Royals Pitchers Tuning Up for the Season
Spring training is in full swing, and the Royals' bullpen is buzzing with pitchers honing their craft. Among them, Schreiber is working diligently on his kick-changeup, a pitch he introduced last season.
With a 3.80 ERA, Schreiber is poised to be a key reliever in high-leverage situations, but improving his performance against left-handed hitters is crucial. Last year, lefties posted a .754 OPS against him, a stat he’s keen to improve.
Armed with a four-seam, sinker, sweeper, and cutter, Schreiber is focused on mastering east-to-west movement.
Meanwhile, Stephen Kolek experienced some tightness in his side, leading to a cautious scratch from his scheduled outing. Royals manager Matt Quatraro emphasized the importance of precaution, stating they’re waiting on further evaluation to determine the next steps.
Noah Cameron, preparing for his sophomore season, has been self-scouting to refine his approach. He found that success in the majors is less about personal stats and more about helping the team by pitching deep into games and minimizing runs. His focus on efficiency in the strike zone could be pivotal for his development this season.
Royals Broadcasting and Player Developments
In an exciting twist, Royals broadcasts may feature drones this year, offering fans a fresh perspective on the action. Meanwhile, Bailey Falter is eyeing an increase in velocity, aiming to touch 96 mph. Although he’s only hit 95 mph twice in his career, Falter is exploring cutting-edge pitching labs and training facilities to gain that extra edge, knowing it could secure his spot in the rotation.
Seth Lugo’s first spring start was a mixed bag. Last year, Lugo struggled with command, often missing the zone or leaving pitches over the plate.
As he prepares for the World Baseball Classic, Royals fans will be watching his next outing closely, hoping for improved command and slider effectiveness. Despite his hefty contract, if Lugo can deliver league-average performance over 175 innings, it would be a worthwhile investment.
Royals’ Top Prospects and Player Rankings
Bobby Witt Jr. continues to impress, ranked as the top shortstop in the game by Buster Olney. Witt’s relentless drive to improve makes him a cornerstone for the Royals, with his base-running skills being a particular area of focus.
Carter Jensen also garners attention, topping rookie lists with his impressive on-base ability and power. As a strong defensive catcher, Jensen is poised to take on a primary role, potentially pushing veteran Perez into a backup or designated hitter spot. If the Royals go this route, Jensen could be a strong Rookie of the Year contender.
Around the League
Elsewhere in the league, the Yankees are considering adding a platoon bat, while the Padres have temporarily shut down pitcher Matt Waldron following a medical procedure. The Diamondbacks’ Merrill Kelly is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day, and the Angels’ owner made headlines with comments on fan priorities.
In a lighter moment, Harrison Bader hit a home run that dented a food truck, and then signed the truck, adding a unique memento to spring training lore.
As the season approaches, these stories highlight the dynamic preparations and intriguing narratives unfolding across the league. Stay tuned as teams and players gear up for an exciting year of baseball.