Daily Clips

August 4, 2018

LOCALSalvy's 19th homer isn't enough to slow TwinsFlynn labors during pivotal 5th in rain-delayed series openerAugust 4, 2018 By Jarrid Denney/MLB.comhttps://www.mlb.com/royals/news/royals-cant-slow-twins-in-rainy-series-opener/c-288730642

Gordon passionate about 'It's All Me' messageKC outfielder spreads word through Taylor Hooton Foundation campaignAugust 3, 2018 By Jeffery Flanagan/MLB.comhttps://www.mlb.com/royals/news/alex-gordon-believes-in-its-all-me-campaign/c-288679534

Delayed twice by rain, the Royals lost their only lead in a defeat by the TwinsAugust 4, 2018 By Maria Torres/KC Starhttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article216092020.html

MINORSKansas City Royals Top 10 Prospects UpdatedAugust 3, 2018 By Marc Hulet/Fangraphs.comhttps://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/kansas-city-royals-top-10-prospects-updated/

Las Vegas defeats Storm Chasers in slugfest featuring nine homers, 23 runs and 32 hitsAugust 3, 2018 By Tony Boone/Omaha World-Heraldhttps://www.omaha.com/sports/chasers/las-vegas-defeats-storm-chasers-in-slugfest-featuring-nine-homers/article_7497862c-1edf-54d6-b876-6ffda61aef2a.html

Blewett, Naturals take down CardinalsRHP Scott Blewett strikes out eight in 6.0 innings of work in the 6-3 win over Springfield on Friday nightAugust 3, 2018 By NW Arkansas Naturalshttps://www.milb.com/northwest-arkansas/news/blewett-naturals-take-down-cardinals/c-288795860

Rockies Overpower Chukars Hitters in 3-1 GJ WinAugust 4, 2018 By Tyson Whiting/Idaho Falls Chukarshttps://www.milb.com/idaho-falls/news/rockies-overpower-chukars-hitters-in-3-1-gj-win/c-288821642

NATIONALMike Moustakas looks at ease in Milwaukee. His left-handed power swing certainly should be.August 4, 2018 By Robert Murray/The Athletichttps://theathletic.com/458586/2018/08/04/mike-moustakas-looks-at-ease-in-milwaukee/

Mookie plays 2B as Kinsler likely headed to DLRed Sox second baseman exits game vs. Yanks with left hamstring tightnessAugust 4, 2018 By Deesha Thosar/MLB.comhttps://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/ian-kinsler-exits-game-with-hamstring-injury/c-288740534

Fowler headed to DL with broken left footAugust 3, 2018 By Jenifer Langosch/MLB.comhttps://www.mlb.com/cardinals/news/dexter-fowler-fractures-left-foot-going-on-dl/c-288794834

Pham on DL, out 2-4 weeks with fractured footAugust 3, 2018 By Bill Chastain/MLB.comhttps://www.mlb.com/rays/news/rays-tommy-pham-on-dl-with-fractured-foot/c-288710188

MLB TRANSACTIONSAugust 4, 2018 •.CBSSports.comhttp://www.cbssports.com/mlb/transactions

LOCALSalvy's 19th homer isn't enough to slow TwinsFlynn labors during pivotal 5th in rain-delayed series openerAugust 4, 2018 By Jarrid Denney/MLB.comhttps://www.mlb.com/royals/news/royals-cant-slow-twins-in-rainy-series-opener/c-288730642

After enduring over two hours of rain delays, the Royals came up short in a 6-4 loss to the Twins in the series opener on Friday night at Target Field.

Rookie right-hander Heath Fillmyer, who was coming off a pair of strong outings, got off to a promising start for the Royals when he struck out the side after a leadoff walk in the first inning. But Miguel Sano crushed a two-run double and Joe Mauer added a run-scoring single in the second to put the Royals in an early 3-0 hole.

"Just a grind," manager Ned Yost said. "We've just struggled when we're behind in the counts. It was just a grind for us."

Salvador Perez negated some of that damage when he crushed a two-run homer off Twins starter Jake Odorizzi in the third to make it 3-2. Perez's 19th homer of the year left

his bat at 103.8 mph and traveled a projected 412 feet into the Kansas City bullpen, according to Statcast™.

Fillmyer surrendered five hits as he battled through three innings before the first rain delay of 1 hour, 31 minutes, ensured he would not head back out for a fourth inning.

Brian Flynn came on in relief and tossed a clean fourth inning out of the delay. The Twins, who also were forced to turn to their bullpen in the fourth, deployed Gabriel Moya and the Royals logged four consecutive one-out singles off him in the fifth to take a 4-3 lead. Kansas City nearly added to that lead when Rosell Herrera drilled a ground ball down the third-base line, but Sano made an excellent diving snag and throw to save at least one run and end the inning.

"That was a really nice defensive play and on the other end of it, [first baseman Mauer] corralling a 110-mph throw on the wet grass hydroplaning," Twins manager Paul Molitor said of Sano's effort. "That was pretty impressive."

The Twins took advantage of Sano's big play and tacked on two more runs in the bottom of the fifth to take a 5-4 lead, and then padded that advantage in the sixth when Jorge Polanco roped a run-scoring double. Almost simultaneously, another storm began and the game was delayed once more for 53 minutes. That marked the end of Flynn's night as he allowed three runs on five hits over 2 1/3 innings. That's the most runs the lefty has allowed in an outing since June 1.

"I think we had great momentum going there for awhile," Flynn said. "So it's big on me to go out and get a shutdown inning and keep the momentum rolling. Just gotta do your job and keep the momentum on our side."

YOU GOTTA SEE THISRoyals center fielder Brett Phillips made an excellent diving catch to rob Jake Cave of a hit and end the seventh inning. It was the second night in a row that Phillips showcased his defensive talents. On Thursday, he made a similar play to steal a hit away from Yolmer Sanchez of the White Sox.

UP NEXTRoyals right-hander Burch Smith (1-2, 6.00 ERA) will be in search of a bounce-back start at 6:10 p.m. CT on Saturday at Target Field. Smith picked up his first big league win in nearly five years on July 24, but he was roughed up by the Yankees in his most recent outing. All-Star righty Jose Berrios (10-8, 3.56 ERA) starts for the Twins.

Gordon passionate about 'It's All Me' messageKC outfielder spreads word through Taylor Hooton Foundation campaignAugust 3, 2018 By Jeffery Flanagan/MLB.comhttps://www.mlb.com/royals/news/alex-gordon-believes-in-its-all-me-campaign/c-288679534

Four years ago, Royals All-Star and Gold Glove Award-winning outfielder Alex Gordon was asked if he'd like to be on the advisory board of the Taylor Hooton Foundation. And once again this year, Gordon is proud to take part in the "It's All Me" campaign.

The Taylor Hooton Foundation is a leader in the advocacy against appearance and performance-enhancing substance use by the youth of America.

That message is right up Gordon's alley, as Gordon is one of the most nutrition-conscious athletes in baseball.

"It's all about doing things the right way," Gordon said. "Stay away from performance-enhancing drugs. That's why I got involved with it, because of some of the issues we've had with PEDs in sports.

"We do clinics on the field every year with kids from the Kansas City community. Kids come and we show them how to train. This is something that interests me, especially the nutrition part."

Delayed twice by rain, the Royals lost their only lead in a defeat by the TwinsAugust 4, 2018 By Maria Torres/KC Starhttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article216092020.html

For 144 minutes here on Friday night, there was no baseball.

Rain descended on Target Field on two occasions. Game action between the Royals and Twins twice was paused. The field became so waterlogged from the sudden onset of a second shower, the grounds crew battled with a tarp that stuck to the playing surface before it could be stretched over the first-base line.

So some 15 minutes later, when the rain ceased and the grounds crew began to mill about, it took an additional half-hour to whip the field back into playing shape.

For the Royals, all the waiting — 1 hour, 31 minutes for the delay that began with one out in the top of the fourth inning; 53 minutes for the one that suspended action with one out in the bottom of the sixth inning — was for naught. They lost 6-4 in the early hours of Saturday morning, nearly six hours after Twins starter Jake Odorizzi threw the first pitch.

“Just a grind,” Royals manager Ned Yost said of his pitching staff, which surrendered 11 hits and six walks.. “We just struggled. We were behind in the counts. It was just a grind for us.”

For a brief window on Friday night, the Royals had run into some luck.

Soon after the first rain delay, which they entered trailing 3-2, Adalberto Mondesi led off the fifth inning with a single to left field. He sprinted from first to third base on Whit Merrifield’s hit to shallow right field and scored easily on Alex Gordon’s RBI single. Salvador Perez stroked a hit that loaded the bases for Lucas Duda. Merrifield tagged up to third and crossed home plate on a sacrifice fly ball to right field, giving the Royals a 4-3 lead.

But a questionable defensive choice by third baseman Hunter Dozier in the bottom of the inning, coupled with the trio of hits and pair of walks the Twins lineup coaxed out of Royals reliever Brian Flynn, sank the Royals’ chances for a victory.

Flynn’s line in the fifth received an assist from Mondesi. Dozier had dived to stifle a ball hit by Logan Forsythe to shortstop, eliminating a chance for Mondesi to prevent the Twins’ lead base runner from scoring the game-tying run. But Mondesi took the miscue in stride. He hurdled over

Dozier’s prone body, gloved the baseball and threw a strike to Duda at first for the second out of the inning.

“For Mondi to catch the ball, jump over Dozier and make the throw that he did shows you the tremendous athleticism that kid has,” Yost said. “He’s been playing well for us.”

The Twins scored once more in the fifth and added to their final margin on Jorge Polanco’s RBI double off Flynn in the sixth.

“I was erratic,” said Flynn, who took the loss. “Wasn’t repeating with the fastball. Just got behind about everyone, it felt like, from the second inning on.”

Before the Royals dropped to 34-75 ...

▪ Perez clubbed his 19th homer of the season to cut the Royals’ deficit to 3-2 in the third inning. It was his 16th homer at Target Field, most by any opponent who has never played for Minnesota.

▪ Merrifield went 3 for 4 with a stolen base, his 25th of the year, and moved into a second-place tie for most stolen bags in the American League with the Indians’ Jose Ramirez.

▪ Rookie Royals starter Heath Fillmyer was charged with three runs in three innings of work.

MINORSKansas City Royals Top 10 Prospects UpdatedAugust 3, 2018 By Marc Hulet/Fangraphs.comhttps://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/kansas-city-royals-top-10-prospects-updated/

A strong 2018 draft significantly improved the Royals system – which was light on arms. The focus on college arms gives the system a much needed rebalancing and should allow some prospects to move quickly. The Royals previously focused on raw, toolsy hitters and pitchers but just haven’t been able to find a winning formula for developing those types of players.

1. Brady Singer | RHP | DNP —> Those who believe in Singer, sees a top-of-the-rotation arm with the potential for three solid offerings. His fastball works in the mid-to-upper 90s and both his slider and changeup flash potential at times but are inconsistent. He also has the strong frame necessary to be an innings-eater but there are some minor injury concerns given his heavy college workload and a failed physical that wiped out an agreement the Jays had with Singer when he was drafted out of high school.

2. Jackson Kowar | RHP | A —> Kowar has an excellent fastball-changeup combo and an excellent pitchers frame. His breaking ball(s) needs improvement to be an average offering. A tall, thin pitcher, Kowar the makings of an excellent pitcher’s frame once he adds a little more weight/muscle. There is mid-rotation potential here — especially if he continues to mature and add some ticks to his heater while ironing out the breaking ball.

3. Khalil Lee | OF | AA —> A former two-way player in high school, Lee is efficiently polishing his five-tool skill set now that he’s a full-time hitter. He swings and misses too much

(101 Ks in 98 games) but he takes lots of walks and is a threat to steal a base. He doesn’t hit for much power right now but there is double-digit homer potential. He also shows the potential for plus defence in center field.

4. M.J. Melendez | C | A —> Just 19 in low-A, Melendez has struggled to make consistent contact at the plate with 102 strikeouts in 308 at-bats. However, he shows excellent power potential for a catcher and has the defensive skills to develop into a plus defender with a very strong arm. There is risk here due to the Ks but there is also a high ceiling.

5. Nicky Lopez | MIF | AAA —> A diminutive baseball player, Lopez possesses very little pop but he knows how to hit. The 2016 fifth rounder has zoomed through the minors and is MLB ready. Splitting the year between double-A and triple-A, he’s hitting .330 with a BB-K of 47-37. He also has enough speed and skill to steal 15-20 bases while playing solid defence up the middle.

6. Nick Pratto | 1B | A —> Considered an advanced prep bat when he went to the Royals in the first round of the 2017 draft, Pratto has nonetheless struggled a but in his first full pro season. He’s struck out 114 times in 93 games and is hitting just .250. On the plus side, he’s taken some walks and shows a willingness to take a walk. He’s also displayed gap pop (which should eventually turn into more homers), is a smart base runner and a good fielder. And he’s just 19 so there is lots of time for him to develop.

7. Daniel Lynch | LHP | A —> A tall, thin pitcher with room to add more muscle/weight, Lynch is an advanced left-handed starter who should move quite quickly through the minors due to his solid feel for pitching and excellent control. He’s had a solid pro debut so far by limiting walks, missing bats and inducing ground balls. He has the makings of a solid No. 4 starter, and his stuff will likely play up thanks to his long levers which make his stuff appear faster than it is.

8. Carlos Hernandez | RHP | A —> I’m a big fan of Hernandez who, at 21, stands 6-4 and has the frame and solid delivery to be an innings-eater for the Royals. He can dial his heater up into the upper-90s and has a potentially-plus changeup. It’s the breaking ball that will ultimately help determine his future role, though. He’s shown good control (23 walks in 72.1 innings) and has done a good job of keeping the ball in the park.

9. Josh Staumont | RHP | AAA —> Staumont possesses a nasty fastball-curveball combination but could never throw enough strikes or master a changeup to stick in the starting rotation. His control is still a work-in-progress as witnessed by his 41 walks in 57 innings, but if he get a little better there he could develop into a high-leverage reliever. Right now, he projects as more of a sixth or seventh-inning arm.

10. Seuly Matias | OF | A —> Matias is what’s wrong with young hitters in recent years. He has lots of raw power but the organization has allowed him to chase the homers rather than focus on developing pitch recognition or an improved approach at the plate. Yes, the 30 home runs is cool (I guess) for a 19-year-old who has managed just 68 hits overall but there is no way this approach works at upper levels so all his tools will go to waste unless he reigns it in. The 22-119 BB-K in just 83 games is startling.

Just Missed:

Kris Bubic | LHP | R —> Bubic is a strong-bodied lefty that could develop into a solid, back-end innings-eater for the Royals. He has an outstanding changeup but needs to improve his breaking ball. He can dial up his heater into the mid-90s but works more in the low-90s, so if the starting gig doesn’t work out he might be able to sustain his heat better as a reliever.

Emmanuel Rivera | 3B | A+ —> Rivera has the potential to be a plus defender at the hot corner and possesses a strong arm. He makes excellent contact, doesn’t strike out much, and has a line-drive approach. He could eventually add more pop.

Yefri Del Rosario | RHP | A —> Just 18, Del Rosario is holding his own in nine low-A starts. His 19-43 BB-K in 43 innings also shows promise, although it would be nice to see him induce a few more ground balls. The right-hander has a mid-90s fastball and a promising slider. The changeup development will help determine if he sticks as a long-term starter.

Las Vegas defeats Storm Chasers in slugfest featuring nine homers, 23 runs and 32 hitsAugust 3, 2018 By Tony Boone/Omaha World-Heraldhttps://www.omaha.com/sports/chasers/las-vegas-defeats-storm-chasers-in-slugfest-featuring-nine-homers/article_7497862c-1edf-54d6-b876-6ffda61aef2a.html

Former Florida star Peter Alonso feels right at home in Omaha.

In fact, the former College World Series star drove by TD Ameritrade Park earlier Friday.

Across town later, the New York Mets prospect launched a two-run first-inning homer off Arnaldo Hernandez at Werner Park that started an offensive slugfest in a series finale.

By night’s end, his Las Vegas 51s and Omaha combined for nine homers and 32 hits. Alonso also doubled twice and drove in three runs in a 12-11 Las Vegas win that wasn’t secure until the final out.

“Omaha will always have a special place in my heart,” said Alonso, who played in the 2015 and 2016 CWS for Florida. “I’ve had so many fond memories here. This game has definitely been another good memory. I always hit well in the city of Omaha.”

Bryce Brentz slammed a pair of long balls as the 51s raced to a 6-2 advantage behind two-run blasts from Alonso, Jack Reinheimer and Brentz in the first three innings.

The Chasers rallied to tie the game 6-6 through four after a two-run homer from Frank Schwindel and solo blasts from Ramon Torres and Donnie Dewees. Dewees recorded his first four-hit game in Triple-A and finished a triple shy of a cycle, fanning in his final at-bat in the ninth.

Brentz launched a homer off Hernandez to break the 6-6 tie and open a four-run fifth for Las Vegas. Hernandez (2-1) gave up four homers and eight earned runs to take the loss.

Alonso tallied three of the 51s’ 11 extra-base hits. The Mets No. 4 prospect has 25 homers and 93 RBIs runs this season between Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Las Vegas.

He got off to a slow start after his promotion, but has turned it on offensively of late.

“I’ve been working really hard to get back in rhythm and get back to having a good season,” Alonso said. “I feel like today was just another step toward that.”

The home run by Schwindel was his team-leading 20th of the year. The Omaha first baseman has reached the 20-homer mark in each of the last three seasons and four of the past five in his pro career.

The Chasers had plenty of opportunities to rally Friday, but stranded nine runners in a four-inning span.

Billy Burns and Nicky Lopez both homered off former Omaha reliever Buddy Baumann in the ninth to pull the Chasers within a run. Chris Beck got Schwindel to ground out into a defensive shift to end it.

Blewett, Naturals take down CardinalsRHP Scott Blewett strikes out eight in 6.0 innings of work in the 6-3 win over Springfield on Friday nightAugust 3, 2018 By NW Arkansas Naturalshttps://www.milb.com/northwest-arkansas/news/blewett-naturals-take-down-cardinals/c-288795860

Right-hander Scott Blewett (W, 6-6) struck out a season-high eight batters as the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (16-25, 51-60) took down the Springfield Cardinals (18-24, 51-61) by a 6-3 final at Arvest Ballpark on Friday night. The win guarantees a split for Northwest Arkansas as they'll look to claim another series win with a victory on Saturday or Sunday.

Blewett, made his 20th start of the year and 21st outing overall for the Naturals. The 22-year-old continued his dominant ways against Springfield as he improved his season record to 3-1 against the Cardinals while picking up his sixth win of the year. He followed up a 5.0 innings of three-run baseball at Hammons Field on July 29 with 6.0 tonight to go along with eight strikeouts.

While Northwest Arkansas received great pitching, Naturals' third baseman Kelvin Gutierrez had himself a day the plate. The clean-up hitter cleaned up against the Cardinals as he went 3-for-4 with a home run and knocked in four in in the 6-3 win.

After a couple scoreless frames, the Cards took an early 1-0 lead in the third on a Shane Billings solo home run. The Naturals would answer with a run of their own in the home half as Anderson Miller tripled then scored on a sacrifice fly by Nick Dini .

Northwest Arkansas would jump out to a 3-1 lead in the fourth as Gutierrez connected on an opposite field, two-run homer.

Tommy Edman and Andrew Knizner had RBI singles in the sixth as Springfield came back with a pair of runs to tie the game at 3-3 but the tie wouldn't last long though as Gutierrez delivered a two-out, run-scoring single in the sixth to retake the lead.

Northwest Arkansas added insurance runs in the eighth as Samir Duenez had a RBI double while Gutierrez capped his big night with his fourth and final RBI on his third hit of the night to set the final score at 6-3. The middle of the order did the damage as Duenez had a run and a RBI from the three-spot while Jecksson Flores went 1-for-3 and scored three times out of the two-hole.

Naturals' relievers Franco Terrero (H, 5) and Andres Machado (S, 5) locked down the final 3.0 innings to secure the victory.

Northwest Arkansas will continue their series against the Springfield Cardinals, the Double-A Affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, with Game 3 of this 4-game set tomorrow night - Saturday, August 4 - with first pitch scheduled for 6:05 p.m. Gates will open at Arvest Ballpark at 4:35 p.m. for a Salvy Splash Bobblehead Giveaway presented by Cox Communications and our Bullpen Craft Beer Bar Happy Hour from 4:35 p.m. until 5:35 p.m. The Naturals will send left-hander Foster Griffin (6-12, 5.55 ERA) to the mound to square off against Evan Kruczynski (1-0, 0.00 ERA) of the Cardinals.

Rockies Overpower Chukars Hitters in 3-1 GJ WinAugust 4, 2018 By Tyson Whiting/Idaho Falls Chukarshttps://www.milb.com/idaho-falls/news/rockies-overpower-chukars-hitters-in-3-1-gj-win/c-288821642

The Idaho Falls Chukars hitters struck out 15 times and were held to 4 hits as the Grand Junction Rockies win a pitcher's duel 3-1 at Melaleuca Field.

It was a scoreless game through 4 innings as both starting pitchers were dealing on the mound. Chukars pitcher Jonathan Heasley threw 4 scoreless innings to start his outing before giving up 2 runs in the top of the 5th inning to give the Rockies a 2-0 lead. Heasley ended the night going 5 innings, 3 hits, 2 runs, 1 earned, 1 walk and 4 strikeouts.

Grand Junction's starting pitcher Ryan Feltner went 4 scoreless innings, allowing only 1 hit and striking out 7. Feltner's ERA is now 1.08 on the season. He was drafted in the 4th round out of Ohio State.

Grand Junction took a 3-0 lead on a Javier Guevara double to drive home Coco Montes in the top of the 6th inning for the Rockies, who raise their record to 27-21 on the year and 7-3 in the 2nd half of the year.

The lone Chukars run came in the 7th inning on a Jose Caraballo single to drive home Tyler James. James was one of the few standouts offensively as he went 1 for 2 with 1 run scored and 2 walks.

The Rockies used 5 pitchers and combined to strike out 15 Chukars hitters. That's the most times the Chukars have struck out in a game this season. Alexander Martinez picked up his league leading 13th save of the season. Martinez struck out Angel Medina to end the game.

Grand Junction won the first 2 games of the series at Melaleuca Field and are now 4-6 against Idaho Falls on the year. Tomorrow night is a great pitching match-up as the Chukars will have JC Cloney on the mound. Cloney is a perfect 8-0 on the year with a league leading 2.16 ERA. He will be opposed by Rockies first round pick Ryan Rolison,

who has a 2.77 ERA in 13 innings of work. 7:15 pm first pitch.

NATIONALMike Moustakas looks at ease in Milwaukee. His left-handed power swing certainly should be.August 4, 2018 By Robert Murray/The Athletichttps://theathletic.com/458586/2018/08/04/mike-moustakas-looks-at-ease-in-milwaukee/

The Brewers had an interesting trade deadline. They added two infielders and another reliever, and they failed to address the starting rotation — although they came close, according to general manager David Stearns.

On Friday afternoon, the prize new acquisition, Mike Moustakas, sat at his locker at Miller Park for the first time and leaned back in a chair, sporting a black Milwaukee Bucks jersey. The uniform, with a large 34, the number worn by superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, was an ideal way to connect with a city and fan base completely new to him.

As Moustakas sat in his chair, he closely monitored the Padres-Cubs game on TV. Not only because the Cubs, a new division rival, were on, but also because his former teammate and close friend, Eric Hosmer, was up to bat with two runners on with the Cubs leading 4-2 in the eighth inning. Hosmer eventually walked on a checked swing, one that prompted a discussion among the players. Moustakas, who believed his close friend held up his swing, chimed in, “Aren’t we all on the same side here?”

As he watched his former teammate on the screen, he also saw familiar faces throughout the clubhouse — Lorenzo Cain, Joakim Soria, Jeremy Jeffress — from his time in Kansas City.

Moustakas confirmed that he talked to Cain after being traded, as well as to a multitude of others, including Jeffress and Ryan Braun. “That’s always the hard part coming to a new team is getting to know the guys,” he said. “I know a lot of guys on the team, and I knew them before I was over here. I’m fortunate enough to be able to come over and know a lot of the guys I played with, up and down in the minor leagues, and played against in the big leagues. It’s an easy transition for me on this team.”

That transition, which includes not only playing different defensive positions — Moustakas mentioned he’s willing to play first and second bases, in addition to third — but also moving to a much more hitter-friendly field in Miller Park. Departing from Kauffman Stadium, a pitcher-friendly stadium, should improve Moustakas’ home run numbers. To put it into perspective, throughout the 2018 season, Miller Park is 13th in home runs, with an average of 1.074 per game. Kauffman is 25th, with an average of .0824 per game.

Throughout Moustakas’ career, his numbers were better at home than they were on the road, and that has continued, especially this year (he’s slashing .271/.325/.500 at home; .224/.288/.416 on the road). However, those numbers figure to change given how much better left-handed hitters fare hitting the ball to right field in Miller Park than they do at Kauffman:

When Moustakas has played in Milwaukee, he’s been productive in a limited sample size (11 games), slashing 250/.375/.500, hitting three home runs and with seven RBIs. “It’s a great place to play,” Moustakas said. “I’ve had some success here. I feel I can see the ball well here.”

Quick, someone get Freddie Freeman on the line.

With the three-year left-handed hitting home run index being 131 in Milwaukee and only 85 in Kansas City from 2017 (h/t @DerekVanRiper), Moustakas’ home run numbers should be on the rise, and quick.

They haven’t been yet, but he’s continuing to show his worth — an RBI single in his first at-bat as a Brewer in Milwaukee, hustling to beat a bang-bang play at first base after lining a comebacker off Rockies starter German Marquez.

The home runs will come, perhaps soon. If they translate into the playoffs, which they should — Moustakas’ vast postseason experience was of great value to manager Craig Counsell — it would make an interesting trade deadline into a highly successful one.

Mookie plays 2B as Kinsler likely headed to DLRed Sox second baseman exits game vs. Yanks with left hamstring tightnessAugust 4, 2018 By Deesha Thosar/MLB.comhttps://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/ian-kinsler-exits-game-with-hamstring-injury/c-288740534

After an eventful first inning that saw Rick Porcello plunk Brett Gardner and Alex Cora experience his first career ejection as a manager, Red Sox second baseman Ian Kinsler was removed from the 4-1 win over the Yankees on Friday with left hamstring tightness to start the second. Kinsler is expected to go on the disabled list, and the Red Sox will call up Tony Renda from Triple-A Pawtucket, according to a source.

Mookie Betts, who came into the big leagues as an infielder, took over at second base for the first time since 2014. Mitch Moreland entered the game at first base and Steve Pearce, who hit his fourth homer in two games, moved from first to right field.

"It was like a dream come true," Betts said of patrolling second base again. "I think it's been since 2014 since I've been in the infield. That's why I take my ground balls and all that area work, just in case."

After Cora was ejected for arguing with home-plate umpire Adam Hamari about warnings being issued in response to Luis Severino throwing up and in to Betts, the decision to play Betts at second belonged to bench coach Ron Roenicke. Betts said he asked Roenicke if he could play second, and after Roenicke agreed, the multi-faceted Betts jogged out there before anyone could stop him.

"He takes ground balls every third or fourth day. ... I was comfortable with it. We talked about it in Spring Training," Roenicke said. "He played a few years there, and was basically moved out because of [Dustin] Pedroia. The coaches that had him in the Minor Leagues are on our staff now, and they were comfortable with it."

Kinsler slid hard into second on a stolen base and appeared to be wincing as he scored a run on Eduardo Nunez's single.

"When I was coming around third, it grabbed me a little bit," Kinsler said. "Ten days is probably the worst-case scenario. Take it day by day."

Cora said even though Kinsler will likely need a DL stint, he also doesn't think it should take longer than the allotted 10 days for Kinsler to recover.

"We don't feel it's that bad," Cora said. "Something that's not going to take that long if we decide to go [the DL] route. But it might be needed, because his legs are very important to what he does on a nightly basis."

Fowler headed to DL with broken left footAugust 3, 2018 By Jenifer Langosch/MLB.comhttps://www.mlb.com/cardinals/news/dexter-fowler-fractures-left-foot-going-on-dl/c-288794834

Dexter Fowler felt he had finally hit a turning point, which is why, shortly before he took the field in Friday's series opener against the Pirates, he confidently confided in a few coaches.

"Spring Training is over," Fowler told them. Now his season might be, too.

Fowler left PNC Park on crutches, unable to put any weight on his left foot, which he fractured in the eighth inning of the Cardinals' 7-6 loss. He is headed to the 10-day disabled list and will return to St. Louis, where the Cardinals' medical staff will evaluate the severity of the injury. That diagnosis will determine whether there's time for Fowler to heal and return to the field this season.

"It sort of sums up our year in a lot of ways," president of baseball operations John Mozeliak said. "It's unfortunate. And he was actually swinging it a little bit. The timing is not good, and he's certainly bummed."

Fowler traced the injury back to the sixth inning, when he fouled a ball off the top of his foot. Fowler said his foot was instantly sore, though he "didn't think anything of it."

That foot tightened some more in the field, and it continued to nag at him when he swung the bat in the eighth. Fowler slowed up as he raced to first on a force out, then felt a "pop" while running from second to third. Fowler had to be helped off the field.

X-rays taken at PNC Park confirmed a break.

While the Cardinals may eventually bring up another outfielder to enhance their depth, they'll stick with who they have for the remainder of this weekend's series in Pittsburgh. Second baseman Kolten Wong, who is ready to come off the DL on Saturday, will take Fowler's place on the 25-man roster.

Fowler's injury does pave the way for rookies Harrison Bader and Tyler O'Neill to start alongside each other. Yairo Munoz will serve as the club's fourth outfielder.

"We were talking about giving opportunities to Bader and O'Neill," said Mozeliak, who had just dealt outfielders Tommy Pham and Oscar Mercado from the 40-man roster on Tuesday. "Now, that's real."

Fowler is hitting .180/.278/.298 with eight home runs and 31 RBIs this season.

"I just started feeling better at the plate," said Fowler, who went 2-for-4 with an RBI single before exiting. "My timing was there, and this happens. It's disappointing. It sucks. But [I've] got to take the good with the bad. Hopefully, I don't have to get surgery."

Pham on DL, out 2-4 weeks with fractured footAugust 3, 2018 By Bill Chastain/MLB.comhttps://www.mlb.com/rays/news/rays-tommy-pham-on-dl-with-fractured-foot/c-288710188

Newly acquired Rays outfielder Tommy Pham has been diagnosed with a right foot fracture, and he was placed on the 10-day disabled list on Friday.

Left-hander Adam Kolarek was recalled from Triple-A Durham.

"Had an MRI exam this morning," said Pham, whom the Rays acquired from the Cardinals for three Minor Leaguers on Tuesday. "It showed a hairline fracture. So kind of explained what I was feeling this morning. ... I thought it was just like a bruise. It's more than that."

Pham said team doctors told him he'd be out two to four weeks.

"Not the best start, not the start I imagined," said Pham, who wore a boot on his right foot. "I can't do much this first few days. After that, I'll get re-evaluated to see if I can do anything."

Rays manager Kevin Cash said they would try to keep Pham off his feet for a few days, in an effort to see how quickly he can recover.

"Don't want him to force it, because we want him to be healthy when he gets back," Cash said. "But we think he'll be able to manage this and get back fairly quickly."

MLB TRANSACTIONSAugust 4, 2018 •.CBSSports.comhttp://www.cbssports.com/mlb/transactions

T E A M P L A Y E R T R A N S A C T I O N

ARI

Chris Owings Sent to Minors

ARI

Andrew Chafin

Reinstated from Paternity Leave List

T E A M P L A Y E R T R A N S A C T I O N

BAL

Evan Phillips Called Up from Minors

BAL

Jhan MarinezPlaced on 10-Day DL (Strained right hamstring)

BOS

Daniel Butler Purchased From Minors

BOS

Blake SwihartPlaced on 10-Day DL (Strained right hamstring)

CHC

Randy Rosario Called Up from Minors

CHC

Brian Duensing

Placed on 10-Day DL (Left shoulder inflammation)

CHW

Kevan Smith Placed on Paternity Leave List

CHW

Dustin Garneau Called Up from Minors

CIN

Jesus Reyes Called Up from Minors

T E A M P L A Y E R T R A N S A C T I O N

CIN

Scott Schebler

Recalled From Minors Rehab Assignment

CIN

Tyler Mahle Sent to Minors

CLE

Andrew Miller Recalled From Minors Rehab Assignment

CLE

Josh Tomlin Sent to Minors For Rehabilitation

CLE

Andrew MillerRemoved From 60-Day DL (Right knee inflammation)

CLE

Zach McAllister

Designated for Assignment

COL

Chris Rusin Sent to Minors For Rehabilitation

HOU

Cionel Perez Called Up from Minors

HOU

Chris Devenski

Placed on 10-Day DL (Left hamstring tightness)

T E A M P L A Y E R T R A N S A C T I O N

LAD

Erik Goeddel Placed on 10-Day DL (Right lat inflammation)

MIN

Oliver Drake Acquired Off Waivers From Toronto

MIN

Johnny Field Acquired Off Waivers From Cleveland

MIN

Johnny Field Sent to Minors

NYM

Corey Oswalt Called Up from Minors

NYM

Steven MatzPlaced on 10-Day DL (Left flexor pronator strain)

NYY

Tommy Kahnle Called Up from Minors

NYY

Luis Cessa Sent to Minors

OAK

Ramon Laureano Called Up from Minors

T E A M P L A Y E R T R A N S A C T I O N

OAK

Carlos Ramirez Outrighted to Minors

PIT

Dovydas Neverauskas Called Up from Minors

PIT

Steven Brault Sent to Minors

SEA

Chasen Bradford Called Up from Minors

SEA

Juan NicasioPlaced on 10-Day DL (Right knee inflammation)

SF

Cesar Puello Signed to a Minor League Contract

STL

Tyler Lyons Outrighted to Minors

TB

Adam Kolarek Called Up from Minors

TB

Tommy Pham Placed on 10-Day DL (Fractured right foot)

T E A M P L A Y E R T R A N S A C T I O N

TOR

Brandon Cumpton Sent to Minors

TOR

Kevin PillarRemoved From 10-Day DL (Sprained right shoulder)