Royals Release Jordan Lyles, Make Strategic Draft Picks: A Roundup of Recent Moves

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22/07/2024 16h12

In a series sweep against the White Sox, the Kansas City Royals showcased an impressive performance by pitcher Lugo, earning chants of "LUGO, LUGO" from the fans at Kauffman Stadium. The team's manager, Quatraro, expressed satisfaction with Lugo's game control, emphasizing the rightness of their decision to include him in the lineup. Lugo himself described the experience as special, noting that the chants will be a memory he won't forget.

Lugo's dominance on the mound was evident as he threw twice as many strikes as balls in Sunday's game, a feat that caught the attention of both fans and analysts alike. Witt, a commentator, praised Lugo for his ability to dissect opposing hitters, highlighting his skill set and potential contributions to the team's success.

Meanwhile, in a separate but equally significant move, the Royals made the decision to release pitcher Jordan Lyles. After a months-long absence, Lyles had been participating in simulated games in Arizona. However, the Royals deemed him not ready to jump back into the Major Leagues and join their pitching staff of thirteen. As the 30-day deadline approached, the organization had to make a definitive choice, resulting in Lyles' release. Royals' senior vice president and assistant general manager, Scott Sharp, refrained from providing detailed comments out of respect for Lyles' personal circumstances but emphasized that the decision was made in the best interest of the organization.

Additionally, a conversation with Cole Ragans shed light on the adjustments he has made to his pitching approach. Ragans explained that changes to his arm slot and position on the rubber had impacted the trajectory and feel of his pitches, specifically his slider. After altering his positioning back to the original setup, Ragans noticed a significant improvement in his slider's performance, leading to a solid season with a 3.16 ERA and a 2.67 FIP.

In the recent MLB draft, the Royals made strategic picks that pleased many observers. The team's decision to select Jac Caglianone at number six was particularly noteworthy, as it demonstrated a departure from previous years' draft strategies. Rather than deviating from the best player available, the Royals chose to prioritize talent and capitalize on new scouting director Brian Bridges' influence.

With these recent moves, the Kansas City Royals are showing their commitment to improving their roster and making strategic decisions that can potentially contribute to their success on the field. Fans and analysts eagerly await the impact of these changes as the team continues their journey through the 2021 season.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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