Final Score: KC 3 | LAA 2

Overall Spring Record: 12-7

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Maikel Garcia

Some of the pop we saw from Garcia in the Venezuelan Winter League is coming around. He has homered in the first inning in back-to-back games. An increase in power production would be huge for the second-year player, considering he is playing a position that is typically correlated with having some power to your swing. It will be a huge benefit for the Royals’ long-term vision at third base if he can get in the ballpark of 15 home runs this season.

Daniel Lynch IV

It was a very strong showing from Lynch, who is fighting for an opening-day roster spot. Barring any major changes, I would imagine he is fighting for a spot in the bullpen, most likely in a long-relief role. His final stat line for the day: 4.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K. He was able to lower his spring ERA down to 2.77, which is refreshing given how the starters have looked the past four games.

James McArthur

After a fantastic finish to the 2023 season, McArthur seems to be picking up right where he left off. In 7.1 IP so far this spring, he has a 1.23 ERA, 0.68 WHIP, 10 K, and 1 BB. It has been a very encouraging start to the season and we have no reason to believe that will not continue straight into the regular season.

Sam Long

Much like McArthur, Sam Long has had a very impressive spring out of the bullpen. I would not be surprised to see Long in the Royals’ bullpen to start the season, especially considering the injury Carlos Hernández is working through. In 6.1 IP this spring, he has a 1.42 ERA, 0.79 WHIP, 12 K, and 1 BB. The K/BB ratios for McArthur and Long are refreshing to see.

OTHER NOTABLE PERFORMANCES

Tyler Tolbert: 1 for 1, 2B

Josh Lester: 1 for 1, RBI

Nick Anderson: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

SUMMARY OF THE NEXT GAME

Kansas City Royals vs. Arizona Diamondbacks – 3/14/24 @ 3:10 CT

Kansas City Probable: Michael Wacha, RHP

Arizona Probable: Bryce Jarvis, RHP

MLB.com’s free game of the day!

Image credit: Denny Medley, USA Today