With the addition this spring of Jackie Bradley, Jr. (Prince George class of 2008, South Carolina), the Royals went into spring with 4 Richmond-area players on their roster. Can you imagine if there were a game where 4 of the 10 guys in the lineup were from RVA?
Unfortunately, Daniel Lynch suffered an arm injury that has been reported as something he shouldn't be out with for too long. So, we're still awaiting his first start of 2023. Fingers crossed.
After a bit of a slow start, Vinnie Pasquantino is now up to .293, which I think leads the team. His K rate is a bit higher than usual but not bad. He still has as many walks as K's (8). Highlights include a 3-3 outing against Jacob DeGrom earlier this week (2 doubles included) and 2 HR's, including a shot at SF that just missed bouncing into the bay.
Nate Eaton seems to have fallen into a utility and pinch runner role. He's off to a slow start offensively. Those who remember him also as a strong pitcher should have enjoyed his stint as the position player, mop-up reliever Monday, when he gave up 2 hits but no runs in 1 inning, striking out 1 and pumping mid-90's. Which is amazing for a guy who hasn't pitched in years.
I'm a little worried for JBJ. He's off to a very slow start as a reserve/defensive OF. KC picked him up off waivers from Boston, which means KC has almost no money tied up on him itself. On the one hand, that makes him a bargain for KC. On the other hand, it's not a lot of sunk cost if they were to release him. He actually swung the bat very well in spring training, so maybe if they can get him a few steady AB's things will look up.