So if you’re here, you’re probably aware that Bobby Witt Jr. exited today’s game in the fifth inning after being hit in the wrist by a pitch. No news as of right now how bad the injury is, but if he’s forced to miss significant time that would a devastating blow for what is already a shallow lineup. That shallow lineup did put up four runs in the ninth inning to rally and beat the Mariners though, so maybe they can stay afloat for a bit. What else happened?
Jac Caglianone did it again. Well, by it, I mean hit a ball really really hard. In the ninth inning, he scorched a ball 111.5 mph, the hardest-hit ball in the game, for a double. This was against Seth Martinez, who has placed a role in a major league bullpen in each of the last three seasons, so it wasn’t against some minor league rando either. It did come off an absolute pie of a changeup, however.
In more encouraging prospect moments, Gavin Cross followed Cags and crushed an elevated fastball, nearly homering but settling for a triple. That was his second hit of the day after a hard-hit single in the sixth.
Tyler Tolbert could be the next man up at short if Witt misses significant time. He got in on the fun in that ninth inning as well, going yard to center on a low-and-in sinker.
Nelson Velázquez also left early due to an injury, which he sustained while attempting to field a flyball in the fifth.
Ross Stripling got bombed once again, loading the bases before surrendering a grand slam in the second inning. He hasn’t been sharp this spring and might not be long for this roster.
The relievers that followed mostly pitched well. Jonathan Bowlan was the standout, striking out 3 batters across 1.2 innings with a game-leading six whiffs. Half of those came on his four-seamer, which averaged 95.6.
The Royals will be back in action tomorrow afternoon in Surprise.
