The Royals are on a three-game winning streak, and they’ll aim to sweep the Minnesota Twins on Thursday before heading to Seattle for a series against the Mariners.
Kansas City triumphed in a low-scoring game on Wednesday night. Daniel Lynch, a left-handed pitcher, pitched five innings without allowing a run while inducing eight swings and misses and striking out two batters.
Despite altering his pitches, manager Mike Matheny was pleased with how his lefty kept his location consistent. The Royals’ record improved to 5-5 in 2022 after the 2-0 victory.
Kansas City returns home on Thursday to finish out their Twins series. Following the completion of Wednesday’s game, outfielder Kyle Isbel was optioned to Triple-A Omaha, the team announced on Thursday morning.
RHP Ronald Bolanos has been summoned to the big league club in his place.
This season, the Royals’ lineup has failed to put together a series of consistent at-bats for the team’s benefit. Whit Merrifield and Bobby Witt Jr. have struggled mightily at or near the top of the order.
Lopez has a .367 hitting average and a.406 on-base percentage, making him the Royals’ greatest on-base hitter.
He’ll try to ignite an offense that includes Salvador Perez returning to his regular catching place and Carlos Santana returning to the lineup after a two-game absence.
Merrifield and Witt, are hitting .150 and .128, respectively, this season, and may benefit from the modifications.
Did Nicky Lopez Get Sent down?
Nicky Lopez has been promoted to leadoff, and Merrifield has been demoted a rung on the ladder.