Royals Rumblings - News for September 2, 2024

Happy Labor Day!

The Royals were frustrated after a sweep in Houston, writes Jaylon Thompson.

“The whole series was frustrating,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “We didn’t come out of here with any wins. That’s what we play for, is to win every day. So, it stinks.”

Cole Ragans tied a club record with eight consecutive strikeouts, but still got the loss Saturday, writes Anne Rogers.

“I don’t play for records, I play to win,” Ragans said. “Records are cool, but all I want to do is win, in whichever way that comes. Obviously, I didn’t get that done tonight, and I feel like I let the guys down.”

So, what changed? According to Ragans, not much.

“I felt like I still filled [the strike zone] up,” Ragans said. “They just put some good swings on pitches.”

Seth Lugo also got a loss despite an exceptional start.

It was his 19th quality start of the season, which is tied for third most in baseball, and the right-hander now leads the Major Leagues with 179 innings pitched.

“He was exceptional,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “Spun the ball really well, located. He got his sinker in, [threw] good changeups. He had it all working. Seven innings of one-run baseball against that team is a phenomenal effort.”

Matt Quatraro has worked with new Royals outfielder Tommy Pham before.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro raved about his ability to win. Quatraro coached Pham in the Tampa Bay Rays organization.

“Tommy’s very opinionated and he is very strong-willed,” Quatraro said. “That’s part of what makes him a good player. He believes in himself and he has conviction.”

J.J. Picollo discussed the waiver claims.

“It’s a deeper team now, so we’re going to have more options to match up against our opponents,” Picollo said. “With Robbie, especially if you’re facing left-handed pitching, I would imagine he’ll get an opportunity to play a lot.

“The more options we have, with the way [Quatraro] likes to use the bench and mix the lineups, and the more versatility you have … the better off you are.”

Lucas Erceg talks to David Laurila at Fangraphs about his transition to pitching.

The Cardinals win their first game in Yankee Stadium since the 1964 World Series.

The White Sox set a club record with their 107th loss.

The Brewers add former Royals outfielder Brewer Hicklen to the roster.

The Orioles release infielder Jean Segura.

Some of the more intriguing additions as rosters expand in September.

The Yankees won’t call up top prospect Jasson Dominguez.

What next year’s Blue Jays could look like.

Strokes have left former Tigers outfielder Chet Lemon unable to walk or talk, but that won’t stop him from returning to Detroit.

Scottie Scheffler wins the PGA Tour FedEx Cup title and $25 million.

Alabama begins a new era without Nick Saban.

A newly mapped underwater mountain could be home to 20 new species.

Where did 7,000 pancreases go?

What to know about Labor Day and its history.

Your song of the day is Depeche Mode with Precious.