Royals Report: Revenge Sweep Over Cleveland

3) Cheslor Cuthbert Demanding More Respect At The Plate

Sort of lost in the KC Royals barrage of 11 hits and 9 runs on Wednesday night, Cheslor Cuthbert drew two walks.

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While that might not seem all that significant compared to Salvador Perez’s three-run shot, especially since Cuthbert didn’t score a run, Cuthbert is no longer a rookie that pitchers will simply challenge until he proves he can hurt them.

Cuthbert’s two home-run game against the Chicago White Sox on June 11, which helped the KC Royals bust their eight-game losing streak, has also forced pitchers to treat the rookie with more care at the plate.

Though Cuthbert showed a solid eye in the minor-leagues, he was barely drawing any walks after taking over at third base following Mike Moustakas‘ season-ending injury. Now that Cuthbert showed his extra base power, pitchers have to be more careful about giving him pitches in his wheelhouse.

Cheslor Cuthbert’s .273/.307/405 triple slash doesn’t really make him an offensive asset. However, combined with his better-than-average defense, Cuthbert is more than playable. His performance has staved off the need for Dayton Moore to seek third base help on the trade market.

Next: Drew Butera