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The hopes of the 2019 Royals were dim from the start. Despite playing in the worst division in baseball, Kansas City was coming off of a 104 loss season and looked far from contention. But the combination of Spring Training optimism and playing in the atrocious American League Central made the postseason a destination that could be reached if everything bounced the right way and if you squinted hard enough.
That optimism came and went with the news that Salvador Perez had suffered a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament that would require season-ending elbow surgery.
According to Dayton Moore, Cam Gallagher and Meibrys Viloria will split the catching duties in 2019 but bringing in a free agent like Martin Maldonado isn’t completely out of the question.
Meanwhile, the Spring Training Royals will take take the field today against the split squad Los Angeles Angels. The Royals got the Trout-less draw for today and they will also miss out on 39-year-old first baseman Albert Pujols bat lead-off.
Albert Pujols will hit leadoff against the Dodgers. Not a typo. #LAASpring
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) March 7, 2019
⏰: 12:10pm PT
: @FoxSportsWest
: @AngelsRadioKLAA
Game Preview » https://t.co/UowS2TSkup pic.twitter.com/NyTLyJIY15
Here are your lineups for this afternoon’s game, featuring potential Opening Day starter Brad Keller.
#LAASpring split squad action today! Jaime Barria gets the nod as the Angels take on the Royals. First pitch in Surprise at 12:05pm PT.
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) March 7, 2019
Game Preview » https://t.co/iC1AL7M9o1 pic.twitter.com/mFGeU8rYKL
Back home for a visit from the Angels. #RoyalsST pic.twitter.com/LGdpyGvYdo
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) March 7, 2019