Royals Report: 5 Things About Ian Kennedy Slump Buster

1) Hitting Has Not Been The Problem

The Kansas City Royals hitters have stroked 11, 15,and now 13 hits in the last three games, showing that the offense hasn’t been the issue. Though they only scored four runs in their two losses in New York, the KC Royals managed to put up 16 total hits—which was more than the Mets who won both games due to putting four balls over the wall.

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The fact is, the addition of Whit Merrifield in place of the unproductive Omar Infante, Kendrys Morales rebound in June (he was slashing .313/.387/.463 for the month before Sunday’s game), and the return of Alex Gordon, the offense is much healthier than at any time during the season. Morales blasted two home runs on Sunday, to boost his season total to 10.

Kendrys is back, which means the Royals offense is mostly fixed.

However, rumors indicate the KC Royals are seeking a left-handed bat, which does make sense since they only have Eric Hosmer and Gordon hitting from the left side, along with switch hitter Kendrys Morales, in the regular lineup. Reserve outfielder Jarrod Dyson bats sinister, but he’s on the roster for his speed and defense.

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A left-handed bat would help balance the Kansas City Royals lineup, but would displace either third baseman Cheslor Cuthbert (.280/.315/.446) or right fielder Paulo Orlando (.359/.385/.465)—both of whom are hitting.  As long as both produce, I don’t see such a deal happening, though there’s a little over five weeks before the trade deadline.