Daily Clips
September 14, 2017
LOCAL
KC rallies late, but WC hopes take hit
September 14, 2017By Jeffrey Flanagan and Robert Falkoff/MLB.com
Royals 'pen has bite despite needing rest
After Skoglund's short start vs. White Sox, McCarthy stands out with three scoreless frames
September 14, 2017By Jeffrey Flanagan/MLB.com
Dream team: Morin records K in KC debut
Kansas native was originally drafted by Royals in 2009
September 14, 2017By Jeffrey Flanagan/MLB.com
Royals hope to halt Tribe, gain WC ground
September 14, 2017By William Kosileski/MLB.com
Overworked Alexander falters for Royals, who are eliminated from AL Central race
September 14, 2017By Maria Torres/Kc Star
After a volatile home stand, Royals bullpen might not have much left to give
September 14, 2017By Maria Torres/KC Star
We’ve never seen a player like Whit Merrifield. Why his rise was years in the making
September 14, 2017By Rustin Dodd/Kc Star
MLB TRANSACTIONS
September 14, 2017 •.CBSSports.com
LOCAL
KC rallies late, but WC hopes take hit
September 14, 2017By Jeffrey Flanagan and Robert Falkoff/MLB.com
Jose Abreu drove in the go-ahead run with a sacrifice fly in the ninth inning, scoring Tim Anderson, and Avisail Garcia added insurance with an RBI single as the White Sox held off the Royals, 5-3, on Wednesday afternoon at Kauffman Stadium.
Anderson singled with one out in the ninth, went to second on a wild pitch from left-hander Scott Alexander and scored when Abreu lined out to center.
Anderson's steal was the big item for White Sox manager Rick Renteria.
"All of us know a steal of third has to be 100 percent," Renteria said. "Otherwise, it's fruitless. He had a good feel for what was going on, and he wanted to get there."
By taking two of three, Chicago won a road series for the first time since June 16-18 at Toronto. It also dealt a blow to Kansas City's postseason chances. The Royals fell four games behind the Twins for the second American League Wild Card spot and were also officially eliminated from the AL Central division race.
The Royals, trailing 3-1, scored two in the eighth to tie it on Alcides Escobar's RBI single and Alex Gordon's RBI groundout. But Escobar ended the inning being thrown out (after review) trying to steal third base.
"You've got to make sure you can steal the base," Royals manager Ned Yost said. "There's gotta be no question. It's gotta be like 99 percent, you know. That didn't work out, pushing the envelope."
White Sox starter Lucas Giolito gave up four hits while walking three and striking out three. The only run he gave up was on Salvador Perez's 25th big fly of the season. It was also his 22nd as a catcher this season, setting a club record.
"When his fastball was located, it was pretty good," Renteria said of Giolito. "It's about command at this point, but he worked through it."
Royals left-hander Eric Skoglund was hoping to give the Royals some length, but he lasted just three innings, giving up five hits and three runs (two earned). He walked two and struck out two. Kevin McCarthy was superb, relieving Skoglund with three scoreless innings while walking none and striking out four.
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Royals beater: White Sox center fielder Adam Engel came into the game hitting .186, but he has feasted on Royals pitching this season. With Tyler Saladino on third, Kevan Smith on second and two outs in the second inning, Engel shot a two-run double into the left-field corner, giving the White Sox a 2-0 lead. Engel now is 9-for-32 against the Royals, with nine of his 20 RBIs this season against them.
Big out in the first: The Royals appeared to have something cooking in the bottom of the first when Whit Merrifield led off with a walk and stole second. After Lorenzo Cain singled to center, pushing Merrifield to third, Cain took off for second on a steal attempt. Cain made it easily, but Merrifield then tried to steal home and was thrown out on a good throw from Anderson to Smith. Instead of a great scoring chance -- second and third, none out -- the Royals wound up not scoring at all.
"Any time you get a chance to take 90 feet, you want to take it," Merrifield said. "We're an aggressive team. It's a play we work on. I just didn't execute."
Yost said it didn't occur to him to put up a stop sign on Merrifield, because he didn't think Merrifield would try to steal home with no outs.
"You're not anticipating those types of situations there," Yost said. "Why would I put a stop sign on Whit in the first inning? Lorenzo had the base stolen. I think that caught us all by surprise a little bit."
QUOTABLE
"I don't know. I think everyone's kind of tired at this point. It's the same for everybody." -- Alexander, on being used for 10th time in 16 games
UNDER REVIEW
The White Sox challenged a safe call at third base when Escobar tried to steal in the eighth inning. After review, the call was overturned, ending the inning with the game tied at 3.
WHAT'S NEXT
White Sox: Right-hander James Shields (3-6, 5.40 ERA) will make his 19th start of the season Thursday in the opener of a four-game series in Detroit at 12:10 p.m. CT. Shields is 1-2 over his past six starts despite recording three quality starts in that span.
Royals: Right-hander JakobJunis (7-2, 4.34 ERA) takes the mound on Thursday at 6:10 p.m. CT as the Royals open a four-game series with the Indians, who have won an AL-record 21 straight games, at Progressive Field. Junis gave up two runs over 6 1/3 innings Saturday against the Twins in a no-decision.
Royals 'pen has bite despite needing rest
After Skoglund's short start vs. White Sox, McCarthy stands out with three scoreless frames
September 14, 2017By Jeffrey Flanagan/MLB.com
What the Royals really needed with a depleted bullpen on Wednesday was some length from starter Eric Skoglund.
They didn't get it, as Skoglund went just three innings.
But with his 'pen running on fumes, Royals manager Ned Yost miraculously got five shutout innings from his relievers as his offense forged a tie with the White Sox after eight frames. At that point, Yost inquired about left-hander Scott Alexander's availability for the ninth.
Prior to the game, Yost said Alexander wouldn't be available after being overworked lately.
"We talked before the game," Alexander said. "And then they called down and asked how I was and said I was fine. I knew there was a possibility I'd get in."
But Alexander, who saved Tuesday's win, couldn't hold the White Sox down, giving up two runs on a sacrifice fly by Jose Abreu and an RBI single by Avisail Garcia. The Royals lost, 5-3.
"[Alexander] said, 'Look, I can go. I'm good. I can go,'" Yost said. "And through much discussion, we just figured they were all in the same boat down there. Trust the player."
Alexander, who now has pitched four times in six days, said he didn't think fatigue affected his outing.
"I don't know," Alexander said. "I think everyone's kind of tired at this point. It's the same for everybody.
"I guess I wasn't as sharp. But you can say that in every outing, even the good ones. We're all tired. But we're all trying to be available and compete and give it our all."
After Skoglund departed, Yost called on right-hander Kevin McCarthy, another reliever who was supposed to have needed a day of rest. McCarthy tossed three scoreless innings.
After that, right-hander Peter Moylan, another reliever who was in theory unavailable, pitched a scoreless seventh. Kelvin Herrera tossed a 1-2-3 eighth.
"Phenomenal job by them," Yost said. "You know, McCarthy and Moylan's pitched three days in a row. Kel was the freshest of the group and had a great inning. There was some thought about pushing Kel back out [in the ninth], but you know what he's gone through. We just thought, 'Get him the one inning, good inning under his belt and move on.'"
Dream team: Morin records K in KC debut
Kansas native was originally drafted by Royals in 2009
September 14, 2017By Jeffrey Flanagan/MLB.com
Left-hander Mike Morin fulfilled a lifelong dream when he arrived in the Royals clubhouse on Wednesday morning.
Morin, who was claimed off waivers from the Angels on Tuesday, grew up in nearby Overland Park, Kan., and he was a big Royals fan.
"I remember coming to games here with the Hy-Vee level seats, upper deck for $5," Morin said. "I remember watching Cardinals games here when Mark McGwire was doing his thing. It's pretty cool being here. I dreamed about it as a kid."
Morin even made his Royals debut later: He struck out Matt Davidson in the ninth inning of the Royals' 5-3 loss to the White Sox.
Morin, 26, was actually drafted by the Royals in 2009 in the 40th round. He chose to go to college instead, and then he was drafted by the Angels in the 13th round in '12.
"I was a late bloomer," Morin said. "I was 6-foot-4, 175 [pounds], wasn't throwing really hard back then. I had made a commitment to going to University of North Carolina. From a financial perspective, I wasn't going to be rewarded, being a 40th-round pick. It was just more of an honor to be drafted by your hometown team.
"But now, being back here and coming full circle, it's pretty cool."
Morin made sure he got plenty of tickets for family and friends for Wednesday's game.
"My Dad's business already had tickets beforehand for this game," Morin said. "And I got tickets for my Mom and friends."
Morin said he arrived in Kansas City at about 11 p.m. on Tuesday night. His mom picked him up at the airport, and he stayed at his parents' house.
"Woke up and Mom made me an egg sandwich," Morin said, smiling. "All is good."
Royals hope to halt Tribe, gain WC ground
September 14, 2017By William Kosileski/MLB.com
The American League-leading Indians have already stamped their name in the record books with their historic winning streak, and they have a chance to continue their magical run on Thursday night on MLB Network at 7 p.m. ET.
The Tribe enters its series opener against the Royals at Progressive Field riding 21 straight victories, which is tied with the 1935 Cubs for the second-longest winning streak in baseball history. Cleveland will look to pass those Cubs and win their 22nd consecutive game as they give the ball to veteran right-hander Josh Tomlin (9-9, 5.13 ERA). Kansas City will counter with rookie righty JakobJunis (7-2, 4.34 ERA).
Cleveland can also clinch a postseason berth with a win and an Astros victory over the Angels later on Thursday night.
"I think they're enjoying themselves. They should," Indians manager Terry Francona said. "It's pretty special."
Following their 5-3 win over the Tigers on Wednesday at Progressive Field, the Indians passed the 2002 A's for the longest winning streak in the Expansion Era (since 1961). The Tribe also set an AL record with its 21st straight win.
"It's pretty cool," Indians closer Cody Allen said. "It's definitely an honor, but it's part of the process. Ultimately, we're trying to win as many games as we can. If you can win them all in a row, great. If you can win every series, you're just trying to play good baseball that day. "
Cleveland's winning streak dates back to Aug. 24, when they defeated Chris Sale and the Red Sox, 13-6. Since then, the Tribe has swept the Royals, Yankees, Tigers, White Sox, Orioles and Tigers again.
"It's good that we're playing good baseball right now," Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor said. "It's good, because this is the month that everybody's waiting for. You're waiting for this month to be over, so that we can see if you're going to be in the playoffs or not. And once the playoffs start, you want to see that big flag, see the jets and stuff. It's pretty cool. We're just enjoying the ride, man."
The Major League record is 26 straight wins, achieved by the 1916 Giants from Sept. 7-Sept. 30. That stretch included a rained-out game against Pittsburgh -- the second game of a doubleheader on Sept. 18 -- that would have been the 13th game in the streak, but it was called after eight innings with the score tied at 1. Those eight innings were not reflected in the standings, but the players' statistics counted. Under current rules, that game would have been suspended and resumed from the point it was halted. In '16, rules dictated that any game interrupted in that fashion would be replayed from scratch if schedules permitted.
Tomlin is coming off a strong outing against the Orioles on Saturday, where he got the win after allowing two runs on four hits while striking out three in five-plus innings. He will make his fourth start of the season against the Royals, against whom he has gone 1-1 with a 1.93 ERA and 11 strikeouts against no walks in 23 1/3 innings. Tomlin has gone 5-0 with a 2.57 ERA in his past six starts (35 innings).
"I think that this streak is also helping [us prepare for our ultimate goal]," Indians pitching coach Mickey Callaway said. "Everybody is pitching with pressure on themselves right now. ... This is good preparation for what we ultimately want to do, I think."
Junis was credited with a no-decision after a solid start against the Twins his last time out. In that start on Saturday, Junis went 6 1/3 innings and allowed two runs on eight hits and one walk while striking out seven. In his past six starts, Junis has gone 4-0 with a 2.48 ERA.
Junis will make his first career start against the Indians, but it is not the first time he will face them. He pitched 2 1/3 innings in the Royals' 10-1 loss to the Tribe on Aug. 18, allowing four runs on five hits and recording three strikeouts.
Following a loss to the White Sox on Wednesday, the Royals are four games back of the Twins for the second AL Wild Card spot.
Things to know about this game
• Per Statcast, Tomlin has recorded a strike on 69.7 percent of his pitches over his past two starts, which ranks fifth in the Majors in September among pitchers who have thrown a minimum 150 pitches. He ranks just behind teammates Carlos Carrasco (71.2 percent) and Kluber (70.6 percent). Additionally, Tomlin's 67.6-percent strike rate this season ranks fifth for all of 2017 (minimum 1,500 pitches).
• Royals catcher Salvador Perez has hit Tomlin well throughout his career. Perez has gone 18-for-38 (.474) with one homer, eight doubles, six RBIs and a 1.237 OPS against the Tribe starter.
• A constant theme for the Indians in their incredible win streak has been their ability to score early. In the first three innings in its past 21 games, Cleveland has outscored opponents, 68-13. This has helped the Tribe to only trail at the end of four of the 189 full innings during the winning streak.
• The Indians intend to activate left-handed reliever Andrew Miller (right knee patellar tendinitis) from the disabled list prior to Thursday's game. Callaway said on Wednesday that they plan on getting Miller into Thursday's game at some point. In 48 games this season, Miller has a 1.65 ERA with 79 strikeouts and 17 walks in 54 2/3 innings.
• The last time the Royals came to Progressive Field, they were shut out in three consecutive games. That was part of the Royals' franchise-record 45 consecutive scoreless innings streak.
Overworked Alexander falters for Royals, who are eliminated from AL Central race
September 14, 2017By Maria Torres/KC Star
Sitting in his Kauffman Stadium office Wednesday morning, Royals manager Ned Yost made a list of his available relievers. It was short — former closer Kelvin Herrera, who pitched a perfect eighth later that day, and newcomer Mike Morin were the only ones he could say an emphatic “yes” for.
Scott Alexander was a definite “no.” He’d thrown 75 pitches in the last week, and pitched in four of the five previous games.
Then Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar drove in an eighth-inning run to cut the White Sox’s lead hours later, and the phone rang in the bullpen for at least the fourth time that day. Alexander stretched as the Royals rallied, and he trotted out to the mound for the ninth inning of a tied game to Daughtry’s “There And Back Again.”
“(Alexander) came through today and said, ‘Look, I can go. I’m good. I can go,’ ” Yost said. “And through much discussion, we just figured they were all in the same boat down there. Trust the player.”
Alexander fumbled after getting the leadoff hitter to ground out. He couldn’t locate his sinker, a pitch Yost had raved about time and again throughout the last few weeks. Alexander allowed a single, a walk and a stolen base — with a wild pitch for good measure — before a sacrifice fly off the bat of Jose Abreu did him in.