Our fearless leader is on vacation this week, so I will be pinch-hitting a few Rumblings when he’s gone. I’ll try my best to keep the seat warm for him.
The Kansas City Royals officially inducted John Wathan into the Royals Hall of Fame on Sunday, the 32nd inductee to receive that honor. Wathan spent 47 years with the organization across various roles, including player, manager, scouting, and multiple front office roles. Vahe Gregorian of the Kansas City Star relayed an anecdote that Wathan told him
in his article about the inductee:
About the only thing he hadn’t done, someone told him, was sell peanuts or work the grounds crew.
Then they told the 77-year-old, he recalled with a laugh, “There’s still time.”
Congratulations to John Wathan and his family for this honor.
The Royals defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 5-2 on Sunday while receiving a strong start from Luinder Avila. Matt Quatraro talked to Jaylon Thompson of the Kansas City Star about the start and what the manager has seen from Avila this season:
“He’s done it a handful of times, it just hasn’t been every start. He sprays it sometimes. Today, he was much better. He knows he has the stuff to beat guys. It’s a matter of executing. He’s still a rookie in this league. He’s got a lot to learn. Sometimes those growing pains are hard, but you fight through it.”
Cole Ragans underwent successful UCL surgery last week, and is not expected to return until midseason of 2027. Ragans relayed his thoughts to Anne Rogers of MLB.com over the weekend:
“I gave myself a couple of days to be pissed off and all that, but [I] can’t sit here and sulk about it over and over,” Ragans said. “I got it, and it’s done. I look forward to the steps I get to take throughout the rehab to get back out there and play baseball again with these guys.”
Ragans and his wife Tori did welcome a baby girl, Scottie, into the world last week, so congratulations to them!
Jaylon Thompson caught up with former Royals pitcher Jonathan Bowlan this weekend, and the right-hander spoke fondly about his time in Kansas City to the Star reporter:
“The Royals have a special spot in my heart, of course,” Bowlan said. “They gave me an opportunity to live a dream, and I learned all throughout it. And then, just trying to carry that over to here and be the best version (of myself). I’m always going to be grateful to Kansas City and everything they’ve done for me, my family, and for giving me this opportunity.”
Bobby Witt Jr and Michael Wacha were both named to the All-Star team this weekend. This will be Witt’s third trip to the All-Star game, but his first as a starter. Wacha, meanwhile, was last named an All-Star in 2015.
The Chicago White Sox defeated the Cleveland Guardians on Sunday and are back in first place in the AL Central.
The Minnesota Twins won their first series on the road against the New York Yankees in 12 years, but Byron Buxton did leave the game early.
Miami Marlins starer Eury Perez pitched seven perfect innings, but was pulled out of the game by manager Clayton McCullough. The Marlins nearly blew an eight-run lead, but held on to defeat the Athletics 9-8.
USMNT striker Folarian Balogun will be able to play in Monday’s game against Belgium after FIFA suspended the red card. President Donald Trump did lobby on Balogun’s behalf to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, and celebrated the reversal on social media after it was announced.
In other World Cup news, England held on to defeat Mexico in Mexico City 3-2 in a game where they played most of the second half with 10 men. Norway, powered by striker Erling Haaland, defeated Brazil 2-0. Both games were great to watch and have me excited to watch the remainder of the World Cup.
Americans of all ages are spending less time hanging out with other people than they were 20 years ago.
“Dirty Jobs ” host Mike Rowe is suing Discovery for $2 million over allegedly unpaid narrator fees.
Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid has some marriage advice for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.
Song of the Day is Driver by Pendulum. Have a great Monday everyone!
