The 2020 season is now a 60-game race, starting on July 23 and hopefully ending with a full-size postseason in October. From now until the start of the season, we’ll give a quick preview of each team, reminding you of where things were in spring training and where they are now as we embark on what is sure to be baseball’s weirdest season. history. Following: Kansas City Royals Schedule and Schedule:
REAL LIST (projected)
When the season opens July 23-24, teams can have rosters of up to 30 players, with a minimum of 25. Two weeks later, rosters should drop to 28 and then, two weeks later, they should drop to 26A Teams will be allowed to add a 27th player for doubleheads.
In light of that, there is a high degree of latitude by which specific players will break summer camp. For now, though, here are those who hope to be on the Royals’ roster to start the season, more or less:
Collectors
Salvador Perez
Meibrys Viloria
Infielders:
Ryan O’Hearn
Ryan McBroom
Nickey Lopez
Adalberto Mondesi
Maikel Franco
Erick Mejia
Gardeners
Whit Merrifield
Hunter Dozier
Alex Gordon
Jorge Soler
Bubba Starling
Brett Phillips
Nick heath
Franchy Cordero
Starters
Danny Duffy
Jakob Junis
Mike Montgomery
Brad Keller
Brady singer
Relievers
Ian Kennedy
Scott Barlow
Greg Holland
Josh Staumont
Glenn Sparkman
Trevor Rosenthal
Randy Rosario
Jorge López
Jesse Hahn
Stephen Woods Jr.
DECOMPOSING:
The Royals roster is more difficult to project than many teams for a couple of reasons. Mainly because they have had at least six players test positive for COVID-19 since the resumption of spring training, requiring a constant change in the depth chart. Some have returned and are climbing again. Others are out. It is a fairly fluid situation. Another reason for the roster flow: There are a number of young players, some of whom are Rule 5 picks from other teams or who are out of the minor league options. The Royals do not appear to be competitive in 2020 and are likely viewing the season as a means to audition future talent. That would mean not giving up on the guys unless and until they have had a chance to prove themselves. That would also eventually mean a lot of decks, particularly in the bullpen.
As for the unchanging part of the roster, Maikel Franco is new to the fold and the venerable Alex Gordon is back for one more lap. Between them, the All-Star Whit Merrifield and last year’s escape from Hunter Dozier, there is something approaching a decent offensive core, even if it is not strong enough to compete with Minnesota or Cleveland and even if it is not crowded. of high-ceiling types like the White Sox have. Salvador Pérez, who missed 2019 with Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, will return as the main receiver. Whether he still has any production left is an open question, but between him and Gordon there is at least some veteran leadership.
As for the rotation, Keller, Duffy and Montgomery were all average or better last year. Again, respectable. Potentially solid. Unspectacular Prospect Brady Singer still needs some spice, but he could very well join the rotation over the course of the year. In the corral, Kennedy enjoyed a successful transition to the nearest role, albeit new manager Mike Matheny, who claims to be a totally different guy than he was in St. Louis and who is now allegedly subscribing to advanced analysis and everything that entails, you can shake everything up with the relief body. Pairings, openers, whatever. I think Matheny has changed when I see him in action, but there is at least some reason to believe that, in addition to many arms pedaling through the pitching staff this year, usage will also be unpredictable.
Rebuilding the Royals has not been bold, but it appears they have had a plan. Most of the boys who will be part of the Royals’ next winning team are still in the minors, particularly some pitchers who are a year away, but unlike many newly rebuilt clubs, the Royals still manage to put a Important league quality club on the field. That’s nothing.
REAL HOURS:
Each team will play 60 games. The teams will play 40 games against their own division rivals and 20 interleague games against the corresponding geographic division of the other league. Six of the 20 interleague games will be “rivalry” games.
The Royals stands will be from July 31 to August 2 (White Sox), from August 5 to 9 (Cubs, Twins), from August 18 to 23 (Reds, Twins), from August 31 to 6 September (Indians, White Sox), from 11 to September 13 (Pirates), September 21-27 (Cardinals, Tigers).
The entire list and schedule of the Royals can be viewed here.
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