arm rating improves by <5
• Infield range rating improves by <5
• Infield error rating improves by 5
• Turn doubleplay rating improves by <5

Trades & Free Agents

Monday, January 1st , 2035
Signed free agent SP Mason Barnett to a 4-year contract worth a total of $43,500,000.
1B Luis Zesati was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.
Tuesday, January 2nd , 2035
Signed SP Eddie Baquerizo to a 8-year contract extension worth a total of $76,000,000.
Thursday, January 4th , 2035
1B Luis Zesati was claimed off waivers by Washington.

The new year, and to offset the disappointment of missing out on LePointe the Royals brought back Mason Barnett on a 4-year, two TO-year contract. At $10m+ per year it is an overpay but, after moving to the top of the all-time strikeouts list for the Royals, Barnett is a club legend who deserves to stick around.

At the opposite end of the scale the Royals locked up 2034 closer, and 2035 likely starter, Eddie Baquerizo to a long term contract with an AAV of less than $10m, a very team friendly deal.

Unfortunately, Barnett’s return put a squeeze on the 40-man which the Royals tried to solve by sneaking Zesati through waivers. The Nationals decided he was worth a look though and Zesati leaves with the thanks of Royals fans for the 2032 playoff success he enjoyed but failed to replicate.

Around the League

Transactions

Monday, January 29th , 2035
St. Louis Cardinals: Signed free agent RP Nick Robertson to a 1-year contract worth a total of $6,700,000.
Texas Rangers: Signed free agent RP Yoniel Curet to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,500,000.
Saturday, January 27th , 2035
Texas Rangers: Signed free agent SP Chase Petty to a 2-year contract worth a total of $20,800,000.
Thursday, January 25th , 2035
Cleveland Guardians: Signed free agent RP Jose Bravo to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,460,000.
Seattle Mariners: Signed free agent RP Emmanuel Clase to a 2-year contract worth a total of $33,200,000.
Monday, January 22nd , 2035
Tampa Bay Rays: Signed free agent 3B Antonio Anderson to a 1-year contract worth a total of $3,800,000.
Sunday, January 21st , 2035
Atlanta Braves: Signed free agent SS Royce Lewis to a 1-year contract worth a total of $13,700,000.
Friday, January 19th , 2035
Arizona Diamondbacks: Signed free agent CF Emmanuel Rodriguez to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,920,000.
Houston Astros: Signed free agent SS Jacob Reimer to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,400,000.
Tampa Bay Rays: Signed free agent SP Nicanor Berns to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,040,000.
Atlanta Braves: Signed free agent RP Alexis Lazo to a 1-year contract worth a total of $930,000.
Thursday, January 18th , 2035
New York Yankees: Signed free agent SP Luis Patiño to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,480,000.
Boston Red Sox: Signed free agent 2B Dylan O'Rae to a 3-year contract worth a total of $21,300,000.
The St. Louis Cardinals traded 20-year old minor league LHP Dusty McNulty to the San Francisco Giants, getting 32-year old LHP Mason Albright in return.
Wednesday, January 17th , 2035
San Francisco Giants: Signed free agent RP Andres Munoz to a 1-year contract worth a total of $740,000.
Washington Nationals: Signed free agent RP Trevor Stephan to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,480,000.
Cincinnati Reds: Signed free agent RP Gregory Santos to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,300,000.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Signed free agent RP Woo-suk Go to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,460,000.
Cleveland Guardians: Signed free agent RP Spencer Strider to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,460,000.
Miami Marlins: Signed free agent RP Jose Ferrer to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,460,000.
Texas Rangers: Signed free agent SP Franny Cobos to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,440,000.
Boston Red Sox: Signed free agent RP Abner Uribe to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,180,000.
San Francisco Giants: Signed free agent RP Zach Brzykcy to a 1-year contract worth a total of $950,000.
Detroit Tigers: Signed free agent RP Mat Olsen to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,140,000.
Houston Astros: Signed free agent RP Mason Miller to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,180,000.
Boston Red Sox: Signed free agent SP Ryan Bergert to a 1-year contract worth a total of $940,000.
Toronto Blue Jays: Signed free agent 2B Connor Norby to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,240,000.
San Antonio Avalanche: Signed free agent RP Cole Paplham to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,120,000.
Seattle Mariners: Signed free agent SP Josh Hammond to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,340,000.
Texas Rangers: Signed free agent RP Jon Young to a 1-year contract worth a total of $970,000.
Cincinnati Reds: Signed free agent RP Romano Santiago Hubbard to a 1-year contract worth a total of $780,000.
Chicago Cubs: Signed free agent RP Zach McFadden to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,140,000.
Boston Red Sox: Signed free agent RP Frank Caraballo to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,180,000.
Tuesday, January 16th , 2035
St. Louis Cardinals: Signed free agent 1B Jonathan Aranda to a 1-year contract worth a total of $4,680,000.
Texas Rangers: Signed free agent SP Blake Walston to a 1-year contract worth a total of $13,800,000.
Boston Red Sox: Signed free agent SP Victor Mederos to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,420,000.
Philadelphia Phillies: Signed free agent 3B Blaze Alexander to a 1-year contract worth a total of $4,680,000.
Houston Astros: Signed free agent RP Jhoan Duran to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,460,000.
Cincinnati Reds: Signed free agent SP Kyle Hurt to a 1-year contract worth a total of $10,500,000.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Signed free agent RP Steven Jennings to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,480,000.
Milwaukee Brewers: Signed free agent SP Brayan Bello to a 1-year contract worth a total of $11,100,000.
Texas Rangers: Signed free agent SP Robert Colina to a 1-year contract worth a total of $5,000,000.
Minnesota Twins: Signed free agent 1B Sterlin Thompson to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,440,000.
New York Yankees: Signed free agent SP C.J. Culpepper to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,260,000.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Signed free agent SP Louis Rodriguez to a 2-year contract worth a total of $5,760,000.
New York Yankees: Signed free agent SP Joe Whitman to a 2-year contract worth a total of $2,400,000.
Colorado Rockies: Signed free agent 1B Brock Wilken to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,380,000.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Signed free agent 1B Xavier Isaac to a 1-year contract worth a total of $6,200,000.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Signed free agent RP Chase Lee to a 1-year contract worth a total of $4,240,000.
Texas Rangers: Signed CF Evan Carter to a 5-year contract extension worth a total of $225,000,000.
Atlanta Braves: Signed free agent SS Thomas Saggese to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,760,000.
Boston Red Sox: Signed free agent RF T.J. White to a 1-year contract worth a total of $4,160,000.
Toronto Blue Jays: Signed free agent SP Chase Burns to a 1-year contract worth a total of $5,900,000.
Chicago White Sox: Signed free agent RF AJ Gracia to a 3-year contract worth a total of $28,800,000.
Cincinnati Reds: Signed free agent SP Trey Beard to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,080,000.
Toronto Blue Jays: Signed free agent 2B Eric Becker to a 3-year contract worth a total of $24,200,000.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Signed free agent SP Folger Boaz to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,300,000.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Signed free agent 1B Peyton Stovall to a 1-year contract worth a total of $4,120,000.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Signed free agent SP Tanner McDougal to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,560,000.
Texas Rangers: Signed free agent SP Naulivou Lauaki Jr. to a 2-year contract worth a total of $2,600,000.
Cincinnati Reds: Signed free agent RF Gabriel Gonzalez to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,360,000.
Texas Rangers: Signed free agent SP Ryan Loutos to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,340,000.
Atlanta Braves: Signed free agent SS Devin Saltiban to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,680,000.
Toronto Blue Jays: Signed free agent SP Eric Segura to a 1-year contract worth a total of $7,200,000.
San Antonio Avalanche: Signed free agent SP Jarlin Susana to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,320,000.
Seattle Mariners: Signed free agent 2B Jansel Luis to a 1-year contract worth a total of $3,880,000.
Boston Red Sox: Signed free agent RP Brad White to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,180,000.
Atlanta Braves: Signed free agent RP Jorge Salazar to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,000,000.
Monday, January 15th , 2035
Philadelphia Phillies: Signed free agent C Endy Rodriguez to a 1-year contract worth a total of $3,600,000.
New York Yankees: Signed free agent SP Joey Estes to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,360,000.
Cleveland Guardians: Signed free agent RF Luis Matos to a 2-year contract worth a total of $22,800,000.
Detroit Tigers: Signed free agent SP JR Ritchie to a 1-year contract worth a total of $5,700,000.
Cincinnati Reds: Signed free agent 2B Jacob Wilson to a 1-year contract worth a total of $5,700,000.
Seattle Mariners: Signed free agent 1B Josue De Paula to a 3-year contract worth a total of $21,600,000.
Sunday, January 14th , 2035
Los Angeles Dodgers: Signed free agent 1B Miguel Vargas to a 1-year contract worth a total of $2,240,000.
Philadelphia Phillies: Signed free agent 3B Cutter Coffey to a 2-year contract worth a total of $3,240,000.
Chicago Cubs: Signed free agent RF Kevin Bales to a 4-year contract worth a total of $113,400,000.
The Washington Nationals traded 26-year old CF Jim Jenkins to the Seattle Mariners, getting 20-year old minor league LF Jared Dodson in return.
Friday, January 12th , 2035
Philadelphia Phillies: Signed free agent 3B Jefferson Rojas to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,460,000.
Thursday, January 11th , 2035
Cleveland Guardians: Signed free agent 2B Kyren Paris to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,620,000.
Wednesday, January 10th , 2035
Chicago Cubs: Signed free agent C Moises Ballesteros to a 5-year contract worth a total of $104,800,000.
The St. Louis Cardinals traded 19-year old minor league RF Randy Zurcher to the San Diego Padres, getting 34-year old LHP Luke Little and 21-year old minor league RHP Sam Westman in return.
Tuesday, January 9th , 2035
Texas Rangers: Signed free agent SP Franklin Gomez to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,000,000.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Signed free agent SP Sam Bigelow to a 2-year contract worth a total of $2,600,000.
Sunday, January 7th , 2035
San Antonio Avalanche: Signed free agent RF Jackson Chirello to a 1-year contract worth a total of $3,040,000.
Friday, January 5th , 2035
St. Louis Cardinals: Signed free agent RP Matt Brash to a 2-year contract worth a total of $9,280,000.
New York Mets: Signed free agent SP Chase Hampton to a 2-year contract worth a total of $2,760,000.
Cincinnati Reds: Signed free agent RF Aaron Palensky to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,200,000.
Thursday, January 4th , 2035
The Milwaukee Brewers traded 31-year old SS Daniel Guilarte (retaining 80%) and $1,260,000 in cash to the Washington Nationals, getting 25-year old RF Mike Wills in return.
Wednesday, January 3rd , 2035
Atlanta Braves: Signed free agent 2B Brice Turang to a 1-year contract worth a total of $7,600,000.
Miami Marlins: Signed free agent SP Jairo Iriarte to a 5-year contract worth a total of $98,000,000.
Tuesday, January 2nd , 2035
Texas Rangers: Signed free agent SP Randy Vasquez to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,460,000.
Monday, January 1st , 2035
St. Louis Cardinals: Signed free agent SP DL Hall to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,600,000.
San Diego Padres: Signed free agent SP Noah Schultz to a 5-year contract worth a total of $120,000,000.
Texas Rangers: Signed free agent SP Payton Tolle to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,200,000.
The Los Angeles Angels traded 20-year old minor league RF Jesus Rosario and 20-year old minor league RHP Ronnie Ziliak to the Chicago Cubs, getting 33-year old 3B Cade Doughty in return.

Injuries

Saturday, January 13th , 2035
Atlanta Braves: LF Dave Pelosi was injured when he fell asleep at the wheel. The Diagnosis: broken kneecap. He's expected to miss about 6 months.
Thursday, January 11th , 2035
Los Angeles Dodgers: SP Rogelio Lizama diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament, will miss 13 months.
Monday, January 8th , 2035
Texas Rangers: Payton Tolle has suffered a setback in his recovery. He is not expected to recover for another 8 months.
Thursday, January 4th , 2035
Chicago Cubs: SP Juan Higuera diagnosed with a ruptured finger tendon, will miss 3-4 months.
Wednesday, January 3rd , 2035
Milwaukee Brewers: SP Luis Gorjo diagnosed with bone chips in his elbow, will miss 5-6 months.

Hall of Fame

The Hall of Fame has two new members as of the 10th January as Paul Goldschmidt and Adam Wainwright were inducted after receiving 85.4% and 77.7% of ballots. Goldschmidt was on the ballot for the 5th time, and had regularly received over 70% of votes before finally making it over the line. Wainwright was more of a surprise, all the sevens coming up in his 7th year after yo-yoing between 50-70% in previous years. Royal Salvador Perez (38.4%) took a big drop and looks unlikely to receive the required 75%.

[benp28]

Development Lab

Enny Van Dyke 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 left field.
• Outfield arm rating improves by <5
• Outfield range rating improves by <5
• Outfield error rating improves by 5

Jeremy Rogerson 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 shortstop.
• Infield arm rating improves by <5
• Infield range rating improves by 5
• Infield error rating improves by <5
• Turn doubleplay rating improves by <5

Juan Moreno has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his strength and conditioning.
• Proneness improves from Somewhat Fragile to Normal Bordering on Fragile

Mike Bell has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his secondary pitch.
• Potential curveball stuff improves by <5
• Current curveball stuff improves by <5

Ethan Chafin has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his secondary pitch.
• Potential sinker stuff improves by 5
• Current sinker stuff improves by 5

Eric Rose 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.
Curt Bogans has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his secondary pitch.
Alex Duke has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his quality of contact.
Chase Dollander has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his strength and conditioning.
Edgar Mir has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to generate more batspeed and homerun power.
Devin Cooper has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his secondary pitch.
• No noticeable changes.

Preseason & Spring Training

The Royals start Spring Training 7-5 with the usual assortment of new positions and flexibility within the bullpen.

Transactions & Injuries

Thursday, February 15th , 2035
RP Bobby Martin was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: heel soreness. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 1 day.
Sunday, February 18th , 2035
SP Chris Wolff was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: sprained ankle. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 3 days.
SP Mike Bell was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Wednesday, February 21st , 2035
SP Mike Bell diagnosed with a torn labrum, will miss 7 months.
Thursday, February 22nd , 2035
CF Drew Burress was injured while throwing the ball. The Diagnosis: back spasms. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 1 day.
Friday, February 23rd , 2035
LF Enny Mijhail Van Dyke was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: concussion. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 4 days.
Sunday, February 25th , 2035
RF Albert Stefanov Thomas was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: bruised knee. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 1 day.
Monday, February 26th , 2035
RP Connor Phillips was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: sore back. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 4 days.

The only serious injury of the Spring so far is to Mike Bell; the Starting Pitcher was coming off the back of a second consecutive successful development lab and was hoping to force his way onto the roster. He will, instead, miss the whole season with a torn labrum.

Around the League

Transactions

Thursday, February 22nd , 2035
San Francisco Giants: Signed free agent RP Nick Robertson to a 1-year contract worth a total of $6,200,000.
Tuesday, February 20th , 2035
Chicago White Sox: Signed free agent SP Yoniel Curet to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,500,000.
Baltimore Orioles: Signed free agent SP Raimon Gomez to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,500,000.
Monday, February 19th , 2035
Tampa Bay Rays: Signed free agent SP Cade Povich to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,920,000.
Friday, February 16th , 2035
New York Yankees: Signed free agent RP Justin Steele to a 1-year contract worth a total of $2,040,000.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Signed free agent SP Jose Bravo to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,400,000.
San Francisco Giants: Signed free agent RP Luke Little to a 1-year contract worth a total of $3,800,000.
Monday, February 5th , 2035
Chicago Cubs: Signed free agent SP Carson Palmquist to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,400,000.
Friday, February 2nd , 2035
Texas Rangers: Signed free agent RP Alex McFarlane to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,800,000.
Thursday, February 1st , 2035
Seattle Mariners: Signed free agent RP Mason Fluharty to a 2-year contract worth a total of $31,200,000.

Injuries

Wednesday, February 28th , 2035
Washington Nationals: RP Juan Rivera was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: sprained ulnar collateral ligament (elbow). He's expected to miss about 4 weeks.
Monday, February 26th , 2035
Toronto Blue Jays: LF Jeremy Thornton diagnosed with a broken kneecap, will miss 4 months.
Sunday, February 25th , 2035
Toronto Blue Jays: 1B Matt McLain diagnosed with a fractured hand, will miss 6 weeks.
Colorado Rockies: SP Minjae Seo diagnosed with a torn meniscus, will miss 5-6 months.
Saturday, February 24th , 2035
Chicago White Sox: LF Beau Cutrone diagnosed with a strained groin muscle, will miss 6 weeks.
Friday, February 23rd , 2035
Los Angeles Angels: RP Jared Jones diagnosed with elbow inflammation, will miss 8 weeks.
Miami Marlins: RP Chris Reed diagnosed with a torn back muscle, will miss 4-5 months.
Thursday, February 22nd , 2035
Washington Nationals: RP Dax Hardcastle diagnosed with bone chips in his elbow, will miss 7 months.
Wednesday, February 21st , 2035
Boston Red Sox: 1B Triston Casas diagnosed with a torn hamstring, will miss 5 weeks.
Tuesday, February 20th , 2035
Atlanta Braves: C Logan O'Hoppe diagnosed with a fractured hand, will miss 6 weeks.
Washington Nationals: RP Julian Aguiar diagnosed with an elbow strain, will miss 5 weeks.
Sunday, February 18th , 2035
Atlanta Braves: RP Joey Cantillo diagnosed with shoulder inflammation, will miss 3 months.
Saturday, February 17th , 2035
Atlanta Braves: 2B Brice Turang was injured in a collision at a base. The Diagnosis: sore elbow. He's expected to miss about 5 weeks.
Thursday, February 15th , 2035
Los Angeles Dodgers: 1B Noelvi Marte was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: strained abdominal muscle. He's expected to miss about 7-8 weeks.
Tampa Bay Rays: LF Jacob Young was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: strained abdominal muscle. He's expected to miss about 5 weeks.

[benp28]

Development Lab

Bobby Witt Jr. 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.
• Leg proneness increases from Normal Bordering on Fragile to Somewhat Fragile

Billy Mumaugh has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his baserunning fundamentals.
• No noticeable changes.

Drew Burress 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.
Alex Duke 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

Edgar Mir 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

Enny Van Dyke has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his baserunning fundamentals.
Jeremy Rogerson has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his baserunning fundamentals.
Sam Hart has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his baserunning fundamentals.
• Baserunning rating improves by <5

Dan Colligan has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his baserunning fundamentals.
• Baserunning rating improves by 5

Tim Storer has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his baserunning fundamentals.
Ed Nicholson has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his baserunning fundamentals.
• Baserunning rating improves by 5

Spring Training

The Royals have a strong spring, finishing 18-7. As usual, the Royals used six starters and unallocated bullpen with hitters playing at unusual positions to expand their flexibility.

Transactions & Injuries

Wednesday, March 7th , 2035
SP Chase Dollander was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: elbow inflammation. He's expected to miss about 2 weeks.
3B Bobby Witt Jr. was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: knee tendinitis. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 5 days.
1B Rogelio Camacho was injured being hit by a pitch. The Diagnosis: bruised foot. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 3 days.
Saturday, March 10th , 2035
SP Chris Wolff was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: abdominal soreness. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 2 days.
Sunday, March 11th , 2035
CF Drew Burress was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: strained posterior cruciate ligament. He's expected to miss about 6 weeks.
Wednesday, March 14th , 2035
RP Chris Wagner was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: sore elbow. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 3 days.
Saturday, March 17th , 2035
RP D'Mani Hamble was injured while throwing the ball. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Monday, March 19th , 2035
RP D'Mani Hamble diagnosed with elbow inflammation, will miss 3 weeks.

Several day-to-day injuries for the Royals through Spring Training but three longer term injuries, including two big losses.

Pitcher Chase Dollander suffers elbow inflammation which should rule him out for two weeks but his return date is currently unknown as Spring Training ends.

Centerfielder Drew Burress will definitely miss the start of the season as he strains his PCL running the bases, putting him out for 6 weeks.

D’Mani Hamble will also miss the start of the season with a three week elbow inflammation injury but the Royals are confident they can cover his innings.

Around the League

Transactions

Wednesday, March 21st , 2035
Cleveland Guardians: Signed free agent SP Thatcher Hurd to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,180,000.
Wednesday, March 14th , 2035
Pittsburgh Pirates: Signed 2B Termarr Johnson to a 4-year contract extension worth a total of $109,200,000.
Monday, March 5th , 2035
The Washington Nationals traded 20-year old minor league C Gilberto Baranda to the San Antonio Avalanche, getting 32-year old 1B Bryan Ramos in return.
Thursday, March 1st , 2035
St. Louis Cardinals: Signed CF Jabari Isbell to a 3-year contract extension worth a total of $27,000,000.

Injuries

Wednesday, March 21st , 2035
Chicago White Sox: SP Tim Bowman diagnosed with bone chips in his elbow, will miss 4 weeks.
Tuesday, March 20th , 2035
Chicago Cubs: RP Angel Cervantes diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff, will miss 7 months.
Chicago Cubs: RP Joël Cochet diagnosed with a forearm strain, will miss 6-7 weeks.
Monday, March 19th , 2035
Washington Nationals: RP Jeff Schever diagnosed with a hamstring strain, will miss 5 weeks.
Sunday, March 18th , 2035
Boston Red Sox: RP Frank Caraballo diagnosed with an arthritic elbow, will miss 3 months.
Saturday, March 17th , 2035
Tampa Bay Rays: SP Cade Povich diagnosed with a strained triceps, is day-to-day for 3-4 weeks.
Pittsburgh Pirates: SP Jonathan Drake diagnosed with a sore elbow, will miss 4 weeks.
Chicago Cubs: RF Ha-joon Im diagnosed with a strained hamstring, will miss 4-5 weeks.
Friday, March 16th , 2035
Texas Rangers: RP Donte LeSane diagnosed with shoulder bursitis, will miss 4-5 weeks.
Boston Red Sox: 2B Nate Meredith was injured while throwing the ball. The Diagnosis: flexor-pronator strain (elbow). He's expected to miss about 4 weeks.
Thursday, March 15th , 2035
St. Louis Cardinals: 1B Randy Cook was injured being hit by a pitch. The Diagnosis: fractured hand. He's expected to miss about 8 weeks.
Tuesday, March 13th , 2035
Toronto Blue Jays: SP Ben Satchel diagnosed with an elbow sprain, will miss 6-7 weeks.
St. Louis Cardinals: RP Sergio Villalobos diagnosed with a sprained ankle, will miss 5 weeks.
Monday, March 12th , 2035
Toronto Blue Jays: RP Steve Young diagnosed with elbow inflammation, will miss 4-5 weeks.
Sunday, March 11th , 2035
Chicago White Sox: RP Mike Miller diagnosed with shoulder inflammation, will miss 4 months.
Saturday, March 10th , 2035
Seattle Mariners: SP Robby Snelling diagnosed with elbow tendinitis, will miss 5 weeks.
Friday, March 9th , 2035
Colorado Rockies: RP Justin Martinez diagnosed with a sprained ankle, will miss 6 weeks.
Boston Red Sox: SP Jeff Baniewicz diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff, will miss 8 months.
Philadelphia Phillies: SP Frank Mena diagnosed with bone chips in his elbow, will miss 6-7 months.
Chicago Cubs: SS Ben Kirkland was injured being hit by a pitch. The Diagnosis: fractured wrist. He's expected to miss about 6 weeks.
Thursday, March 8th , 2035
Pittsburgh Pirates: 2B Cristofer Torin diagnosed with bone chips in his elbow, will miss 3-4 months.
San Diego Padres: LF Greg Horton was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: hamstring strain. He's expected to miss about 5 weeks.
Monday, March 5th , 2035
Texas Rangers: RP Jon Young diagnosed with a torn flexor tendon in his elbow, will miss 12-13 months.
Minnesota Twins: CF Juan Ramirez diagnosed with a torn rib cage muscle, will miss 3 months.
Toronto Blue Jays: LF Gilberto Lujan was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: intercostal strain. He's expected to miss about 5 weeks.
Saturday, March 3rd , 2035
St. Louis Cardinals: 3B Cayden Wallace diagnosed with a strained hamstring, will miss 7 weeks.
Friday, March 2nd , 2035
Philadelphia Phillies: 3B Steve Melendy diagnosed with a torn quad, will miss 6 weeks.
Pittsburgh Pirates: RF Jesus Vela was injured being hit by a pitch. The Diagnosis: fractured wrist. He's expected to miss about 7 weeks.
Thursday, March 1st , 2035
Los Angeles Angels: RP Brusdar Graterol diagnosed with bone chips in his elbow, will miss 3 months.

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Major League Predictions



The Royals are predicted to go 107-55 as the rest of the competitive AL Central is poised to fall away. The third best offense in runs scored paired with the best defence in runs against gives a predicted runs differential of +258. The Rangers have the best offense in the league, centred on 2028 1st Rounder 1B Dan Liantonio (80 power) and 2030 1st Rounder 3B Johnny Powell while the Yankees have the predicted best pitcher with their 2030 1st Rounder J.J Tjepkema.



Four predicted 90-win teams in the National League hints at some impressive ballclubs, and a competitive season with each division decided by 2 games.

2027 1st Rounder Mitch Jackson of the Cubs is predicted to be the best hitter in the League, with the Padres having the best two pitchers, 2025 Scouting Discovery Dominican Ismael Moreno and offseason Free Agent Nate Schultz, who the Royals had met early in negotiations.



There will be three new Opening Day starters for the Royals as the hitting line up gets the biggest shake up in recent years.

Jonathan Gerew’s departure left a Catching competition in the Spring. Sam Hart won that competition with his superior defence, leapfrogging Edgar Rivera for the starting role. He earns the offer of a long-term contract with his ascension to the starting role. Rivera will play a bit more often than in previous years.

Jeremy Rogerson remains the opening day 1B with the hope that he will return to a .300+ hitter. The power infield back up bat will be Rogelio Camacho, who brings 70 power but a 35 Avoid K’s, leaving the Royals fans with Hunter Owen vibes.

Edgar Mir’s growth made it impossible to leave him in AAA to start the year so, after three and a half years Tim Storer moves to a back up role, and he will cover across the infield. Mir ends March with a long term contract offer to consider.

The departure of Danny Petty was made to allow Bobby Witt Jr. to slide across to 3B for the 2035 season. He remains able to contribute with the bat and his glove should be stronger on the left-side corner. He will have cover in Rogerson and Storer.

Ed Nicholson translates a strong end of 2034 to the starting role at SS for the Royals – the first new opening day SS since 2021 (14 years ago)!

The outfield (once Burress returns from injury) will be a case of rinse and repeat with Billy Mumaugh, Burress, and Jimmy Goodman starting, with Enny Mijhail Van Dyke operating in the DH position and Alex Duke covering as fifth outfielder. Burress’ injury sees Goodman moves to CF to start the year and new arrival Jaison Chourio. Chourio can play across the outfield with solid contact and ability to take a walk. His time with the Club will likely only last until Burress’ return as he is out of options.

Opening Day Lineup

C Sam Hart 2028 6th Round

1B Jeremy Rogerson 2027 2nd Round
2B Edgar Mir 2029 International Amateur
3B Bobby Witt Jr. 2019 1st Round
SS Ed Nicholson 2029 Trade LAD

LF Enny Mijhail Van Dyke 2028 3rd Round
CF Jimmy Goodman 2027 1st Round
RF Billy Mumaugh 2029 1st Round

DH Alex Duke 2029 2nd Round

C BU Edgar Rivera 2026 Scouting Discovery
INF Rogelio Camacho 2030 6th Round
INF Tim Storer 2028 1st Round
OF Jaison Chourio 2035 Trade SF

IR Drew Burress 2033 Trade SF

With the exception of Ed Nicholson and one outfielder (Chourio on opening day then Burress) the rest of the Royals hitting line up is home grown, a reflection of the great work done by the farm coaches.

Opening Day Roster Transactions

Optioned C Haden Bursey to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned 2B Dan Colligan to Triple A Omaha.
Assigned 3B Toby Demkowski from Spring Training camp to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned 3B Eric Rose to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RF Albert Stefanov Thomas to Triple A Omaha.
Invited non-roster LF Jaison Chourio to Spring Training camp.



For the first time since 2023 Mason Barnett will not be in the Royals rotation as he moves to the bullpen following his offseason return to the Royals.

The unknown return date for Chase Dollander made the rotation decisions easier with offseason acquisition Daniel Nava headlining. Mike Hoffer returns after injury last year, joining 2034 starters Cade Townsend and Curt Bogans. Eddie Baquerizo moves to the starting rotation this year fresh off his 8-year contract signed over the offseason.

In the bullpen, Chris Wagner is fit and ready to start the year as the team’s closer with returning stalwarts Jon Holtz and William Schmidt in setup roles. Barnett moves into a middle relief role, with two more returnees in Eric Cook and Billy Nicklas, before offseason acquisition Connor Phillips shares LR and 6th SP duty with Shane Baz.

The lack of new faces is a combination of the strong bullpen performance in 2034 plus the young arms invited to Spring Training not quite being ready. Only one of those pitchers was out of options and that was 2028 4th Rounder Lazaro Espinal who never quite cracked the Big Leagues for the Royals. He moves to SF where he will be an asset, with the Royals receiving a big bag of cash, along with Jaison Chourio and some International Amateur bonus pool room.

Opening Day Pitching Battery

SP Daniel Nava 2034 Trade SEA
SP Mike Hoffer 2027 3rd Round
SP Cade Townsend 2029 Trade NYY
SP Eddie Baquerizo 2030 1st Round
SP Curt Bogans 2030 2nd Round

RP Chris Wagner 2034 Trade COL
RP Jon Holtz 2029 Trade PHI
RP William Schmidt 2024 2nd Round
RP Mason Barnett 2022 3rd Round
RP Eric Cook 2029 7th Round
RP Billy Nicklas 2034 Waivers SF
RP Connor Phillips 2034 Trade SEA
RP Shane Baz 2034 Free Agent

IR Chase Dollander 2034 Trade PHI

Opening Day Roster Transactions

Optioned SP Chris Wolff to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned SP Brad Demarest to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned SP David Maciel to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Bobby Martin to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned CL Ismael Conston to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Phil Farmer to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Mike Halpin to Triple A Omaha.
Traded 28-year old RHP Lazaro Espinal (retaining 100%) to the San Francisco Giants, getting 29-year old LF Jaison Chourio, $30,000,000 in cash, and $11,750 in international amateur bonus pool room in return.

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Kansas City Prospects



Major League Top 20 Prospects



MLB Farm Rankings

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Kansas City Results



A bad start to the season for the Royals as they lose the first game at home to the Twins. A three-game series so fans hope they bounce back to take the first interdivision series; season wise it might be good to manage expectations after the seemingly ludicrous preseason predictions.

Transactions & Injuries

Thursday, March 22nd , 2035
Received former Rule 5 draft pick SP Ignacio Marrero from the Atlanta Braves.
Monday, March 26th , 2035
Signed C Sam Hart to a 10-year contract extension worth a total of $92,000,000.
Signed 2B Edgar Mir to a 12-year contract extension worth a total of $170,000,000.
Wednesday, March 28th , 2035
Sent SP Chase Dollander to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.

Around the League

Transactions

Tuesday, March 27th , 2035
Washington Nationals: Signed CF James Wood to a 4-year contract extension worth a total of $119,200,000.
Monday, March 26th , 2035
Arizona Diamondbacks: RP Cade Kuehler was designated for assignment and placed on irrevocable waivers.

Injuries

Thursday, March 29th , 2035
San Diego Padres: Greg Horton has suffered a setback in his recovery. He is not expected to recover for another 3 weeks.

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MLB Standings

The Blue Jays (22-6) are off to the hot start in the American League, while the Central is back to equality of mediocrity, the Royals (13-14) only one game back but also in 4th place. The Astros (9-19) are yet to get to double figures in wins.

Over in the National League, the Giants (22-7) are flying, with SF fans on cloud nine as the Dodgers (9-20) have the worst record in baseball through one month. The Marlins (18-10) had a great month, while the Central is tight in the NL as well.



Kansas City Results

After the preseason hype, the crash back to earth for the very disappointing Royals, who open the season 13-14, with a 13-13 April.

After losing the remaining two games of the first series of the year against the Twins (3-0), the Royals won their next series 2-1 in New York but could only split a four-game home series against Detroit.

The hapless Astros came to town and were swept 3-0 but the Royals couldn’t generate any momentum losing two of three in Miami but they did bounce back to win a road series 2-1 in Detroit.

The Yankees evened up the year’s series in Kansas City, before their divisional compatriot Blue Jays did the same in Toronto.

The month ended splitting two games in Cleveland but overall, it was probably the most disappointing month of Stewart’s tenure. Unlike in previous seasons, Kansas City couldn’t even blame luck, with their Pythagorean record on game worse while their run differential sits at -13.



Kansas City Team Statistics





The batting side of the stat line makes tough reading for Royals fans. Other than avoiding strikeouts the Royals are failing to do anything well, and this is a real test of Stewart’s nerve after the offseason shake up not proving successful through month one. The pitching is in a better place although for a team predicted to have the best pitching in the league by a margin, still not stellar. The defense has been, simply put, atrocious.

The Catching corps have made a difficult start to the year and fans were looking fondly back on the Gerew consistent league average performances. Sam Hart (46 wRC+) has been marginally better with the bat with Edgar Rivera (1.1 FRM) the better glove for pitchers. Edgar Mir (160 wRC+) had a tremendous start to big league life, leading the team in HRs (7) and RBIs (17). Bobby Witt Jr. (107 wRC+) had his 2000th hit but hasn’t adapted to 3B as well as expected (-3.4 ZR) while his replacement at SS Ed Nicholson (-1.6 ZR) hasn’t been effective. The biggest struggle has been replacing the injured Drew Burress, however, with Jimmy Goodman (-4.1 ZR) really struggling.

Cade Townsend (152 FIP-) had a tough month but the rest of the starting rotation were comfortably better than league average, Daniel (64 FIP-) living up to billing with a 2.83 FIP.

The bullpen has been solid although there have been difficult starts for Shane Baz (122 FIP-) and William Schmidt (108 FIP-).

Transactions & Injuries

Thursday, April 5th , 2035
Sent RP D'Mani Hamble to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Saturday, April 7th , 2035
RP Mason Barnett was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: wrist soreness. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 5 days.
Friday, April 13th , 2035
3B Bobby Witt Jr. was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: strained hamstring. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 2-3 weeks.
Thursday, April 19th , 2035
SP Chase Dollander diagnosed with a torn back muscle, will miss 4 months.
Tuesday, April 24th , 2035
CF Jimmy Goodman was injured being hit by a pitch. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Wednesday, April 25th , 2035
CF Jimmy Goodman diagnosed with a hand contusion, will miss 5 days.
Thursday, April 26th , 2035
Sent CF Drew Burress to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.

Minor League News

Carolina League (A) Batter of the Month: Jesus Cipolloni (2032 Trade ATL) .390 batting average, 11 HRs, 24 RBIs.

Carolina League (A) Pitcher of the Month: Brad Harrington (2033 Trade WAS) 2-0 mark, 0.93 ERA, 34 K, 29 IP.

Around the League

Transactions

Sunday, April 29th , 2035
The Cincinnati Reds traded 24-year old C Shamel Vanterpool and 20-year old minor league RHP Saul Pacheco to the Arizona Diamondbacks, getting 28-year old minor league 2B Fernando Cruz in return.
Saturday, April 28th , 2035
San Francisco Giants: Signed 1B Brad Nicastro to a 3-year contract extension worth a total of $68,400,000.
Thursday, April 26th , 2035
Colorado Rockies: Signed SS Ethan Holliday to a 4-year contract extension worth a total of $70,800,000.
Wednesday, April 25th , 2035
Houston Astros: Signed free agent CL Michael Kennedy to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,400,000.
Tuesday, April 24th , 2035
Cleveland Guardians: Signed SP Steve Dorrough to a 5-year contract extension worth a total of $56,400,000.
Sunday, April 22nd , 2035
Boston Red Sox: Signed 2B Dave Messineo to a 2-year contract extension worth a total of $18,000,000.
Friday, April 13th , 2035
New York Mets: Signed 3B Joe Butler to a 3-year contract extension worth a total of $55,000,000.
Sunday, April 8th , 2035
The Miami Marlins traded 20-year old minor league 1B Dana Ackerson and 19-year old minor league RHP Arturo Leyva to the Los Angeles Angels, getting 30-year old minor league LF Jorge Ruiz in return.

Injuries

Sunday, April 29th , 2035
Atlanta Braves: CF Lonnie White Jr. diagnosed with a sore elbow, will miss 5 weeks.
Washington Nationals: 2B Chris Maguire diagnosed with a fractured finger, will miss 4 weeks.
Saturday, April 28th , 2035
New York Yankees: RF Jackson Chourio diagnosed with a strained back muscle, will miss 4 weeks.
Friday, April 27th , 2035
San Diego Padres: Yeijiro Ando has suffered a setback in his recovery. He is not expected to recover for another 3-4 weeks.
Thursday, April 26th , 2035
Tampa Bay Rays: 1B Cole Young diagnosed with a strained oblique, will miss 4-5 weeks.
Wednesday, April 25th , 2035
Cincinnati Reds: CF Gavin Turley diagnosed with a strained hamstring, will miss 6 weeks.
Houston Astros: RF Chaz Roberts was injured on a defensive play. The Diagnosis: sprained thumb. He's expected to miss about 6 weeks.
Tuesday, April 24th , 2035
Colorado Rockies: RP Adam Hachman diagnosed with a stretched elbow ligament, will miss 10 months.
Arizona Diamondbacks: SP Eddie Jordan diagnosed with a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament, will miss 11 months.
Monday, April 23rd , 2035
San Francisco Giants: 2B Jordan Lawlar diagnosed with a strained posterior cruciate ligament, will miss 6 weeks.
Sunday, April 22nd , 2035
Houston Astros: 2B Joendry Vargas was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: sprained knee. He's expected to miss about 5-6 weeks.
Saturday, April 21st , 2035
St. Louis Cardinals: LF Jabari Isbell was injured while throwing the ball. The Diagnosis: herniated disc (back). He's expected to miss about 6 weeks.
Friday, April 20th , 2035
San Francisco Giants: 2B Adael Amador was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: strained abdominal muscle. He's expected to miss about 6 weeks.
Thursday, April 19th , 2035
Houston Astros: SP Julio Barrera diagnosed with ulnar nerve entrapment, will miss 4 months.
Wednesday, April 18th , 2035
Toronto Blue Jays: RP Juan Vera diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff, will miss 8 months.
Tuesday, April 17th , 2035
Pittsburgh Pirates: RP Ben Joyce diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff, will miss 14 months.
St. Louis Cardinals: LF Takashi Toguchi diagnosed with a strained lat, will miss 5-6 weeks.
Cleveland Guardians: RP Wen-Hui Pan was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: sprained elbow. He's expected to miss about 4-5 weeks.
Miami Marlins: 1B Korey Reilly was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: fractured rib. He's expected to miss about 5-6 weeks.
Saturday, April 14th , 2035
Pittsburgh Pirates: RP Haiden Leffew diagnosed with a ruptured ulnar collateral ligament, will miss 13 months.
Thursday, April 12th , 2035
Atlanta Braves: 1B Royce Lewis diagnosed with a fractured foot, will miss 5 weeks.
Cincinnati Reds: RF Aaron Palensky diagnosed with a knee sprain, will miss 7-8 weeks.
Wednesday, April 11th , 2035
Boston Red Sox: RP Logan Workman diagnosed with a hamstring strain, will miss 5 weeks.
Cleveland Guardians: SS Josh Peck was injured while throwing the ball. The Diagnosis: strained forearm. He's expected to miss about 6 weeks.
Texas Rangers: SP Mike Crawford was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: elbow strain. He's expected to miss about 4 weeks.
Monday, April 9th , 2035
Seattle Mariners: SP Tyler Bremner diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff, will miss 8 months.
Sunday, April 8th , 2035
San Diego Padres: RP Yeijiro Ando diagnosed with a rotator cuff strain, will miss 4-5 weeks.
Thursday, April 5th , 2035
New York Yankees: SP Andrew Painter diagnosed with a partially torn labrum, will miss 3-4 months.
Tuesday, April 3rd , 2035
Milwaukee Brewers: RF Mike Wills diagnosed with a sore shoulder, is day-to-day for 4 weeks.
Pittsburgh Pirates: SS Christian Doty was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: strained hamstring. He's expected to miss about 7 weeks.
Sunday, April 1st , 2035
Los Angeles Dodgers: CF Michael Siani diagnosed with a ruptured Achilles tendon, will miss 8 months.
New York Yankees: 1B Nelson Silva diagnosed with a fractured finger, will miss 4 weeks.
Milwaukee Brewers: LF Ryan Clifford was injured being hit by a pitch. The Diagnosis: fractured cheekbone. He's expected to miss about 6 weeks.

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MLB Standings

The Blue Jays (39-17) continue to set the pace in the American League although the White Sox (37-20) went 22-6 to establish a big league in the Central. The Royals (29-27) are 7.5 games back and trying to get going, while it is the Avalanche who lead over in the West.

The National League has the Giants (36-21) as their top team in a strong West division, with the Phillies (32-25) just holding the lead in the East and the Cardinals (31-24) cruising in a weak Central division.



Kansas City Results

The Royals went 16-13 for the month without ever feeling like they were in control. They played nine series, winning five of them but with only one sweep, dropping three and drawing the other.

In the division they won both series, dropping games one but bouncing back to win the next two in home to the Guardians and on the road against the Twins.

In the American League, half the series were won, with a tied four game series and two series lost. Wins against the Blue Jays (3-1), the Rangers (3-0), the Angels (2-1) were offset by defeats to the Avalanche (1-2) and the Rays (0-3) while they split a four-game road series in Seattle.

The only interleague match up saw the Reds come to Kansas City and take two of three.



Kansas City Team Statistics





The defence remain woeful but the rest of the stats are trending in the right direction at the end of May with top six placings in batting average and slugging percentage, suggesting an improvement to come from the 11th runs scored! On the pitching the bullpen remains elite, 2nd in the league, with a strong starting rotation.

Ed Nicholson (156 wRC+) moved into a back up role and hit a lot better so presenting a conundrum to Stewart as his replacement Tim Storer (56 wRC+) struggling but offering elite defence. Sam Hart (110 wRC+) and Edgar Mir (132 wRC+) had solid second months in the big leagues.

Mike Hoffer (74 FIP-) had a workhorse of a month, pitching 41 innings in 6 starts from only 91 PPG. Eddie Baquerizo (93 FIP-) is the show of the rotation, striking out 10.3 K/, although he got hit by defensive errors, an almost 3 run difference between FIP (4.18) and ERA (7.07) for the month.

Jon Holtz (141 FIP-) struggled with walks (6.2 BB/9) and home runs (2.1 HR/9) over the month but the Royals will back him to bounce back while William Schmidt (48 FIP-) did bounce back, giving up 4 hits over 8.2 IP.

Transactions & Injuries

Tuesday, May 1st , 2035
Traded 29-year old LF Jaison Chourio to the Cleveland Guardians, getting 17-year old minor league RHP Luis Medina and $40,000,000 in cash in return.
Purchased the contract of CF Drew Burress from Triple A Omaha.
Friday, May 4th , 2035
Traded 35-year old RHP Shane Baz to the Cincinnati Reds, getting 36-year old RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto (retaining 35%) in return.
Purchased the contract of RP D'Mani Hamble from Triple A Omaha.
Saturday, May 5th , 2035
LF Enny Mijhail Van Dyke was injured while running the bases. The diagnosis is not yet known.
1B Jeremy Rogerson was injured in a collision at a base. The Diagnosis: hamstring strain. He's expected to miss about 3 weeks.
Purchased the contract of 3B Colt Keith from Triple A Omaha.
Tuesday, May 8th , 2035
RP Eric Cook was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: sore elbow. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 5 days.
LF Enny Mijhail Van Dyke diagnosed with a torn hamstring, will miss 5 weeks.
Purchased the contract of RF Albert Stefanov Thomas from Triple A Omaha.
Sunday, May 13th , 2035
LF Jimmy Goodman was injured in a collision at a base. The Diagnosis: hamstring strain. He's expected to miss about 3-4 weeks.
Purchased the contract of LF Tim Spears from Triple A Omaha.
Sunday, May 20th , 2035
CF Drew Burress was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: back spasms. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last one week.
SP Cade Townsend was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: finger blister. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 3 days.
Tuesday, May 22nd , 2035
Sent 1B Jeremy Rogerson to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Wednesday, May 30th , 2035
Optioned 1B Rogelio Camacho to Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of 1B Jeremy Rogerson from Triple A Omaha.

It was a hugely injury hit month for the Royals which actually started with the return from injury of Drew Burress and then the return of D’Mani Hamble. Those returns allowed the Royals to trade Jaison Chourio for a young pitcher and a lot of money and then get off a struggling two-year contract of Shane Baz for an overpriced but only one year contract with Yoshinobu Yamamoto, now a reliever.

Following those trades, the injuries hit. The key injuries were to Jeremy Rogerson – 3 weeks – Enny Mijhail Van Dyke – 5 weeks – and Jimmy Goodman – 3-4 weeks. Rogerson made it back on the last day of the month, with Rogelio Camacho being sent down to AAA thanks to the performance of MiL Free Agent signing from the off-season Colt Keith.

Minor League News

International League (AAA) Pitcher of the Month: Brad Demarest (2029 4th Round) 4-0, 2.02 ERA, 35 K, 40 IP

Texas League (AA) Batter of the Month: Juan Moreno (2030 International Amateur) .405, 10 HRs, 34 H

Texas League (AA) Pitcher of the Month: Jesus Baxter (2035 MiL Free Agent) 6-0, 1.52 ERA, 65 K, 47.1 IP

Midwest League (A+) Batter of the Month: Ajinkya Corley (2030 9th Round) .447, 21 RBs, .525 OBP

Midwest League (A+) Pitcher of the Month: Ethan Chafin (2033 Trade WAS) 4-0, 1.01 ERA, 35 K, 26.2 IP

Carolina League (A) Batter of the Month: Jesus Cipolloni (2032 Trade ATL) .422, 29 RBIs, 15 R

Around the League

Transactions

Sunday, May 27th , 2035
The Boston Red Sox traded 20-year old minor league RHP R.J. Flores and 22-year old minor league LF Sergio Corrales to the Los Angeles Dodgers, getting 29-year old minor league 3B Zach Bartko in return.
Friday, May 25th , 2035
The Texas Rangers traded 22-year old minor league C Jimmy Dennis and 23-year old minor league 1B Burt Tindale to the Detroit Tigers, getting 26-year old minor league LF Nate Sakkas in return.
Thursday, May 24th , 2035
The Texas Rangers traded 26-year old 3B T.J. Brister to the Minnesota Twins, getting 33-year old RHP Hurston Waldrep in return.
Wednesday, May 23rd , 2035
The New York Mets traded 24-year old minor league RF Hipólito Wronski and 21-year old minor league LHP Branson Battist to the Seattle Mariners, getting 25-year old minor league RHP Stephon Daniely in return.
Thursday, May 17th , 2035
The Pittsburgh Pirates traded 19-year old minor league 1B Nate Mills and 21-year old minor league RHP David Garza to the Milwaukee Brewers, getting 28-year old minor league 2B Enderso Snyder in return.
Sunday, May 13th , 2035
The Cleveland Guardians traded 22-year old minor league LF Luis Oceguera and 22-year old minor league 1B Edgar Amaya to the Houston Astros, getting 28-year old minor league 1B Andy Lynch in return.
Thursday, May 3rd , 2035
Toronto Blue Jays: Signed 2B Bryan Rincon to a 3-year contract extension worth a total of $17,400,000.
Chicago White Sox: Signed free agent SP Omari Clavon to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,060,000.
The Houston Astros traded 22-year old minor league RHP Jeff Curtis and 23-year old minor league LF Wilfredo Bedoya to the Toronto Blue Jays, getting 26-year old minor league RHP Jeff Burns in return.
Tuesday, May 1st , 2035
The Pittsburgh Pirates traded 19-year old minor league LF Jonathan De Leeuw and 21-year old minor league 1B Dave Peterson to the Chicago White Sox, getting 26-year old minor league SS Albert Vargas in return.

Injuries

Wednesday, May 30th , 2035
Miami Marlins: 2B Korey Reilly was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: torn quadriceps. He's expected to miss about 6 weeks.
Monday, May 28th , 2035
Washington Nationals: SP Jack Mahoney diagnosed with a strained shoulder, will miss 4-5 weeks.
Sunday, May 27th , 2035
Tampa Bay Rays: RF David Alba diagnosed with a strained groin muscle, will miss 5 weeks.
Friday, May 25th , 2035
St. Louis Cardinals: LF Corbin Carroll diagnosed with chronic back soreness, will miss 4 weeks.
Milwaukee Brewers: SP Brayan Bello diagnosed with a strained triceps, will miss 5-6 weeks.
San Antonio Avalanche: CF Jesus Anaya diagnosed with forearm inflammation, will miss 2-3 months.
Chicago Cubs: SP Cade Horton was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: strained triceps. He's expected to miss about 5 weeks.
Wednesday, May 23rd , 2035
San Antonio Avalanche: RF Jackson Chirello diagnosed with a fractured elbow, will miss 7 months.
Philadelphia Phillies: 2B Cutter Coffey was injured being hit by a pitch. The Diagnosis: fractured foot. He's expected to miss about 4 weeks.
Tuesday, May 22nd , 2035
San Antonio Avalanche: SP Tekoah Roby diagnosed with a flexor-pronator strain, will miss 4 weeks.
Monday, May 21st , 2035
Pittsburgh Pirates: RP Adam Mazur diagnosed with an elbow strain, will miss 6 weeks.
Toronto Blue Jays: Jeremy Thornton has suffered a setback in his recovery. He is not expected to recover for another 9 months.
Sunday, May 20th , 2035
Boston Red Sox: SP Victor Mederos diagnosed with a herniated disc, will miss 4 weeks.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Ajani Okafor has suffered a setback in his recovery. He is not expected to recover for another 11-12 months.
Saturday, May 19th , 2035
San Diego Padres: RF Joe Harmon diagnosed with a broken hand, will miss 2-3 months.
Friday, May 18th , 2035
Los Angeles Angels: Marcerio Roberts has suffered a setback in his recovery. He is not expected to recover for another 4 months.
Wednesday, May 16th , 2035
Baltimore Orioles: 2B Jackson Holliday diagnosed with a sore elbow, will miss 4-5 weeks.
Atlanta Braves: CF Devin Saltiban diagnosed with a fractured thumb, will miss 5 weeks.
St. Louis Cardinals: Jabari Isbell has suffered a setback in his recovery. He is not expected to recover for another 5 weeks.
Minnesota Twins: SP Jorge Santa Cruz diagnosed with elbow tendinitis, will miss 4 weeks.
Sunday, May 13th , 2035
Washington Nationals: SP Trey Yesavage was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: shoulder bursitis. He's expected to miss about 6 weeks.
Pittsburgh Pirates: SP Mike Bowe was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: forearm inflammation. He's expected to miss about 4 weeks.
Chicago Cubs: 2B Kahlil Watson was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: concussion. He's expected to miss about 5 weeks.
Seattle Mariners: SP Billy Almarez was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: elbow strain. He's expected to miss about 4-5 weeks.
Friday, May 11th , 2035
Minnesota Twins: 3B Danny Stellato diagnosed with a fractured fibula, will miss 3 months.
Thursday, May 10th , 2035
Chicago Cubs: RP Tanner McDougal diagnosed with a ruptured ulnar collateral ligament, will miss 11-12 months.
Miami Marlins: 2B Sean Gamble diagnosed with a torn groin muscle, will miss 7-8 weeks.
Wednesday, May 9th , 2035
Seattle Mariners: RP Mason Fluharty diagnosed with radial nerve compression, will miss 5 months.
Boston Red Sox: Frank Caraballo has suffered a setback in his recovery. He is not expected to recover for another 3 months.
San Antonio Avalanche: 1B Chris Ryder was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: strained anterior cruciate ligament. He's expected to miss about 3 months.
Tuesday, May 8th , 2035
New York Yankees: 1B Nolan Schanuel diagnosed with bone marrow edema in his wrist, will miss 5 weeks.
Monday, May 7th , 2035
St. Louis Cardinals: Takashi Toguchi has suffered a setback in his recovery. He is not expected to recover for another 4 weeks.
Sunday, May 6th , 2035
Los Angeles Dodgers: LF Victor Mesa Jr. diagnosed with a strained groin muscle, will miss 4 weeks.
Minnesota Twins: SP Tyrese Johnican diagnosed with a strained oblique, will miss 6 weeks.
Saturday, May 5th , 2035
San Diego Padres: LF Charlie Condon was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: fractured thumb. He's expected to miss about 6-7 weeks.
Friday, May 4th , 2035
Atlanta Braves: 2B Peyton Stovall diagnosed with a torn groin muscle, will miss 2 months.
Tampa Bay Rays: 1B Quency Danner diagnosed with a fractured fibula, will miss 2-3 months.
Thursday, May 3rd , 2035
Toronto Blue Jays: SP Steve Young diagnosed with radial nerve compression, will miss 5 months.
St. Louis Cardinals: SP Brad LaPointe was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: fractured shoulder blade. He's expected to miss about 4-5 weeks.
Arizona Diamondbacks: 3B Ramiro Cervantes was injured being hit by a pitch. The Diagnosis: fractured foot. He's expected to miss about 3 weeks.
Detroit Tigers: SP Adam Kloffenstein was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: biceps strain. He's expected to miss about 6-7 weeks.  

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MLB Standings

The White Sox (54-28) enjoy the rest record in baseball, just ahead of the Blue Jays (52-31), with both teams leading their divisions. In the West the Avalanche have cooled down but have a comfortable 6 game lead. The Royals (47-37) hold the final Wild Card spot but are 8 games back of Chicago.

Over in the NL, the Giants (51-37) lead the way, with the Phillies (47-35) and the Cardinals (46-36) leading the East and Central respectively.



Kansas City Results

Things continue to trend upwards as the Royals go 18-10 in June. This, despite dropping the first game of the month to the Twins in extra innings, squaring up the 4-game series.

Of the full series, the Royals won six and lost two, while splitting two games against the White Sox to end the month.

The series wins came against interleague opponents the Padres and the Braves and league rivals the Avalanche, the Red Sox, the Angels, and the Rangers. Division rivals took a 2-1 series win in Chicago, as did the NL West Rockies in Colorado.



Kansas City Team Statistics





The batting statistics get better and better for the Royals as they now lead the AL in batting average and hits, with a host of top three rankings. In addition, the pitching holds firm and, while not the leading roster predicted is comfortably in the top four of the league.

Of regular starters only Jeremy Rogerson (88 wRC+) returning from injury failed to hit above league average with Alex Duke (137 wRC+) being the MVP hitting 9 HRs and driving in 25 runs. The defence continues to be a problem with Bobby Witt Jr. (-7.4 ZR) the huge hole – the Royals are looking at moving him to 1B to retain him in the line up but this could see some growing pains heading into the All Star Break.

William Schmidt’s up and down season continues with a 204 FIP- month that saw him give up 5 HRs in 9 innings of work. On the other side, Chris Wagner (69 FIP-) registered 11 saves while giving up 3 hits in 10.1 IP. He complemented a strong rotation that saw Mike Hoffer (86 FIP-) go 4-0 in 5 starts, with a 0.91 WHIP

Transactions & Injuries

Sunday, June 3rd , 2035
Sent LF Jimmy Goodman to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Sunday, June 10th , 2035
Sent LF Enny Mijhail Van Dyke to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Optioned LF Tim Spears to Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of LF Jimmy Goodman from Triple A Omaha.
Saturday, June 16th , 2035
RF Billy Mumaugh was injured while throwing the ball. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Received former Rule 5 draft pick RP Jim Porter from the Texas Rangers.
Sunday, June 17th , 2035
RF Billy Mumaugh diagnosed with a mild calf strain, is day-to-day for one week.
RF Billy Mumaugh was injured while throwing the ball. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Tuesday, June 19th , 2035
RF Billy Mumaugh diagnosed with an elbow strain, will miss 2 weeks.
Purchased the contract of LF Enny Mijhail Van Dyke from Triple A Omaha.

The injury bug started to clear up for the Royals as Jimmy Goodman and Enny Van Dyke both returned to the line up with Tim Spears sent back to AAA despite a solid first trip to the big leagues.

In the middle of the month the Royals received Rule 5 Draft loss Jim Porter back from the Rangers, who slots into the bullpen in Omaha.

Unfortunately, the Royals did lose Billy Mumaugh for two weeks although this coincided with Enny Van Dyke’s rehab assignment ending and he should be back before the All Star break.

Minor League News

Dominican Rookie League (R) Batter of the Month: Jorge Tejeda (2031 International Amateur) .591, 38 RBIs, 41 R

Texas League (AA) Pitcher of the Month: Jesus Baxter (2035 MiL FA) 3-0, 2.04 ERA, 49 K, 39.2 IP

Midwest League (A+) Pitcher of the Month: Jb Jointer (2030 5th Round) 4-0, 1.98 ERA, 38 K, 36.1 IP

Scouting Discovery

Justin Cowan returned home earlier today, bringing with him news of a previously unknown ballplayer from Dominican Republic.

Dominican starting pitcher Jesus Soto was born in Yamasa. He has a three-pitch arsenal with his money pitch an elite splitter. His explosive stuff has scouts dreaming. Soto's talent is that of a future multiple-time Cy Young Award winner.

Around the League

Transactions

Saturday, June 30th , 2035
The Seattle Mariners traded 24-year old minor league RF Vespasiano Rossellino and 22-year old minor league RHP Bobby Poore to the Cincinnati Reds, getting 26-year old minor league LF Jimmy Pittman in return.
Friday, June 29th , 2035
The Detroit Tigers traded 23-year old minor league LHP Ken Johnson and 20-year old minor league LHP Rogelio Heredia to the Atlanta Braves, getting 26-year old minor league C Dave Prince in return.
Thursday, June 28th , 2035
The Colorado Rockies traded 21-year old minor league RF Esteban Vizela and 20-year old minor league C Jesus Ojeda to the Los Angeles Angels, getting 31-year old minor league 3B Victor Acosta in return.
The Los Angeles Dodgers traded 20-year old minor league LF Dan Lloyd and 24-year old minor league RHP Juan Ramos to the Houston Astros, getting 31-year old minor league 2B Jacob Reimer in return.
Tuesday, June 26th , 2035
The Cincinnati Reds traded 23-year old minor league 1B Chad Loftin and 20-year old minor league RHP Jesus Rubiano to the Boston Red Sox, getting 30-year old minor league SS Cooper Pratt in return.
Friday, June 22nd , 2035
The Chicago Cubs traded 20-year old minor league LHP S.D. Waddell and 23-year old minor league RF Luis Renta to the Seattle Mariners, getting 32-year old minor league RF Yeiner Fernandez in return.
Wednesday, June 20th , 2035
The Milwaukee Brewers traded 23-year old minor league LHP Andres Zamudio, 23-year old minor league LHP Luis Caballero, and 19-year old minor league C Edgar Ramirez to the San Antonio Avalanche, getting 29-year old minor league SS Mike Haynesworth in return.
Saturday, June 16th , 2035
Cincinnati Reds: Signed SP Juan Villalvazo to a 4-year contract extension worth a total of $52,200,000.
Friday, June 15th , 2035
The Chicago Cubs traded 20-year old minor league RHP Jesus Iniguez and 22-year old minor league RHP Lazaro Arriaga to the Houston Astros, getting 34-year old minor league 3B Osleivis Basabe in return.
Thursday, June 14th , 2035
The Cleveland Guardians traded 23-year old minor league C Jim Kopetz and 22-year old minor league 1B Rodolfo Dorado to the Chicago White Sox, getting 33-year old minor league 1B David Nava in return.
Sunday, June 3rd , 2035
The Toronto Blue Jays traded 23-year old minor league 1B Gabe Baer, 20-year old minor league RHP Sergio Escoto, and 22-year old minor league LHP Dan Doubek to the Atlanta Braves, getting 30-year old RHP Jon Carey in return.

Injuries

Saturday, June 30th , 2035
Baltimore Orioles: 2B Joey Ortiz diagnosed with a fractured shoulder blade, will miss 4 weeks.
Friday, June 29th , 2035
New York Yankees: RP Nate Green diagnosed with a forearm strain, will miss 6 weeks.
Wednesday, June 27th , 2035
Washington Nationals: SP David Vega diagnosed with a herniated disc, will miss 5 weeks.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Mike White has suffered a setback in his recovery. He is not expected to recover for another 9 months.
Atlanta Braves: LF Jeff Dost diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, will miss 8-9 months.
Tuesday, June 26th , 2035
Arizona Diamondbacks: RP Chris Shepherd diagnosed with a strained hamstring, will miss 2-3 months.
Sunday, June 24th , 2035
Colorado Rockies: RP Marquis Botchway diagnosed with a torn flexor tendon in his elbow, will miss 11-12 months.
Seattle Mariners: LF Kevon Blakes diagnosed with a fractured thumb, will miss 3-4 weeks.
Saturday, June 23rd , 2035
San Diego Padres: RF Fernando Tatis Jr. diagnosed with a sprained ankle, will miss 6 weeks.
Friday, June 22nd , 2035
Colorado Rockies: LF Chase Bethea was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: torn quadriceps. He's expected to miss about 6-7 weeks.
Tuesday, June 19th , 2035
Chicago Cubs: RP Jake Ovca diagnosed with a stretched elbow ligament, will miss 11 months.
Pittsburgh Pirates: LF Olímpio Quintero diagnosed with bone marrow edema in his knee, will miss 6 weeks.
Monday, June 18th , 2035
Cleveland Guardians: SP Drew Rom diagnosed with a strained abdominal muscle, is day-to-day for 4 weeks.
Sunday, June 17th , 2035
Colorado Rockies: LF Dylan Crews diagnosed with a strained anterior cruciate ligament, will miss 5 weeks.
Friday, June 15th , 2035
Texas Rangers: CF Evan Carter was injured on a defensive play. The Diagnosis: sprained ankle. He's expected to miss about 4-5 weeks.
Thursday, June 14th , 2035
Milwaukee Brewers: RF Mike Wills was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: torn hamstring. He's expected to miss about 6 weeks.
Tuesday, June 12th , 2035
Chicago Cubs: 2B Zack Gelof diagnosed with a torn hamstring, will miss 5 weeks.
Monday, June 11th , 2035
New York Yankees: 3B Chris Ellis diagnosed with a severely strained hip muscle, will miss 3 months.
Cleveland Guardians: RP Porter Hodge was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: hamstring strain. He's expected to miss about 3 months.
Sunday, June 10th , 2035
San Diego Padres: RP Andy Fashaw diagnosed with elbow tendinitis, will miss 4 weeks.
Friday, June 8th , 2035
Boston Red Sox: LF Luis Gotay diagnosed with a strained back muscle, will miss 4 weeks.
Thursday, June 7th , 2035
Toronto Blue Jays: 2B Bryan Rincon diagnosed with a strained back muscle, will miss 3 weeks.
Seattle Mariners: SP Brett Renfrow diagnosed with shoulder inflammation, will miss 6 months.
Cincinnati Reds: SS Vernon Phyillips diagnosed with an intercostal strain, will miss 4-5 weeks.
New York Mets: 1B Juan Soto was injured in a collision at a base. The Diagnosis: strained rib cage muscle. He's expected to miss about 5 weeks.
Wednesday, June 6th , 2035
New York Yankees: SP J.J. Tjepkema was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: herniated disc (back). He's expected to miss about 4 weeks.
Tuesday, June 5th , 2035
Toronto Blue Jays: RP Eric Segura was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: acute elbow soreness. He's expected to miss about 7 weeks.
Monday, June 4th , 2035
Cincinnati Reds: RP Shane Baz diagnosed with a stretched elbow ligament, will miss 9 months.
Boston Red Sox: SP Logan Workman diagnosed with an oblique strain, will miss 4 weeks.
Boston Red Sox: LF Roman Anthony diagnosed with a strained hamstring, will miss 4-5 weeks.
Sunday, June 3rd , 2035
Detroit Tigers: 3B Colt Emerson diagnosed with an elbow sprain, will miss 5 weeks.
Saturday, June 2nd , 2035
San Diego Padres: 2B Gunnar Henderson was injured in a collision at a base. The Diagnosis: oblique strain. He's expected to miss about 4 weeks.
New York Yankees: CF Druw Jones was injured while throwing the ball. The Diagnosis: strained back. He's expected to miss about 3-4 weeks.
Friday, June 1st , 2035
Houston Astros: 1B Curtis Mead diagnosed with a severely strained hip muscle, will miss 4 months. 

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2035 All Star Break

The Royals (56-41) reach the All Star Break comfortably in a wild place but 7 games of the pace of baseball’s best, the Chicago White Sox (63-34). The Orioles (57-39) and Blue Jays (58-40) are locked atop the East while the Avalanche (51-47) continue to lead the West.

The American league sees the Phillies (55-41), the Cardinals (54-42) and the Giants (57-40) leading their respective divisions.



The American League once again took the spoils in the All Star Game with two Royals, both first-time picks, contributing – Edgar Mir went 0-1 but walked twice and scored a run while Mike Hoffer pitched a perfect final inning, 3Ks from 17 pitches.





After a difficult start, the Royals bats have returned to the top of the American League standings. Only Rogelio Camacho (51 wRC+) and Tim Spears (77 wRC+) have really struggled with the defence of all the remaining below league-average bats – Sam Hart (97 wRC+), Edgar Rivera (94 wRC+), Colt Keith (92 wRC+), and Tim Storer (88 wRC+) – more than making up for the discrepancy.

Edgar Mir (143 wRC+) has been the revelation of the season, offering plus defence at 2B while hitting 18 HRs, knocking in 58 RBIs, with 9 SBs.

Impressing in July were two recent additions to the big league roster, the Roses – Eric Rose (187 wRC+) at 3B and Danny Rose (205 wRC+) at CF – doing everything they have been asked to do while covering for injuries.



The rotation has been exceptional with only Cade Townsend (113 FIP-) below league average and Daniel Nava (69 FIP-) very unfortunate not to earn an All Star nomination, adding 3.1 WAR, similar to Mike Hoffer’s 3.4 WAR.

In the bullpen, Chris Wagner (61 FIP-) may be the dominant bullpen arm the Royals have lacked for the last couple of seasons while Connor Phillips (10.7 K/9), Eric Cook (10.5 K/9), and Jon Holtz (10 K/9) all generate buzz whenever they come to the mound. 

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Owner Goals

Team Record:
Things are moving in the right direction and it looks like we have the talent to hit our preseason goal of making the playoffs. Our fans will be counting on us to push the team to get it done, so do what you have to do to make the postseason happen.

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 Brad LaPointe around, I think we would have more respect around the rest of the league.

Improve your fan interest:
The fans have turned off to this team. Now is the time to do something about it.

Improve your team record:
I'm disappointed in the lack of improvement in close games. Try harder.

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.

Minor Leagues



It hasn’t been quite as strong a first half of the season for prospects as in previous years although Juan Moreno (165 wRC+) is hitting well in AA, and Joe Wallace (215 wRC+) the same in A ball. Chris Arington (11 K/9) in A+ and Brad Harrington (A) are 11.9 K/9 are showing strong strikeout levels while having success, and Catcher Ajinkya Corley (179 wRC+) is working well with Arington.



2027 Draft

It was another low draft pick for the Royals, the 33rd pick the reward for their solid 2034 season.

That first pick became high school CF Allan Klingsberg, a plus speed, plus LF outfielder who profiles to average contact and eye but 80 power.

The rest of the first five rounds were high schooler dominated for the Royals, lottery tickets for a team with a strong core. The exception was CF Eric McDonald, who the Royals had drafted in the 14th round of the 2032 draft and failed to sign. After three years at the University of Maryland, a third round pick was vindication for McDonald, with the Royals still getting their man.

Round 2, Pick 30 - CF Joey Vessels, age 18 out of high school: a plus corner outfielder with plus plus speed, he combines above average contact and eye potential with plus power.
Round 3, Pick 25 - CF Eric McDonald, age 20 out of college: above average speed with potential for plus glove in LF, he profiles below average contact and eye but plus plus power.
Round 4, Pick 27 - LF Greg Alford, age 17 out of high school: a poor defender with little speed, he combines plus plus contact potential with above average eye and plus power.
Round 5, Pick 28 - SS Bob Morrison, age 18 out of high school: a plus shortstop (or plus plus 2B) with plus speed, Morrision has above average contact and eye potential with plus power.

Only 8th Round Pick RP Nate Williams out of Virginia Tech will start in A ball with the remaining 19 in Rookie ball, and all 20 of the class were signed.

The top of the draft was loaded, the top five picks going as follows:

• Round 1, Pick 1 - New York Mets: CF Jim Fleming, age 21 out of college
• Round 1, Pick 2 - Los Angeles Angels: SP Jeremy Adkins, age 17 out of high school
• Round 1, Pick 3 - Tampa Bay Rays: SP Suljo Mirkovic, age 17 out of high school
• Round 1, Pick 4 - Atlanta Braves: 2B Dan Gibbs, age 18 out of high school
• Round 1, Pick 5 - Cincinnati Reds: SS Jimmy Davis, age 21 out of college

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MLB Standings

The White Sox (71-37) continue to lead all of baseball and stretch their lead over the Royals with a 17-9 month. The Orioles (62-44), Yankees (62-45), and Blue Jays (62-46) are in a battle for the East while the Avalanche (58-50) have a comfortable lead in the West.

In the National League, the Giants (64-44) lead the way with the Phillies (62-44) in the East and the Cardinals (59-47) in the Central both holding comfortable leads in their divisions.



The Yankees, Royals (62-45) and the Blue Jays have a strong lead in the American League Wild Card standings with the Rockies (60-47), Mets (59-48), and Padres (58-50) with a similarly strong advantage in the National League.



Kansas City Results

The Royals opened the month missing the opportunity to close the gap on the White Sox, splitting the last two games of a 4-game series. They took the frustration out on the Rays, scoring 34 runs to 5 in a three-game sweep. They then dropped two of three in Arizona before winning four of five heading into the All Star Break, 2-0 over the Cardinals, and 2-1 in Baltimore.

Coming out of the All Star Break, the Royals win three series in a row, although fail to sweep any of them, taking 2-1 results over the Tigers, the Dodgers, and the Brewers.

They finished the month losing the first of a three games series in Detroit to end with a 15-8 record, their best winning percentage of the month.



Kansas City Team Statistics



The Royals now lead the American League in most batting statistics, with only Home Runs (6th) and Base Running (11th) outside of the top five. On the pitching side, it is a similar story with top three rankings in all metrics except Starting Pitcher ERA (4th) and Walks (4th). The defense remains a weak point in 2035, with the 6th best Defensive Efficiency and 9th Zone Rating.

Enny Mijhail Van Dyke (157 wRC+) kept the Royals ticking over, batting in 25 with 5 HRs and 7 doubles. Eric Rose ((154 wRC+) was a strong call up, also hitting 5 HRs while Danny Rose (118 wRC+) put up 0.6 ZR in only 17 games. Edgar Mir missed a third of the month but still captured the Rookie of the Month award.

Curt Bogans (52 FIP-) went 4-0, while striking out 11 K/9 with a FIP of 2.30 for the month to lead the starting rotation while Chris Wagner (26 FIP-) had a 100% record in recording 5 saves in 8 outings, giving up 6 hits in 7 innings. Billy Nicklas (46 FIP-) was even stingier, giving up 6 hits across 10 innings while Jon Holtz (20 FIP-) gave up only 2 hits in 9.2 innings. A strong month for the bullpen which the Royals will hope extends for another three months.

Transactions & Injuries

Wednesday, July 4th , 2035
3B Jeremy Rogerson was injured while throwing the ball. The diagnosis is not yet known.
CF Drew Burress was injured on a defensive play. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Sunday, July 8th , 2035
CF Drew Burress diagnosed with an elbow sprain, will miss 5-6 weeks.
Traded 21-year old minor league CF Mike Anderson and 24-year old minor league C Yukiya Aoki to the Toronto Blue Jays, getting 29-year old minor league CF Danny Rose and $3,000,000 in cash in return.
Monday, July 9th , 2035
3B Jeremy Rogerson diagnosed with bone chips in his elbow, will miss 2-3 months.
Recalled 3B Eric Rose from Triple A Omaha.
Wednesday, July 11th , 2035
Sent RF Billy Mumaugh to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Saturday, July 21st , 2035
2B Edgar Mir was injured in a collision at a base. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Wednesday, July 25th , 2035
2B Edgar Mir diagnosed with a hamstring strain, will miss 5 weeks.
Purchased the contract of SS Alejandro Estrada from Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RF Albert Stefanov Thomas to Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of RF Billy Mumaugh from Triple A Omaha.

The hits kept coming for the Royals in July as they lost three starters over the course of the month. Jeremy Rogerson will be fighting to be back for the post season after a bone chips in his elbow diagnosis, with his absence seeing Eric Rose called up the Big Leagues.

Drew Burress will miss a month and a half with his second injury of the season. His injury, and the disastrous first month of the season without him, saw the Royals trade for a starting CF. They gave up 2032 8th round pick Mike Anderson, along with 2035 MiL FA signing Yukiya Aoki, to the Blue Jays, getting CF Danny Rose in return. An elite defender, Rose will give little with the bat but does have plus speed and the ability to steal many bases.

The final loss was breakout star Edgar Mir, who will miss 5 weeks with a hamstring strain. 2028 International Amateur Alejandro Estrada was called up as cover, the best of an average set of options in AAA.

The Royals chose not to trade for infield help despite the two injuries and will hope to stay in contention until the Rogerson and Mir have recovered.

Around the League

Transactions

Tuesday, July 31st , 2035
The Cleveland Guardians traded 30-year old RHP Liam Peterson to the Washington Nationals, getting 24-year old minor league RHP Vince Momoh in return.
The Atlanta Braves traded 25-year old RHP Alexis Lazo to the San Antonio Avalanche, getting 21-year old minor league LF Jeremy Redden in return.
The Pittsburgh Pirates traded 22-year old minor league 1B Bobby Plunkett and 21-year old minor league LHP Arturo Castro to the Chicago Cubs, getting 33-year old minor league RF Jonatan Clase in return.
The New York Mets traded 26-year old LF Caleb Kelly to the Los Angeles Dodgers, getting 32-year old LHP Ricky Tiedemann and 20-year old minor league C Pat Peters in return.
The Arizona Diamondbacks traded 35-year old RHP Kohl Franklin to the Milwaukee Brewers, getting 19-year old minor league RHP Andy Hardy in return.
The San Francisco Giants traded 22-year old minor league SS Chris Ruys, 23-year old minor league 1B Zion Minnieweather, 19-year old minor league C Ismael Olivieri, 22-year old minor league RF Jesus de la Cerda, and 22-year old minor league RHP Mike Wallace to the Cincinnati Reds, getting 27-year old LHP Juan Villalvazo in return.
The Cleveland Guardians traded 29-year old minor league RHP Jack DeTienne and 24-year old minor league C Walt Hines to the Houston Astros, getting 20-year old minor league LF Jim Snow and 22-year old minor league LF Mike Tedrow in return.
The Toronto Blue Jays traded 23-year old minor league LHP Dan Umscheid and 22-year old minor league SS Julio Betancourt to the Philadelphia Phillies, getting 26-year old minor league SS Luis Jarquin in return.
The Minnesota Twins traded 23-year old minor league RF Mike Bircheat and 24-year old minor league RHP David Romero to the Tampa Bay Rays, getting 25-year old minor league 1B Jesus Villatoro in return.
The Cleveland Guardians traded 25-year old RHP Shawn Denn to the San Francisco Giants, getting 23-year old minor league RHP Skylar Woodwardand 22-year old minor league LHP Tim Woodman in return.
Monday, July 30th , 2035
The San Francisco Giants traded 20-year old minor league RHP Jeremy Murdoch and 20-year old minor league RHP Alpha McKever to the Boston Red Sox, getting 32-year old RF T.J. White in return.
The Houston Astros traded 20-year old minor league 2B Andres Soto and 19-year old minor league 3B Juan Mendoza to the Chicago White Sox, getting 26-year old minor league SS Jim Sexton in return.
The Boston Red Sox traded 18-year old minor league SS Jesus Chamizo and 24-year old minor league RHP Chad Simonson to the San Diego Padres, getting 29-year old minor league 2B Owen Paino in return.
The Milwaukee Brewers traded 21-year old minor league RF Eric Fenton and 24-year old minor league RHP Sergio Navarro to the Washington Nationals, getting 32-year old minor league 3B Izaac Pacheco in return.
The New York Mets traded 21-year old minor league 2B Juan Contreras to the Cleveland Guardians, getting 35-year old RHP Nick Nastrini in return.
The Cincinnati Reds traded 22-year old minor league CF David Bautista and 23-year old minor league RHP Chris Hyde to the Chicago Cubs, getting 33-year old minor league 3B Kyle Karros in return.
The Seattle Mariners traded 25-year old LHP Chad Anderson to the Colorado Rockies, getting 22-year old minor league RHP Edgar Orozco and 19-year old minor league C Sam Morden in return.
The Cleveland Guardians traded 35-year old LHP Drew Rom to the Washington Nationals, getting 19-year old minor league RF Brendan Rowe and 22-year old minor league 3B Graeme Vinicombe in return.
The Cleveland Guardians traded 29-year old minor league LHP Dan Irvin to the New York Yankees, getting 19-year old minor league RF Prince Tookes in return.
The Cleveland Guardians traded 32-year old RHP Thatcher Hurd to the Washington Nationals, getting 21-year old minor league C Doug Seymour and 24-year old minor league RHP Juan Zubia in return.
The Tampa Bay Rays traded 26-year old minor league RHP David Cuevas to the Toronto Blue Jays, getting 23-year old minor league CF Arturo Beloand 18-year old minor league 1B David Ramos in return.
The Texas Rangers traded 34-year old RHP Robert Colina to the Milwaukee Brewers, getting 24-year old minor league SS Steve Dugas and 19-year old minor league 1B Julio Cardenas in return.
The Arizona Diamondbacks traded 32-year old RHP Khal Stephen to the Houston Astros, getting 22-year old minor league LF Arturo Moreno in return.
Sunday, July 29th , 2035
The Atlanta Braves traded 29-year old RHP Mike Hall to the San Francisco Giants, getting 20-year old minor league RF Alpha Stidum in return.
The Pittsburgh Pirates traded 26-year old LF Gabe Hodson to the New York Yankees, getting 19-year old minor league RHP Juan Cervantes in return.
The Chicago White Sox traded 21-year old minor league RHP Dan Enna and 17-year old minor league LF Jesus Barroso to the Boston Red Sox, getting 32-year old SS Marcelo Mayer in return.
The San Francisco Giants traded 20-year old minor league RHP D.J. Hullender and 21-year old minor league RHP Steve Hugan to the Tampa Bay Rays, getting 29-year old RHP Chris Botchway in return.
The Chicago White Sox traded 30-year old 1B Gavin Grahovac and 21-year old minor league RHP Pete Scobey to the Colorado Rockies, getting 25-year old RHP Ronnie Chapman in return.
The New York Mets traded 20-year old minor league C David Vega and 22-year old minor league RHP Dave Wilburn to the Cincinnati Reds, getting 34-year old minor league RHP Blake Burkhalter in return.
The Tampa Bay Rays traded 27-year old minor league RHP Arturo Iniguez to the San Diego Padres, getting 22-year old minor league LF Vince Phelpsin return.
The Texas Rangers traded 34-year old LHP Blake Walston to the Washington Nationals, getting 21-year old minor league RHP Rodolfo Recinos in return.
Saturday, July 28th , 2035
The Baltimore Orioles traded 22-year old minor league LHP Eric Veitengruber to the Atlanta Braves, getting 33-year old 1B Hunter Owen in return.
The Los Angeles Angels traded 23-year old minor league RF Kiobel Woodford and 23-year old minor league RHP Josh Contreras to the Los Angeles Dodgers, getting 29-year old minor league RF Jeremy Nagy in return.
The St. Louis Cardinals traded 19-year old minor league 1B Brad Buell and 24-year old minor league RHP Alfredo Menjivar to the San Diego Padres, getting 26-year old minor league C Kevin Solomon in return.
The Arizona Diamondbacks traded 31-year old RHP Payton Martin to the San Antonio Avalanche, getting 20-year old minor league RHP Juan Salazarand 17-year old minor league RF Juan Salinas in return.
The Los Angeles Dodgers traded 30-year old 2B Rafael Ramirez Jr. to the Colorado Rockies, getting 21-year old minor league 2B Devin Evans and 17-year old minor league LHP Nelson Santana in return.
The Los Angeles Angels traded 32-year old RHP Jose Corniell to the Philadelphia Phillies, getting 21-year old minor league RF David Alvarado and 21-year old minor league LF Alejandro Venegas in return.
The Texas Rangers traded 36-year old RHP Bobby Miller to the Washington Nationals, getting 19-year old minor league LF Josh Charles in return.
The Tampa Bay Rays traded 30-year old 3B Antonio Anderson and 20-year old minor league LHP Sam Armstrong to the Houston Astros, getting 19-year old minor league SS Amari Spivery and 22-year old minor league RHP Jon Doepp in return.
The Texas Rangers traded 31-year old RF Luis Baez to the Minnesota Twins, getting 20-year old minor league 1B Sean Stearns and 22-year old minor league RHP Jorge Laspiga in return.
Friday, July 27th , 2035
The Baltimore Orioles traded 23-year old minor league RF Chris Tomlinson and 20-year old minor league RHP Shiloh Toure to the Miami Marlins, getting 29-year old minor league 1B Wes Brake in return.
The Colorado Rockies traded 21-year old minor league C Ramnarayan Vidyarthi to the Detroit Tigers, getting 31-year old 2B Jett Williams in return.
The Colorado Rockies traded 18-year old minor league LF Juan Guerrero and 20-year old minor league LHP Kieron Hosband to the Atlanta Braves, getting 35-year old 2B Brice Turang in return.
Thursday, July 26th , 2035
The Cincinnati Reds traded 30-year old LHP Trey Beard to the New York Mets, getting 23-year old minor league RF Deionte Mitchell in return.
The Boston Red Sox traded 27-year old LHP Brad White to the Baltimore Orioles, getting 23-year old minor league LF Luis Puentes in return.
The Tampa Bay Rays traded 33-year old LF Dylan Beavers to the Milwaukee Brewers, getting 18-year old minor league RF David Carrillo in return.
The St. Louis Cardinals traded 21-year old minor league RHP Kevin Oakley to the Arizona Diamondbacks, getting 32-year old CF Emmanuel Rodriguez in return.
The San Antonio Avalanche traded 35-year old RHP Cole Paplham and 19-year old minor league RHP Joel Richardson to the San Diego Padres, getting 27-year old SS Juan Batres in return.
Wednesday, July 25th , 2035
The Los Angeles Angels traded 32-year old LHP Josh Hartle to the Houston Astros, getting 24-year old minor league SS Jesus Flores in return.
The Cleveland Guardians traded 24-year old minor league CF Chris Paul and 19-year old minor league 1B Luis Ambriz to the Washington Nationals, getting 31-year old minor league CF Max Belyeu in return.
The Baltimore Orioles traded 23-year old minor league RF Dan Trujillo, 24-year old minor league LHP Luis Delgado, and 20-year old minor league 1B Rob Parker to the Cincinnati Reds, getting 29-year old minor league RHP Sheng-En Lin in return.
The Baltimore Orioles traded 22-year old minor league 3B Daniel Rivera to the Washington Nationals, getting 39-year old RHP Trevor Stephan in return.
The St. Louis Cardinals traded 22-year old minor league 3B Chuck Hovatter to the Atlanta Braves, getting 36-year old 1B Royce Lewis in return.
Tuesday, July 24th , 2035
The Tampa Bay Rays traded 35-year old LHP Cade Povich to the New York Mets, getting 19-year old minor league RF Stephon Saffore and 22-year old minor league LHP Ignacio Cerda in return.
Monday, July 23rd , 2035
The Chicago White Sox traded 30-year old LF AJ Gracia to the Miami Marlins, getting 25-year old RHP Tim Portscheller and 24-year old minor league LF Guadalupe Sobkowiak in return.
The San Antonio Avalanche traded 22-year old minor league SS Mike Poole and 22-year old minor league RF David Figueroa to the Pittsburgh Pirates, getting 30-year old 1B Caden Bogenpohl in return.
Sunday, July 22nd , 2035
The Minnesota Twins traded 17-year old minor league 1B David Toquinto and 22-year old minor league RHP Savino Gramsci to the Houston Astros, getting 26-year old minor league 3B Chris Flanagan in return.
The Washington Nationals traded 23-year old minor league 3B Bobby McKinney and 24-year old minor league CF Oscar Desourdy to the Arizona Diamondbacks, getting 29-year old minor league 1B Mike Whitt in return.
The Cleveland Guardians traded 20-year old minor league LHP Tim Britton to the Seattle Mariners, getting 32-year old minor league C Onil Perez in return.
The Cincinnati Reds traded 23-year old minor league CF Rob Foster and 21-year old minor league RHP Andres Escobedo to the Washington Nationals, getting 27-year old minor league 3B Brady Ebel in return.
Saturday, July 21st , 2035
The Houston Astros traded 23-year old minor league LHP Mike McKeever, 20-year old minor league RHP Timbuck Saka, and 22-year old minor league 1B Luis Santana to the Atlanta Braves, getting 33-year old 3B Thomas Saggese in return.
The St. Louis Cardinals traded 23-year old minor league RHP Curt Riehl and 17-year old minor league LF Jesus Cervantes to the Boston Red Sox, getting 36-year old LHP Frank Caraballo in return.
The Los Angeles Angels traded 19-year old minor league 2B Tyrese Luckey and 23-year old minor league LHP Juan Ayala to the Los Angeles Dodgers, getting 30-year old minor league C Macon Winslow in return.
Friday, July 20th , 2035
The Seattle Mariners traded 30-year old 2B Jansel Luis to the Arizona Diamondbacks, getting 24-year old minor league 1B Ignacio Prieto in return.
The New York Yankees traded 23-year old minor league C Dan Plourd to the Detroit Tigers, getting 30-year old SS Adrian Santana in return.
The Texas Rangers traded 36-year old RHP Tobias Myers to the New York Mets, getting 17-year old minor league LF Andres Montalvo in return.
Thursday, July 19th , 2035
The Detroit Tigers traded 32-year old RHP JR Ritchie to the New York Mets, getting 19-year old minor league RHP Red Ray and 21-year old minor league RHP Ernesto Orosco in return.
The Toronto Blue Jays traded 19-year old minor league 1B Pat O'Neill and 16-year old minor league SS Juan Salazar to the Pittsburgh Pirates, getting 36-year old RHP Woo-suk Go in return.
The Milwaukee Brewers traded 29-year old RHP Nam-shik Kam to the Colorado Rockies, getting 24-year old minor league RHP Chris Casteen in return.
The Cleveland Guardians traded 20-year old minor league RF Jesus Montoya and 21-year old minor league RF Joel Pendleton to the Los Angeles Angels, getting 29-year old minor league CF Everett Johnson in return.
The St. Louis Cardinals traded 22-year old minor league LF Prince Amankwah and 23-year old minor league RHP Steve Pelton to the Chicago Cubs, getting 26-year old RHP Amari Ravenell in return.
Wednesday, July 18th , 2035
The Boston Red Sox traded 23-year old minor league 1B Nate Matthews and 22-year old minor league 3B Juan Chavoya to the Detroit Tigers, getting 34-year old minor league C Brandon Valenzuela in return.
The Chicago White Sox traded 17-year old minor league C Luis Cuervo and 22-year old minor league RHP Esteban Villa to the Miami Marlins, getting 34-year old minor league RHP Yusuke Matsumura in return.
Tuesday, July 17th , 2035
The St. Louis Cardinals traded 18-year old minor league RHP Andres Fragoza and 24-year old minor league RF Sergio Monje to the Texas Rangers, getting 35-year old LHP Nathan Lavender in return.
The Colorado Rockies traded 24-year old minor league RHP Kevin Yount to the Cincinnati Reds, getting 33-year old 2B Jacob Wilson in return.
The Pittsburgh Pirates traded 30-year old LHP Mike Bowe to the Milwaukee Brewers, getting 20-year old minor league SS Earl Tilly in return.
Monday, July 16th , 2035
The Los Angeles Angels traded 19-year old minor league SS Arturo Urena and 24-year old minor league RHP Jim Goodale to the Seattle Mariners, getting 29-year old minor league RF PJ Morlando in return.
Sunday, July 15th , 2035
The Baltimore Orioles traded 20-year old minor league C Luis Pereira and 24-year old minor league LHP David Tejada to the New York Mets, getting 29-year old minor league 1B Alfredo Avalos in return.
The Washington Nationals traded 23-year old minor league RHP Jeff Wise and 20-year old minor league LF David Serna to the Minnesota Twins, getting 28-year old minor league 1B Joe Baird in return.
Saturday, July 14th , 2035
The Milwaukee Brewers traded 23-year old minor league LF Vicente Llerenas and 19-year old minor league RHP Steve Drake to the Pittsburgh Pirates, getting 34-year old minor league CF Luke Gold in return.
The Texas Rangers traded 22-year old minor league 2B Tristen Martin and 24-year old minor league LHP Edgar Arana to the Milwaukee Brewers, getting 27-year old minor league LF Edgar Figueroa in return.
Monday, July 9th , 2035
The Houston Astros traded 21-year old minor league 2B Dave Seltzer and 22-year old minor league RF Andy Wyrick to the Detroit Tigers, getting 30-year old minor league C Luis Rodriguez in return.
Sunday, July 8th , 2035
The Kansas City Royals traded 21-year old minor league CF Mike Anderson and 24-year old minor league C Yukiya Aoki to the Toronto Blue Jays, getting 29-year old minor league CF Danny Rose and $3,000,000 in cash in return.
Sunday, July 1st , 2035
San Diego Padres: Signed 3B Danny Payton to a 5-year contract extension worth a total of $42,280,000.
The Cleveland Guardians traded 21-year old minor league 1B Luis Rios and 20-year old minor league RHP Steve Dean to the Colorado Rockies, getting 28-year old minor league 1B Ben Armand in return.
The Washington Nationals traded 16-year old minor league SS Luis Moreno and 17-year old minor league RHP Luis Cuenca to the Detroit Tigers, getting 27-year old minor league RHP Ronie Elkind in return.

Injuries

Tuesday, July 31st , 2035
Los Angeles Dodgers: SS Bryce Rainer diagnosed with a torn meniscus, will miss 3-4 months.
Monday, July 30th , 2035
Tampa Bay Rays: 1B Cole Young was injured being hit by a pitch. The Diagnosis: fractured wrist. He's expected to miss about 5 weeks.
Cleveland Guardians: 3B Danny Petty was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: strained hamstring. He's expected to miss about 5 weeks.
Sunday, July 29th , 2035
Tampa Bay Rays: 2B Vince Martin was injured being hit by a pitch. The Diagnosis: fractured wrist. He's expected to miss about 5 weeks.
Saturday, July 28th , 2035
Chicago White Sox: SP Tim Bowman diagnosed with a torn labrum, will miss 4-5 months.
Thursday, July 26th , 2035
New York Yankees: RP C.J. Culpepper was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: strained oblique. He's expected to miss about 5-6 weeks.
Wednesday, July 25th , 2035
Kansas City Royals: 2B Edgar Mir diagnosed with a hamstring strain, will miss 5 weeks.
Boston Red Sox: 2B Dylan O'Rae was injured on a defensive play. The Diagnosis: torn ankle ligaments. He's expected to miss about 6 weeks.
Tuesday, July 24th , 2035
Philadelphia Phillies: 1B Gilberto Carrillo diagnosed with an oblique strain, will miss 4 weeks.
Philadelphia Phillies: RP Steve Kunkle diagnosed with a torn back muscle, will miss 4 months.
Seattle Mariners: 2B Keon Johnson was injured on a defensive play. The Diagnosis: partially torn labrum. He's expected to miss about 6 weeks.
Monday, July 23rd , 2035
Arizona Diamondbacks: SP Khal Stephen was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: elbow inflammation. He's expected to miss about 5 weeks.
Saturday, July 21st , 2035
Philadelphia Phillies: Frank Mena has suffered a setback in his recovery. He is not expected to recover for another 8 months.
Monday, July 16th , 2035
Cleveland Guardians: C Kevin Bazzell diagnosed with a strained hamstring, will miss 5 weeks.
Chicago White Sox: C Eric Windel diagnosed with an intercostal strain, will miss 4 weeks.
Philadelphia Phillies: SS Kevin McClellan was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: knee tendinitis. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 3-4 weeks.
Sunday, July 15th , 2035
Toronto Blue Jays: SP Jon Carey diagnosed with a bone spur in his elbow, will miss 2-3 months.
Wednesday, July 11th , 2035
Toronto Blue Jays: Eric Segura has suffered a setback in his recovery. He is not expected to recover for another 3 months.
Atlanta Braves: RP David Ramos was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: strained abdominal muscle. He's expected to miss about 6-7 weeks.
Monday, July 9th , 2035
Miami Marlins: Korey Reilly has suffered a setback in his recovery. He is not expected to recover for another 2-3 months.
San Diego Padres: LF Nate Quinn diagnosed with torn ankle ligaments, will miss 4 weeks.
Sunday, July 8th , 2035
Chicago White Sox: RP Yoniel Curet diagnosed with a bone spur in his elbow, will miss 4 months.
Saturday, July 7th , 2035
New York Yankees: RF Jackson Chourio diagnosed with a sprained ankle, will miss 6 weeks.
Texas Rangers: RF Erik Pickett was injured on a defensive play. The Diagnosis: intercostal strain. He's expected to miss about 4 weeks.
Houston Astros: LF Julio Rodriguez was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: sports hernia. He's expected to miss about 6 weeks.
Friday, July 6th , 2035
St. Louis Cardinals: RP David Talavera diagnosed with shoulder bursitis, will miss 3-4 weeks.
Thursday, July 5th , 2035
San Antonio Avalanche: CF Jorge Vaca diagnosed with forearm inflammation, will miss 3 months.
Atlanta Braves: RP Ken May diagnosed with a hamstring strain, will miss 6 weeks.
Wednesday, July 4th , 2035
Washington Nationals: CL Kevin Azeem diagnosed with ulnar nerve entrapment, will miss 4 months.
Sunday, July 1st , 2035
New York Yankees: RP Joe Whitman diagnosed with shoulder tendinitis, will miss 5-6 weeks.
Miami Marlins: RP Nelson Mejorado diagnosed with shoulder inflammation, will miss 5 months. 

[benp28]

MLB Standings

The White Sox (87-47) have all but wrapped up the AL Central with a 12.5 game lead and the best record in baseball, they are on track for a 105-win season. The other two divisions in the AL remain competitive with the Blue Jays (81-55) and the Astros (70-64) leading the way. The West saw the Avalanche (67-67) absolutely collapse in August as they go 9-17, dropping from a four-game lead to a three game deficit, 7.5 back from a playoff spot.

In the National League, the Giants (82-53) lead the way with a comfortable lead in the West, while the Mets (79-57) and the Cardinals (71-62) both have cushions in their respective divisions. Here it is the Phillies who have tumbled, going from a 3.5 game lead to train by 3 games entering the last month of the season, although they are still comfortable in one of the Wild Card slots.





Kansas City Results

A terrible 13-15 month saw the Royals tumble out of pennant contention in the AL Central although they are still looking comfortable for a Playoff spot through the wild cards.

They started the month bouncing back to take the Detroit series 2-1 before playing a rare 5-game series against the Guardian, dropping three to a team under .500 a big disappointment. This was followed by coming home to get swept by the Orioles to conclude 4-6 star.

Thankfully, St. Louis came to down and dropped both games to the Royals before the team went to Minnesota and won two of three against the Twins, including an eight-inning, three-hit, no-run outing from Cade Townsend.

After a rest day, Kansas City dropped five in a row, firstly getting swept by the Cubs in Chicago before dropping the first two games in a home series against the Mariners. They bounced back with a shutout win to at least salvage a game from the Mariners series.

To end the month, the Royals took two-of-three at home to the Phillies, lost two-of-three to the White Sox which really closed the door on the division title, and then picked up the first of a four-game series on the road against the Astros.



Kansas City Team Statistics



The bats cooled down in August with only average and extra-base hits remaining top of the pack although they still remain top five in most categories. The pitching remains very strong with the second-best Starter and Bullpen ERA, despite the 8th best defensive effort.

The bats really struggled in August with eight regulars hitting under league average for wRC+. The saving grace was Enny Van Dyke (170 wRC+), with 6 HRs and 21 RBI for the month. Bobby Witt Jr. (21 wRC+) really struggled but has learned to play 1B, 60/70, which is a way for the Royals to look at keeping him on the diamond.

It was another strong month for the pitchers, with Daniel Nava (60 FIP-) continuing to have a stellar season to put into question how he was overlooked for the All Star Game. Cade Townsend (75 FIP-) had a bounceback month, including that 8-inning, 3-hit outing, still striking out at almost a 10K/9 rate.

Mason Barnett (113 FIP-) pitched the most out of the bullpen and looks like he could do with a rest while Chris Wagner (84 FIP-) was solid but blew three save opportunities out nine which was frustrating.

Transactions & Injuries

Monday, August 6th , 2035
RP Jon Holtz was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Wednesday, August 8th , 2035
RP Jon Holtz diagnosed with ulnar nerve entrapment, will miss 4-5 months.
Purchased the contract of RP Ismael Conston from Triple A Omaha.
Thursday, August 16th , 2035
Sent SP Chase Dollander to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Friday, August 17th , 2035
Sent CF Drew Burress to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Monday, August 27th , 2035
Optioned CF Danny Rose to Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of CF Drew Burress from Triple A Omaha.
Wednesday, August 29th , 2035
Sent 2B Edgar Mir to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.

The month started with more injury woe for the Royals as Jon Holz suffered ulnar nerve entrapment, ending his season. A tough bullpen loss as the dependable Holz had pitched 48.1 I, with 53 K and a 1.01 WHIP. Ismael Conston, the 2034 trade from the Phillies as part of the Chase Dollander deal, gets his first call up.

After that it was the start of the hopeful return to health, with Drew Burress coming back and both Edgar Mir and Chase Dollander on rehab assignments.

Minor League News

Carolina League (A) Batter of the Month: Luis Morga (2030 Trade HOU) .412, 10 HRs, 28 RBIs

Midwest League (A+) Pitcher of the Month Award: Jonathon Cote (2034 Trade DET) 4-1, 1.10 ERA, 32.2 IP, 39 K, 19 H

Dominican Rookie League (R) Batter of the Month: Juan Rivas (2029 Scouting Discovery) .542, 16 HRs, 56 RBIs

Dominican Rookie League (R) Pitcher of the Month: David Castro (2034 International Amateur) 6-0, 2.74 ERA, 23 IP, 35 K

Around the League

Injuries

Thursday, August 30th , 2035
Cleveland Guardians: SS Naldo Narvaiz was injured being hit by a pitch. The Diagnosis: fractured wrist. He's expected to miss about 5 weeks.
Tuesday, August 28th , 2035
Boston Red Sox: 1B Sam Drees was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: concussion. He's expected to miss about 5-6 weeks.
Saturday, August 25th , 2035
Minnesota Twins: RP Sean Theobald diagnosed with a partially torn labrum, will miss 6 weeks.
Detroit Tigers: SS Flint Pallard was injured in a collision at a base. The Diagnosis: sprained ankle. He's expected to miss about 4 weeks.
Friday, August 24th , 2035
Philadelphia Phillies: CF Josh Gudex diagnosed with a fractured rib, will miss 6 weeks.
Thursday, August 23rd , 2035
Seattle Mariners: RP Emmanuel Clase diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff, will miss 4 months.
Chicago White Sox: 1B Marcelo Mayer diagnosed with a broken bone in the elbow, will miss 5 months.
Wednesday, August 22nd , 2035
Baltimore Orioles: CF Zion Rose diagnosed with a hamstring strain, will miss 7-8 weeks.
Tuesday, August 21st , 2035
Seattle Mariners: C Creed Willems diagnosed with a broken bone in the elbow, will miss 6-7 months.
Monday, August 20th , 2035
Milwaukee Brewers: C Jeferson Quero diagnosed with a sprained thumb, will miss 5-6 weeks.
Sunday, August 19th , 2035
Washington Nationals: CF James Wood was injured while throwing the ball. The Diagnosis: sore elbow. He's expected to miss about 4-5 weeks.
Tuesday, August 14th , 2035
Boston Red Sox: SP David Flores diagnosed with a torn flexor tendon in his elbow, will miss 13 months.
Monday, August 13th , 2035
Atlanta Braves: CF Lonnie White Jr. diagnosed with a herniated disc, will miss 6 weeks.
Saturday, August 11th , 2035
St. Louis Cardinals: RP Luis Molina diagnosed with chronic back soreness, will miss 4 weeks.
Los Angeles Dodgers: 2B Jacob Reimer was injured in a collision at a base. The Diagnosis: sprained knee. He's expected to miss about 6 weeks.
Friday, August 10th , 2035
Houston Astros: C Johanfran Garcia diagnosed with a strained hamstring, is day-to-day for 3-4 weeks.
Thursday, August 9th , 2035
Los Angeles Dodgers: 2B Jesus Vela was injured in a collision at a base. The Diagnosis: strained hamstring. He's expected to miss about 6 weeks.
Tuesday, August 7th , 2035
St. Louis Cardinals: LF Takashi Toguchi diagnosed with a ruptured Achilles tendon, will miss 5 months.
Monday, August 6th , 2035
Pittsburgh Pirates: RP Raimon Gomez diagnosed with a torn meniscus, will miss 5 months.
New York Yankees: 3B Mike Diddle diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff, will miss 3 months.
Philadelphia Phillies: SS Kevin McClellan was injured in a collision at a base. The Diagnosis: hamstring strain. He's expected to miss about 4 weeks.
Friday, August 3rd , 2035
Cincinnati Reds: RP Wilson Ayala diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff, will miss 11 months.
Wednesday, August 1st , 2035
Pittsburgh Pirates: LF Olímpio Quintero diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, will miss 7 weeks.

[benp28]

MLB Standings

There will be one regular season in October in 2035 but it is almost all done and dusted in the playoff picture.

In the American League, the division winners are the White Sox (99-62, the best record in baseball), Yankees (93-68), and Astros (85-76). The Wild Cards are set as well with the Royals and the Blue Jays sharing a 91-70 record and the Orioles half a game back at 90-70.

In the National League, it’s a similar picture with the Mets (96-65), Cardinals (89-72) and Giants (95-66) wrapping up the divisions. One of the Padres and Rockies (91-70) will finish with the top Wild Card spot, with the Phillies (84-77) having secured the final place in the post season.





Kansas City Results

A 16-10 record for September has the Royals feeling a little better heading into the post season although, like the whole season, it has been a struggle.

It was a great start to the month, completing a four-game sweep of the Astros before taking two-of-three in the final regular season series against the White Sox.

They continued the strong performances, winning five of their next six, with a home sweep of the Twins, including a 7.1 IP outing from Mike Hoffer giving up only 5 hits, followed by two of three in Boston.

The two former Mariners, Nava and Phillips, combined for a five-hit shutout of the Phillies on the way to a 2-1 series victory. Cleveland came to Kansas City and took two-of-three before the Giants came to town and went down to the reverse score.

The final trip of the season were road trips to Washington and New York. As has become the norm, the Royals struggled to the end of the season, dropping two of three to the National, and back to back games against the Mets.



Kansas City Team Statistics



The Royals were fairly consistent to their style in September as the bats remained top four in most categories while the arms remained top two. The defence is still a problem (8th) while they are now into the top three in Stolen Bases.

Edgar Mir (151 wRC+) returned to win the September Rookie on the Month Award, 8 HRs and a .574 SLG rate bringing an end to a very impressive rookie campaign. Alex Duke (151 wRC+) stepped up in the absence of Billy Mumaugh, not producing as much power but holding a .322 average.

The pitching remains elite, this month Mike Hoffer (32 FIP-) the best of the bunch, 32 H in 32.1 IP and a 1.11 ERA. Somehow, he didn’t win pitcher of the month. Chase Dollander (35 FIP-) came into the bullpen and gave up 13 hits in 11.2 innings with 12.3 K/9 rate that could prove a difference maker in the post season if he can stay fit.

Transactions & Injuries

Saturday, September 1st , 2035
Purchased the contract of 2B Edgar Mir from Triple A Omaha.
LF Billy Mumaugh was injured being hit by a pitch. The Diagnosis: concussion. He's expected to miss about 4 weeks.
Purchased the contract of RF Albert Stefanov Thomas from Triple A Omaha.
Monday, September 17th , 2035
Sent 3B Jeremy Rogerson to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Optioned RP D'Mani Hamble to Triple A Omaha.
Placed SP Chase Dollander on the active roster.
Tuesday, September 18th , 2035
CF Drew Burress was injured while running the bases. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Friday, September 21st , 2035
CF Drew Burress diagnosed with a strained groin muscle, will miss 4-5 weeks.
Purchased the contract of CF Danny Rose from Triple A Omaha.
Saturday, September 22nd , 2035
Optioned SS Alejandro Estrada to Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of 3B Jeremy Rogerson from Triple A Omaha.
Sunday, September 23rd , 2035
Billy Mumaugh has suffered a setback in his recovery. He is not expected to recover for another 1-2 weeks.

One in, one out as Edgar Mir returned from injury but on the same day the Royals lost Billy Mumaugh for the remainder of the season. It was a similar story later in the month as the day after Dollander and Rogerson returned, Drew Burress was injured running the bases. Three days later, he was ruled out for 4-5 weeks with a strained groin, ruling him out until at least the World Series, probably bringing his season to an end.

Billy Mumaugh then suffered a setback in his injury, putting his post season presence at risk.

Around the League

Transactions

Saturday, September 22nd , 2035
Arizona Diamondbacks: Signed SP Jon Elfstrom to a 6-year contract extension worth a total of $82,980,000.
Friday, September 21st , 2035
New York Yankees: Signed SP J.J. Tjepkema to a 7-year contract extension worth a total of $155,500,000.
Friday, September 14th , 2035
Toronto Blue Jays: Signed RF Josh Armagost to a 4-year contract extension worth a total of $54,000,000.
Sunday, September 9th , 2035
Baltimore Orioles: Failed to sign 2nd round draft pick Jaheim Champ. Received additional pick compensation.
New York Yankees: Failed to sign 1st round draft pick Esteban Guardiola. Received additional pick compensation.
Tampa Bay Rays: Failed to sign 1st round draft pick Suljo Mirkovic. Received additional pick compensation.
Chicago White Sox: Failed to sign 3rd round draft pick Zach Noone. Received additional pick compensation.
Minnesota Twins: Failed to sign 1st round draft pick Bailey Nartey. Received additional pick compensation.
Los Angeles Angels: Failed to sign 3rd round draft pick Jeremy Olivera. Received additional pick compensation.
Cincinnati Reds: Failed to sign 2nd round draft pick Kevin Durkac. Received additional pick compensation.
Milwaukee Brewers: Failed to sign 1st round draft pick Andres Valverde. Received additional pick compensation.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Failed to sign 1st round draft pick Darryel Sabatino. Received additional pick compensation.
St. Louis Cardinals: Failed to sign 3rd round draft pick Tim Heffernan. Received additional pick compensation.

Injuries

Saturday, September 29th , 2035
Detroit Tigers: SP Adam Kloffenstein diagnosed with a strained hamstring, will miss 3 months.
St. Louis Cardinals: C Juan Castro diagnosed with a partially torn labrum, will miss 3 months.
Friday, September 28th , 2035
Milwaukee Brewers: Luisangel Acuna has suffered a setback in his recovery. He is not expected to recover for another 7 weeks.
St. Louis Cardinals: CF Emmanuel Rodriguez diagnosed with a twisted ankle, is day-to-day for 2-3 weeks.
Thursday, September 27th , 2035
San Francisco Giants: LF Yeison Morrobel diagnosed with a fractured finger, will miss 3 months.
Wednesday, September 26th , 2035
Minnesota Twins: RP Manlio Zavala diagnosed with a ruptured ulnar collateral ligament, will miss 11-12 months.
Monday, September 24th , 2035
Miami Marlins: 2B Korey Reilly diagnosed with a hamstring strain, will miss 5-6 weeks.
Los Angeles Angels: CF Jim Hooper diagnosed with a fractured thumb, will miss 3-4 weeks.
New York Yankees: SS Alan Ianiro was injured in a collision at a base. The Diagnosis: oblique strain. He's expected to miss about 5 weeks.
Toronto Blue Jays: 2B Bryan Rincon was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: fractured thumb. He's expected to miss about 6-7 weeks.
Sunday, September 23rd , 2035
Chicago White Sox: RP Luis Patiño diagnosed with a torn flexor tendon in his elbow, will miss 9-10 months.
Saturday, September 22nd , 2035
Philadelphia Phillies: RF Jordan Walker diagnosed with a knee sprain, will miss 7 weeks.
Cincinnati Reds: SP Kyle Hurt diagnosed with bone chips in his elbow, will miss 3 months.
Friday, September 21st , 2035
Kansas City Royals: CF Drew Burress diagnosed with a strained groin muscle, will miss 4-5 weeks.
Cleveland Guardians: LF Jaison Chourio diagnosed with a ruptured finger tendon, will miss 4 months.
Tuesday, September 18th , 2035
New York Mets: LF Ronald Acuna Jr. diagnosed with a fractured cheekbone, will miss 4-5 weeks.
Toronto Blue Jays: Steve Young has suffered a setback in his recovery. He is not expected to recover for another 9 months.
Sunday, September 16th , 2035
Baltimore Orioles: Sam McCluskey has suffered a setback in his recovery. He is not expected to recover for another 2-3 months.
Tuesday, September 11th , 2035
Washington Nationals: Juan Rivera has suffered a setback in his recovery. He is not expected to recover for another 5 months.
Miami Marlins: SP Jairo Iriarte was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: elbow inflammation. He's expected to miss about 2-3 months.
Saturday, September 8th , 2035
Pittsburgh Pirates: LF Ricky Uhrich diagnosed with a torn labrum, will miss 5-6 months.
Friday, September 7th , 2035
Minnesota Twins: RP Jared Hodskins diagnosed with shoulder inflammation, will miss 3-4 months.
Thursday, September 6th , 2035
Atlanta Braves: RP David Ramos diagnosed with a strained hamstring, will miss 3 months.
Wednesday, September 5th , 2035
San Antonio Avalanche: Jonathan Mastin has suffered a setback in his recovery. He is not expected to recover for another 8 weeks.  

[benp28]

MLB Standings



The Royals win their final game of the season but finish second in the Wild Card standings on tiebreaker after the Orioles win five in a row to end the season. This is significant as it means the Royals will travel to Baltimore for the Wild Card series, having lost the regular season match up 4-2.

In the National League, the Padres clinch the top Wild Card position for home advantage in the Wild Card series.



The Royals underperform their Pythagorean record by 3 games, enough to have given them home advantage in the Wild Card but not enough to overtake the White Sox.



Around the League

Injuries

Tuesday, October 2nd , 2035
Chicago Cubs: LF Mitch Jackson diagnosed with a strained rib cage muscle, is day-to-day for 4 weeks.
Monday, October 1st , 2035
Arizona Diamondbacks: RP Juan Medina diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff, will miss 6 months.
San Francisco Giants: SP Juan Pardo was injured after being bit by a rabid dog. The Diagnosis: undisclosed injury. He's expected to miss about 2 weeks.

[benp28]

The Royals will take on the AL East runners up, the Baltimore Orioles. This will be the fourth post season match up of the teams, and the first since the 2031 ALCS, which the Royals won 4-1. The last time the teams met in the Wild Card Series, however, it was the Orioles who emerged, sweeping the Royals in 2029. It was the Orioles who were victorious in the regular season, winning four of six which ultimately gave them home advantage in this series.

It is a pitching led team in 2035, with the 4th best starting rotation by ERA in the AL, and a strong (3rd in ZR) defense. The batting is anchored around 2035 Batting Champ 3B Juan Ramos, with his .318 average in 2035, and their power comes from LF Sam Blade, who hit 32 HRs over the season with 115 RBIs.

Game 1 in Baltimore: Daniel Nava vs. Josh Caylor (2031 3rd Round)
• Kansas City WINS 13-6
• Nava: 3.2 IP, 3 H, 6 R
• Caylor: 5.1 IP, 8 H, 6 R
• Eddie Baquerizo (W): 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R
• Leighton Finlay (L)(BS): 1.1 IP, 3 H, 4 R
• William Schmidt (SV): 3.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R
• Tim Storer (POTG): 3-3, HR, 2 BB, 3 RBI
• 1-0 Kansas City

Game 2 in Baltimore: Mike Hoffer vs Ted Sheek (2034 Trade MIA)
• Baltimore WINS 6-5
• Sheek: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 5 R
• Hoffer: 4.1 IP, 5 H, 1 R
• Zyaire Litsey (W): 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R
• Chris Wagner (BS): 2.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R
• Cade Townsend (L): 1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R
• Mike Lyas (POTG): 2-5, 3R HR (9th)
• Samuel Basallo: 2-6, WO HR (12th)
• 1-1 Series Tied

Game 3 in Baltimore: Curt Bogans vs. Caylor
• Kansas City WINS 4-3
• Bogans: 4.1 IP, 3 H,3 R
• Caylor: 2.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R
• Townsend (W): 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R
• Wagner (SV): 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R
• Litzsey (L)(BS): 2.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R
• Edgar Rivera (POTG): 2R HR (8th)
• 2-1 Kansas City WINS

MVP: Billy Mumaugh .385, 4 RBI, 3 R