Royals Rumblings - News for June 28, 2021

Royals Rumblings - News for June 28, 2021

Mike Matheny thinks hitters may be pressing a bit, writes Lynn Worthy.

Asked about the recent offensive struggles potentially leading to hitters trying to take too much on themselves individually, Royals manager Mike Matheny responded, “Human nature. It’s always going to be there, but I think it compounds over time when certain guys take a lot of pride in being the guy to get something done, get something big done.

“Especially if they know the rest of the offense is still trying to get firing. They feel like they’ve got to do it all. They’re going up there with the right approach, but I think they do just fall victim like everybody else just feeling like they’ve got to carry maybe more weight than what they actually do.”

Whit Merrifield wants the team to be less streaky, writes Anne Rogers.

“Just try to stay even keel through the ups and downs,” Merrifield said. “We seem to get really down when things don’t go well. And really high when things are going well. It’s good when it’s going good, and we can ride that as long as we can, but … it’s hard to be really hard on yourself every day in this game when things aren’t going well.

“We just got to be a little more even keel and things will be a little less streaky.”

Kris Bubic comments on a rough outing on Saturday.

“I just couldn’t get in a rhythm with anything,” Bubic said. “All three pitches were just kind of a grind to get up there today. Just flat-out simple. Last time, I did my job. Today, I didn’t. It’s as simple as that. The few times I got ahead, I couldn’t really put anybody away. Then I fell behind, and you know what happens.”

Mike Matheny explains why the Royals will be taking a “hybrid” approach with Danny Duffy working as a starter and reliever.

“It might not look right, might not be conventional,” Matheny said of the new approach. “But if we believe that there’s some science, some other influences that make it the right move, we’re going to give it a shot.”

Saturday, Matheny emphasized this latest experiment originated from a commitment to keep Duffy healthy. The discomfort Duffy had in his arm before his IL stint coincided with his increased workload as he stretched out with longer outings as a starting pitcher.

“I truly believe that there are times where we have to take extraordinary steps to try and put it all together properly,” Matheny said. “We’re not afraid to open ourselves up to scrutiny if we believe it’s what’s best for the player and if it’s what’s best for our team.”

Keith Law has the Royals taking Vanderbilt pitcher Kumar Rocker in his mock draft.

The market for Rocker is weirdly specific — it’s Texas, Boston, KC and Washington, with the Mets a possibility, too. The Royals have also been heavy on House and are naturally linked to Jobe since he’s sort of local, although they haven’t taken a high school pitcher in the first round since they took Ashe Russell in 2015.

Cam Gallagher is “moving in the right direction” with his shoulder injury.

Salvador Perez is the only Royals player who will move on to the next phase of All-Star voting.

Kevin O’Brien at Royals Reporter wonders if the Royals need to consider Salvy’s long-term health more.

Hayden House at Royals Farm Report looks at draft options for the Royals.

Vahe Gregorian profiles retiring Royals Vice President Mike Swanson and his long winding career.

A controversial foul ball call on a potential Jason Heyward’s home run sets up a walk-off home run by Cody Bellinger.

Indians outfielder Josh Naylor fractures his leg in a nasty outfield collision.

Braves pitcher Mike Soroka re-tears his Achilles heel and is out for the rest of the year.

Mariners reliever Hector Santiago becomes the first pitcher ejected under the new foreign substance crackdown.

Should the Yankees be worried about Gerrit Cole?

A look at who the Pirates are considering with the #1 pick in the draft.

What hard-hit foul balls might tell us.

Federal legislation is introduced to aid minor league clubs.

The Reds are looking to develop pitchers by converting position players.

The partner leagues are having their rosters raided by MLB.

North Carolina State had to forfeit and be eliminated from the College World Series over COVID-19 protocols.

A walk-off single sends Mississippi State to the finals against Vanderbilt.

Two Kansas City gymnasts will serve as alternates on the U.S. Olympic team.

At the disc golf championship, James Conrad sinks an amazing 247-foot shot for birdie to force a playoff.

Google has trouble confusing your identity if you share a name with somebody infamous.

A ranking of the 51 best characters from the Fast and Furious franchise.

Conan O’Brien closes the curtains on his late night talk show.

Your song of the day is Howard Jones with Things Can Only Get Better.