Alec Marsh is the new person at the five spot, one last change. Jordan Lyles and Daniel Lynch IV both had unimpressive performances, while Alec has been hitting batters all spring. He has a 17–4 strikeout–to–walk ratio, people. That is scheduled to play on a daily basis. Although it is uncertain if he will be able to hold onto the position, he will enter the year with it owing to some genuinely outstanding work in 14 innings.
Since Cole Ragans was named the Opening Day starter, I suppose the Royals are prepared to admit what the majority of us already knew: that he is the staff ace and need to be handled as such. Excited to find out what
John McMillon was demoted to minor league camp since the last prediction, but with comments that suggest it was for health reasons more than performance issues. Expect to see him back in a hurry. Lyles gets his spot because he’s guaranteed a roster spot to start the year, but he’s on thin ice.
At one point, I had Walter Pennington in this bullpen. But then I realized Josh Taylor had a pretty good spring, so I was going to pencil him in. And then the Royals announced that Zerpa was making the roster as a reliever. So, throw all of that out the window.
I’m not sure I agree with this choice. Obviously, I had two guys I liked in that spot more, but the team made the call, and this isn’t Franchise mode in The Show so that’s what’s happening.
Jake Brentz still has walked more than he’s struck out and now he’s also injured his leg to some degree, so don’t expect to see him any time soon. Pennington or Taylor could still join the ‘pen if they cut Lyles entirely, but I don’t expect that to happen before Opening Day. Still, they and Sam Long should get some time on the big league roster early this summer.
The lineup has not changed as of yet. I really want to replace Velázquez with Nick Pratto because I don’t think I’ve seen enough. Nevertheless, if Pratto plays in AAA, Velázquez ought to be kept on a limited leash.
When I saw how much time Hampson was spending in the outfield, Loftin returned to my roster forecast as the 26th guy. I believe having a righty who can spell Michael Massey makes more sense than adding another outfielder, especially considering Hampson’s versatility as a center fielder. Loftin has had a really hot spring, walking nearly as frequently as he strikes out, so it doesn’t harm.
Here is my one and only forecast for the Royals’ Opening Day roster. We will be discussing their first game of the year at this time next week! I’m not sure about you, but I’m eager.
