Weekend Rumblings - News for May 24, 2025

Nick Loftin gets his opportunity.

The Royals parted ways with Hunter Renfroe on Friday, writes Anne Rogers

“We have a ton of respect for Hunter and what he’s done in this game,” general manager J.J. Picollo said. “He was a key part of our team last year and part of that free-agent class that really changed the culture and allowed us to get on some winning ways. That part of it’s hard. We know he’s given it great effort. We were trying to be patient.

“But I think this is as much about Nick Loftin doing what he did in Triple-A that gave us reason to believe that we have a replacement [who] would maybe be an upgrade for our team.”

Jaylon Thompson writes that Loftin wants to take advantage.

“I’m prepared as I can be,” Loftin said. “You know, that’s what I said before and that’s my role on this team. My role in this organization is to be a utility guy that plays all over the place.”

Noah Cameron continues to impress.

The numbers Friday night were staggering. Cameron allowed four hits and finished with eight strikeouts while sporting a 0.93 ERA. He walked one batter and showed moxie to overcome an early gut punch.

“Just confidence,” Cameron said of his mindset. “I know I’m confident and I trust what I’ve worked for my whole life. I trust the process and I trust the coaches. I trust the work throughout the week and just being prepared and knowing I’m prepared takes a lot of stress off of it.”

The Renfroe decision had nothing to do with Jac Caglianone, asserts Picollo.

Caglianone just reached Triple-A Omaha. While immensely talented, Caglianone faces a learning curve at the upper levels of the minors. Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said the decision to DFA Renfroe was independent of any decisions regarding Caglianone.

“The Jac Caglianone situation and this is totally different,” Picollo said. “Jac will come to the major leagues whenever he is ready to contribute to the major leagues.”

But Caglianone did hit his second Triple-A home run last night.

Some old friends delighted fans at the Savannah Bananas game at Kauffman Stadium last night.

The Royals acquired infielder Diego Castillo from the Mets.

Ronald Acuña Jr. homers on the first pitch in his return from injury.

The Red Sox score 13 runs in the eighth off the Orioles.

The Dodgers limp to a 13-inning win over the Mets with a depleted pitching staff.

The Athletics option outfielder JJ Bleday to the minors.

The White Sox option first baseman Andrew Vaughn to the minors.

The Braves designate former All-Star shortstop Orlando Arcia for assignment.

Guardians pitcher Ben Lively will have Tommy John surgery.

Former Royals reliever Jake Diekman officially retires.

Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes isn’t bothered by trade rumors.

Are there red flags behind Juan Soto’s season with the Mets?

Rockies security doesn’t recognize a Phillies player to allow him on the field.

Oscar Mayer wienermobiles race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Is no-helmet, no-pads tackle football the future?

Coffee myths debunked by science.

The U.S. Treasury is moving forward with plans to end the penny.

Amazon cancels the Wheel of Time series.

Your song of the day is Molly Hatchet with Dreams I’ll Never See.