Royals Rumblings - News for July 19, 2024

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Pete Grathoff writes the Royals are looking forward to the second half.

I think we’re in striking distance of where we want to be,” said first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino. “We’re obviously happy that we’re in the race, but we’re not satisfied at this point of the year. Yes, on one hand, we’re happy that we’re in it, but on the other side, we want more. ...

“It’s a nice little homestand. I think it’s our last three-team homestand. So hopefully it’ll be good, especially since we’ve played so good at home this year. Hopefully, we can continue that in the second half of the season. Start the second half strong and see where we’re at.”

Anne Rogers also previews keys to the second half for the Royals.

But how about Bubic? The lefty is coming off of Tommy John surgery last year, and his ticket back to the Majors was in the bullpen. He’s pitched four innings without allowing a run. While certainly a small sample size, the potential of what Bubic could bring to the bullpen could be big. He’s a reliable arm who can throw multiple innings, can run it up to 95 mph at the top of the zone and offers a tinkered arsenal that induces plenty of swing-and-miss. Bubic could also be a rotation candidate if the Royals need a spot start or two.

The Royals recalled Drew Waters to replace MJ Melendez.

David Lesky looks at how Hunter Renfroe turned his season around.

He’s also taken a huge step forward against fastballs. He hit .143 against four-seam fastballs in the first month and a half and .235 against sinkers without an extra base hit. Since, he’s hit .364 against four-seamers with an .818 SLG and .429 against sinkers with a .524 SLG. Now, it’s not all perfect. Sliders were the one thing he was succeeding against early, but he has hit .174 on them since he started hitting again. And I wondered if he was cheating to get to the fastball. There are some signs that maybe he is.

Zac Miller at Farm to Fountains writes about some bounce-back candidates in Omaha.

Austin Cox re-signed with the Royals on a minor league deal.

The Royals release pitcher Nick Anderson.

Kevin O’Brien at Royals Reporter hands out his mid-season honors.

The Star has one fun fact about each Royals draft pick.

The Mets sign catcher Logan Porter to a MLB deal.

J.J. Picollo joins Eric Hosmer’s Diggin’ Deep podcast.

The Dodgers and Cubs will open the 2025 season in Tokyo.

All-Star Game TV ratings go up from last year, but is still the second least-watched ever.

The Orioles have had talks with the A’s about Mason Miller.

Oakland is calling up top prospect Jacob Wilson.

The Reds give #2 pick Chase Burns a $9.25 million bonus, the largest ever.

The St. Petersburg City Council approves a new stadium plan for the Rays.

Phillies All-Star Matt Strahm has succeeded by working ahead in the count.

Terrell Owens claims he was disrespected when Tom Brady didn’t return his call to help the Buccaneers out at age 48.

Patrick Vieira is reportedly negotiating a deal to become the head coach for the USMNT.

Netflix adds 8 million customers, securing their place at the top of the streamers.

How dangerous are energy drinks?

Comedy legend Bob Newhart dies at the age of 94.

Your song of the day is The Sundays with Summertime.