Salvy has your back.
Jaylon Thompson writes about Monday’s kerfuffle with the Diamondbacks.
“It’s unfortunate and I definitely don’t think there is any ill will right there at all,” outfielder Hunter Renfroe said.
“Bobby is close to the plate and the guy throws sinkers. “I don’t think there is any ill will by any team right there, especially against Bobby. He is one of our superstars in the game and we don’t want to see him get hurt or anything like that.”
Salvador Perez was ready to defend his teammate.
And when Witt promptly got plunked on the upper left arm by a 91.7 mph sinker on the first pitch from D-backs reliever Humberto Castellanos, Perez did not take to it kindly.
“I don’t like the way it looks, honest to you guys,” Perez said. “Three-for-three, trying to get a hit for the cycle. …
“I’m going to have Junior’s back.”
Craig Brown didn’t think it was intentional, but he still held Castellanos responsible.
Straight-up bush league action from reliever Humberto Castellanos. Here’s the deal: I don’t think he was doing that on purpose. I think he was trying to come inside and the sinker just ran away from him. I’m basing opinion off of his reaction. Still, in that situation, in that moment, you cannot allow that to happen. No, don’t serve him another center-cut pitch. You have to stay aggressive or Witt’s going to destroy you. But you absolutely cannot let that pitch get away. First pitch to the opponent’s best hitter who happens to be scorching hot at the plate who is just a single away from the cycle?
David Lesky was all about superlatives for Bobby Witt Jr.
What’s truly crazy, though, is that this isn’t just a post-break surge. He was doing a lot of this before the break. Okay, maybe not at this level, but after a hitless weekend in Arlington, he is now hitting .452/.489/.821 in his last 22 games. That’s 94 plate appearances with 38 hits that include seven doubles, three triples and six home runs. He’s played 15 games in July and has hits in 14 of them, multiple hits in 10 of them and three hits in six of them. He’s hitting .508/.523/.932 with a 296 wRC+. That’s the best average, the best OBP, the best SLG and the best wRC+ in baseball. Any word I use to describe it isn’t enough.
At ESPN Insider, Jeff Passan writes about what he’s hearing on trades with each team.
After jumping the market to land Hunter Harvey and slot him and his filthy splitter into a bullpen leverage spot, the Royals remain interested in adding another late-inning reliever and a bat. They would prefer to grab an outfielder — the market is pushing them in that direction, too — but they’re not inclined to be picky, as long as it’s someone to drive in Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez. Starting the second half with four consecutive wins was precisely what Kansas City needed after a rough patch to reinforce that this is, in fact, a team worth adding to, and despite a thin farm system, the Royals are among the game’s most active teams looking for upgrades.
Renee Dechert at Pitcher’s List talks to Royals pitcher Walter Pennington.
The Royals announce Jac Caglianone has signed.
Caglianone is the only Royals prospect on Baseball America’s top 100 list, coming in at #45.
The Mets sign former Royals outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr.
Mike Trout leaves his first rehab start in the second inning.
The Orioles are willing to trade starters Cedric Mullins and Ryan Mountcastle.
The Yankees are interested in bringing back reliever Chad Green.
Does Paul Skenes change the Pirates’ trade deadline plans?
The Dodgers are in on Randy Arozarena.
The Reds are looking to trade their bullpen depth.
Angels pitcher Reid Detmers is drawing trade interest.
At ESPN Insider, Kiley McDaniel has early 2025 draft rankings.
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Your song of the day Jay-Z with Dirt Off Your Shoulder.
