Royals Rumblings - News for July 23, 2024

The K introduced facial recognition technology.

Anne Rogers has an update on MJ Melendez.

He’s recovering in Kansas City and has already started hitting in the cages and doing some defensive drills on the field. His timeline to return could be 10 days to two weeks, putting him in line to rejoin the team by the end of July or early August.

David Lesky thinks the Royals will add another bat.

With that in mind, I think they have two big moves left in them, and a bat is one of them. When I say big, I don’t necessarily mean it’ll be shocking in the game, but big for the Royals. I believe they’re going to get a guy who will be top-six or so in plate appearances the rest of the season, assuming health. They’ve been rumored to be in on Tommy Pham. I think he makes a lot of sense in an outfield corner as someone who can hit at the top of the lineup and as someone who probably would benefit from a few days off.

I heard some rumors about interest in Isaac Paredes a few days ago. I checked in with a few sources, and I think the general consensus is that the Royals would be interested.

Craig Brown notes that Brady Singer is flashing a sweeper lately.

Wait. I need a moment to collect myself. (Hell, it’s been almost 48 hours and I’m still having difficulty wrapping my head around this.) You’re telling me that Singer, the same Brady Singer who just can’t ever get comfortable throwing a changeup—or really any kind of third pitch beyond a four-seamer—found a new grip on the internet? And he was comfortable with it? And it worked?

Yeah, it did.

The Royals are introducing facial recognition scans at the K.

The Royals are introducing “facial authentication technology” for ticket-holders at Kauffman Stadium. This won’t be mandatory for fans who attend Royals games. It’ll just be an option for those who want to use the system.

“MLB Go-Ahead Entry allows opted-in ticketholders to enter the ballpark without stopping to scan their tickets from their mobile device,” the Royals said in a news release, “whether alone or in a group.”

Kevin O’Brien at Royals Reporter writes about four Royals players who could be key in the second half.

Preston Farr at Farm to Fountains writes about tradeable assets in the farm system.

Royals beat writer Jaylon Thompson tried the new “Taste of the K Taco”.

Amid trade rumors, Tarik Skubal has another impressive start.

The Braves sign Whit Merrifield, but he gets injured in pre-game activities.

Jazz Chisholm calls for robo-umps after a strike call against him.

ESPN ranks the top 25 MLB players of the century.

The Dodgers designate veteran pitcher James Paxton for assignment.

Jed Hoyer says the Cubs are looking beyond this season at the trade deadline.

Four years after uttering a slur on TV, Thom Brennamen is broadcasting on the CW.

Who will be on the 2025 Hall of Fame ballot?

The case for widening MLB foul lines.

How one man became baseball’s go-to glove doctor.

Warner Bros. Discovery officially matches Amazon’s NBA broadcast rights bid.

LeBron James lifts Team USA to edge out Germany in a pre-Olympics exhibition.

The billionaires trying to build a city in California from scratch are dropping their ballot measure for the project for now.

What Twisters gets right and wrong about tornadoes and science.

Why is The Bear nominated for an Emmy in the comedy category?

Your song of the day is Joe Esposito with You’re the Best.