The Royals learned something about themselves on their homestand
, writes Anne Rogers.“It was great to have Bobby back, first and foremost, and to be healthy,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “I was really happy to be able to put him in there today. Jac, obviously, had a huge day [Saturday], and we saw a lot of mature at-bats from him throughout the homestand.”
There’s no doubt that the Royals have a lot of work to do this offseason to remake their pitching staff, add to the offense and get back to competing
in ‘27, which they’ve stated is their goal. The reason why just played out in front of us this week: Witt is a star, Caglianone is emerging as one, and those two anchor a core the Royals believe they can win with right now.
Jaylon Thompson writes about the Sunday start from Randy Dobnak.
“I thought from a pitching standpoint, it was one of my better outings,” Dobnak said. “Some bad luck on some of those weak hits. I was able to get ahead of a lot of the guys. I gave up probably too many two-strike hits than I would like to. But overall, I thought it was decent outing, results aside.”
Jac Caglianone became the first player in club history to hit two homers and two doubles in a game on Saturday.
“Really impressive, literally from left field to right field,” manager Matt Quatraro said, noting Caglianone’s four hits were sprayed to all parts of the field. “Hard-hit, different pitch types. Obviously, we know he’s got huge power, and we saw that throughout the night. He just seemed really calm at the plate throughout the night, and that was a really good sign.”
Jaylon has more on what Jac did to prepare.
“I think me and (Royals hitting coach) Marcus (Thames) had a good talk the last couple of days,” Caglianone said. “Just working with him to find the move and really shrinking the zone. And like tonight was a good night of that.”
Caglianone became the seventh Royals player to record four extra-base hits in a game. He is also the first primary Royals outfielder since Alex Gordon (2013) to post 20 homers in a season.
Things are really clicking for Noah Cameron.
“I was pitching myself out of my role, pitching myself out of the big leagues at that point,” Cameron said. “I was pitching myself into getting optioned. Obviously, we had a lot of injuries and stuff that helped me stay up here, which sucks because I’d rather be pitching well and everyone be healthy. But then they opened for me, and they presented it just like we were changing it up. I understood, but I had a little chip on my shoulder.
“I take everything seriously, but I needed to turn things around and throw better. That doesn’t mean I need to go 23 innings with one run, although that is nice for sure, but I just need to have quality outings to help the team and show them I can pitch here.”
Vahe Greogrian recounts a steal of home by George Brett.
Royals shortstop Andrew Velazquez elects free agency after being designated for assignment.
A’s shortstop Jacob Wilson sets a record with his errorless streak.
Chris Sale blows up after a balk call and is ejected.
Jacob Misiorowski reaches the 200 strikeout mark faster than anyone except but one pitcher.
Max Scherzer passes Walter Johnson and is now tenth all-time in strikeouts.
A look at each team’s biggest free agent this winter.
Which hitters have the most checked swings?
The Padres sign veteran outfielder Austin Hays.
The Diamondbacks sign pitcher Zack Littell.
Shohei Ohtani begins throwing with the hope he can pitch before the season is over.
The White Sox retire Ozzie Guillen’s number.
The Giants hold a tribute for longtime broadcaster Mike Krukow, who is retiring.
Former MLB player Doug Glanville writes about what the trade deadline is like for players.
Hall of Fame basketball coach Don Nelson dies at age 86.
It looks like the Chiefs whiffed on their 2025 free agent class.
Duane Davis goes to trial for the 1996 killing of Tupac Shakur.
Taylor Farms recalls salsa and guacamole over a salmonella risk.
The oral history of Will Ferrell’s sports comedies.
Your song of the day is Broken Bells, Danger Mouse, James Mercer with The High Road.
