Royals Rumblings - News for April 18, 2019

Royals Rumblings - News for April 18, 2019

Ned Yost was pleased with how his relievers fared on Wednesday.

“Great job by the bullpen,” Yost said. “They came in some tough situations and really came through. I think we had to try to do anything we could to win the ballgame and extend guys out. That’s the first time Wily has gone two innings this year. First save for Barlow. Just a great job.”

As for the bench-clearing incident after Brad Keller plunked Tim Anderson, the Royals came to Keller’s defense.

“Keller did the right thing,” Dozier said. “He aimed for the lower body. Hit him. It should just be like OK go to first and move on. It shouldn’t have been as big of a situation as it was in my opinion, but I could be wrong. I don’t know.”

It’s worth noting that the company line uttered by Royals manager Ned Yost, Maldonado and Keller was that the pitch that hit Anderson “got away” from Keller as he tried to pitch inside.

Yost’s response to a question about Keller’s actions was, “What, that a pitch got away from him?”

What got Ned so upset at White Sox manager Rick Renteria?

Rustin Dodd writes about how long Chris Owings will continue to play.

Yet Yost has also hinted that right fielder/DH Jorge Soler could be in line for more starts in the outfield to continue his development, and Whit Merrifield has returned to more consistent playing time at second after a minor groin injury. That alignment could mean fewer opportunities for Owings, who has spent the past week working through his swing mechanics with hitting coach Terry Bradshaw and quality-control coach Pedro Grifol.

“It’s more so been a little bit of pitch selection,” Owings said. “I think just kind of the way I’m set up in my pre-stance, even before I’m getting into my load. (It’s) maybe causing some bad habits of why I’m chasing some pitches. We’ve kind of worked a lot on posture and where I’m standing in the box.”

Patrick Brennan at Beyond the Boxscore writes about the rejuvenated Alex Gordon.

Most of his improvements lie in his change in approach. Among 89 qualified hitters from the last two seasons, Gordon has the 20th biggest decrease in out-of-zone swing percentage, second biggest increase in in-zone swing percentage, 15th biggest increase in out-of-zone contact percentage, the 11th biggest increase in in-zone contact percentage, and the fifth biggest decrease in first-pitch strike percentage. It seems like every one of his plate peripherals is heading in the one direction. Adding it all up, it makes sense as to why he’s seen such an improvement in his strikeout and walk numbers (third biggest increase in BB/K).

Joey Votto pops out to first for the first time in his career.

Matt Moore and Arodys Vizcaino are out for the season.

The Giants are considering moving in the fences.

David Price knocks MLB for not having a full slate of games on Jackie Robinson Day.

For many Latino players, Roberto Clemente’s uniform number is off-limits out of respect.

Is it time for the Padres to bench Eric Hosmer?

The Astros are soaring with their ultramodern pitching staff.

A day in the life of a big league manager.

What does it mean to “strike out the side”?

Umpires missed about one ball/strike call per inning last year, according to a new study.

Here is the official 2019 schedule for the Chiefs.

With Manchester City out, who is the favorite for the Champions League?

Scientists revive brain cells in dead pigs.

Instagram memers are unionizing.

Get ready for Minecraft, the movie.

Your song of the day is REM with Pretty Persuasion