Royals Rumblings – News for July 8, 2024

Anne Rogers talks to Bobby Witt Jr. about his first All-Star nod, which will take place in his home state of Texas.

“I was going home no matter what, but now it just makes it more special,” Witt said. “I don’t really have a lot of words to describe it. It’ll be one of those moments that’s going to last a lifetime.

“You play this game to win a World Series, but the All-Star Game is one of those things, too, that it’s just so special to be a part of it and represent Kansas City and the Royals.”

Jaylon Thompson has more from Cole Ragans, who was traded from Texas, and will now participate in an All-Star game there.

“I have a lot of memories in that park,” he said. “My first opening day, my first big-league start and my first big-league win.

“You know, it’s pretty cool (to have the All-Star Game there), of all places. My first one just happens to be where the first time I stepped on a big-league mound. It’s full circle, I guess, and pretty crazy.”

Brady Singer pitched like an All-Star on Sunday.

“That shows you what our offense can do, and I still think we can do more,” Witt said after hitting his 15th homer of the season, a three-run blast that gave the Royals a double-digit total on the scoreboard. “[Singer] was unbelievable up there, and honestly, I think he should be an All-Star as well.”

The offense finally woke up on the road.

“We know the struggles we’ve had on the road this season as a team,” Melendez said. “We are trying to do a better job of that.”

Superstar Bobby Witt Jr. punctuated the win by blasting his 15th home run of the season, a three-run shot, in the top of the ninth.

“That just shows what our offense can do,” Witt said. “I still think we can even do more. So, it’s a lot of fun.”

Seth Lugo is an All-Star, although his quality start wasn’t enough to win on Saturday.

“Here, your mechanics really need to be crisp,” Lugo said, referencing the altitude in Denver. “If they’re out of whack just a little bit, it’s really hard for pitches to catch, get to the right spot. That’s what I mean by just off a little bit mechanically.”

Still, Lugo gave the Royals another quality start, his 15th of the year.

Kris Bubic returns, and he is embracing his bullpen role.

“At the end of the day, I just want to pitch,” Bubic said. “And talking with the coaching staff and front office, the starters have been really, really good this year. There’s no reason for me to come in and — I don’t want to say mess up that rhythm — but all those guys have earned those innings and those spots. For me to come in and provide multiple innings, whatever it is, that’s fine with me.”

Kevin O’Brien at Royals Reporter writes that John Schreiber is just going through a rough patch right now.

There are 32 first-time All-Stars this year.

Paul Skenes was named an All-Star less than a year after being the #1 overall pick.

Which pitchers should start the All-Star Game?

Who was snubbed from the All-Star team?

Pete Alonso will participate in this year’s Home Run Derby.

Randy Arozarena has his on-base streak ended in part due to fan interference.

Twins infielder Jose Miranda finally snaps his streak at 12 consecutive plate appearances with a hit.

Cubs reliever Colten Brewer breaks his hand punching a wall in frustration.

Mark Feinsand looks at the starting pitching trade market.

The Phillies are interested in Brent Rooker.

Emma Navarro stuns Coco Gauff at Wimbledon to reach the quarters.

England reaches the semis for the second consecutive European Championship.

Romance fantasy novels have become big business.

All the new video game launches expected in 2025.

Can Hollywood sequel its way to box office success?

Your song of the day is Kendrick Lamar with All the Stars.