The Royals First Split Squad Matchup ENDS in a Split

Matthew Robison February 28, 2024 in News Tagged CJ Alexander, Devin Mann, Diego Hernandez, Kansas City Royals, Mason Barnett, Matt Sauer, Michael Wacha - 3 Minutes

Final Score: KC 4 | COL 3

W: Matt Sauer L: Victor Vodnik

Overall Record: 4-1

Key Highlights

Diego Hernandez: The potential future of center field? Diego Hernandez made his presence known in today’s game, collecting two hits while scoring on both of his opportunities on the base paths. Hernandez is looking to bounce back from an injury-plagued beginning of last season. He played in 60 games, but he was not the same player in his 2022 season. He’ll presumably start this year at AA, but look for him as a name to step it up in his 2024 campaign.

Matt Sauer: The Rule-5 draft pick of the Royals this year, Matt Sauer has looked great in spring so far. Especially today, with 2.0 scoreless innings, he shows he can be a significant part of this 2024 season. Today was a little different, though. He didn’t strike anyone out, which is his game. He let the bases get slightly crowded and still worked out of the jam. I’d rather see guts like that than the strikeout stuff we’ve already seen. He proves he can beat you in many ways.

CJ Alexander: Potentially one of the most significant question marks in the Royals system. He went 1-3 with a Home Run as his sole hit today. He has shown pop in the spring before, but this year might be his last year to make a case for being on this squad. Also acquired from ATL in the Drew Waters trade, he had a rough 2023 season in AAA. This is not hopeful, but he has the George Brett stamp of approval, so who am I to say no? We might have something if he can get on base at a higher rate. But until then, it’s just spring dreaming.

Other Notes:

Daniel Lynch IV: 2.0 IP, 1 H, ER, BB, 2 Ks

Nate Eaton: 1-4, HR

Tyler Cropley: 2-3, RBI

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It was split-squad action on Tuesday! If only we could watch these games. MLB should make all Spring Training games televisable. (Is that a word?) PEOPLE WOULD WATCH. Anyway, back to the action…

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Final Score: SD 6 | KC 3

W: Tom Cosgrove L: Mason Barnett

Overall Record: 4-2

Key Highlights

Michael Wacha: Okay, he only pitched for one inning, but he struck out two. Wacha debuted for the Royals against his former team, striking out those two big bad bats from San Diego, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado. The Royals need this kind of dominant force in their rotation, and I couldn’t be happier about Michael Wacha. He provides the spark and the ability to throw strikes, so as Shrek says: “that’ll do, donkey, that’ll do”.

Devin Mann: This might be the oddest one out of all time. Devin Mann collects a couple of hits and an RBI in three plate appearances. The former Dodgers prospect will try to find a role on this team in any way possible. They did play him in left field today, bringing his utility player status to the outfield. If he can be a fully functioning utility player, this is the only way he’ll make this team. The 27-year-old still has all of his team control left. So he could still be a key piece if he can get it going in the regular season.

Mason Barnett: Unfortunately, Mason Barnett has had a rough start to spring. This is his second straight loss decision in a row. He’ll look to refine his pitch selection after he allowed three earned runs and two walks, with a home run earlier today. The former third-round pick will also look to build off his strong 2023 season. Where he had over 20 starts with a 3.30 ERA. We’ll have to see how he progresses into the starter he’s meant to be.