Royals Rumblings - News for August 19, 2020

From Jeffrey Flanagan at the Royals mothership, here’s more from Matt Harvey on being brought up to the Royals big league roster:

Even Harvey isn’t completely sure what type of pitcher he is now. He is eager to find out.

“Too many times I’ve gone back and watched 2013 highlights,” he said, “and seeing the things I did then and throwing like I did then. I don’t know if it will ever come back. I feel like it will. But I think learning that whatever you have that day on the mound, whatever you have working — maybe I don’t have a 97-98 fastball that day — but just go out and fight for every pitch and each out.”

Mike Gillespie at Kings of Kauffman is not surprised about how the Royals lost at Minnesota:

No, Monday night’s game at Target Field, the final contest in a four-game wraparound series and, mercifully, the last time the KC Royals have to visit Target this season, was representative of the way the club loses too many of its games. A maddening inability to score runs offset some serviceable pitching.

The Royals’ lack of a consistently competent offense now inherently and unavoidably belabors analysis of their games. The one run they scored in losing 4-1 Monday brought their 23-game season total to 93, a 4.04 average that ranks 12th in the American League and 20th in the majors. They averaged 2.25 in going 1-3 in this series.

Ian Kennedy has launched a charitable effort:

Cleveland manager Terry Francona will miss a few games following some kind of gastrointestinal surgery.

MLB is contemplating a “bubble” for the playoffs.

A roundup of MLB players defending Fernando Tatis, Jr. for hitting a grand slam on a 3-0 pitch when the Padres were up by 7. MLB handed out suspensions to the Rangers for plunking the next batter.

Should the Dodgers make Tony Gonsolin a starter?

Brothers Kyle and Corey Seager had never played against each other before, and both hit dingers in their first such matchup.

Braves outfielder Nick Markakis is on the COVID-19 injured list, despite not (yet?) testing positive. The Braves called up outfield prospect Christian Pache.

The Marlins made a flurry of roster moves, including promoting former Royals outfielder Brett Eibner, now a pitcher. Years ago, I asked Eibner about pitching, and his answer is jarring in light of the fact that he has indeed switched back to that:

A forthcoming update to Untitled Goose Game will allow for two players.

So we’re about at the point where we can go to movie theaters. But should we? (No, please do not.)

A review of French’s Mustard Beer.

True crime read of the day: this person hunts medical serial killers, and did an AMA (“Ask Me Anything”) on Reddit. If that’s interesting to you, I highly recommend the book ‘The Good Nurse,’ or even just the Wikipedia page of its subject, Charlie Cullen.

Do you know about Nandi Bushell, the young drummer prodigy? Prepare to be DELIGHTED by her drumming to ‘Everlong.’

MUSIC: The Highwomen - If She Ever Leaves Me