Royals defeat Reds, improve to 8-3 in Cactus League play – Farm to Fountains

Final Score: Royals 7 | Reds 3

Overall Spring Record: 8-3

Perez and Melendez are finding their timing: After launching his first home run of the spring on Friday, Perez was back in the lineup Sunday. He finished his day 3 for 3 with an RBI. His average is now up to .267 in Cactus League play this spring. Hitting fifth on Sunday and behind Perez was outfielder MJ Melendez. Melendez finished his day 2 for 3 with 2 RBI and his first home run of the spring. He’s off to a scorching start, hitting .357 thus far.

Nick Pratto continues to make his case: Nick Pratto continued to make his case for a place on the 26-man roster on Sunday. The first baseman finished the day 2 for 3. Pratto looked on track in 2023 after a call-up to Kansas City but quickly fell flat as the strikeouts crept back up on him. Eventually, an injury sidelined him and shortened his 2023 season. This spring, he’s now hitting .429 with a 1.110 OPS. Over 14 at-bats he’s struck out zero times.

Daniel Lynch continues to work back: Daniel Lynch pitched three innings on Sunday. He finished his day allowing two earned runs with two walks and a strikeout. His ERA this spring is now 4.50, but he did come away with the win. Perhaps more importantly than the box score stats, Lynch was sitting 92-93 mph against the Reds. He continues to work his way back fully from injury but the velocity hasn’t come quite yet.

Hunter Renfroe: 0/3, 2 K

Nick Loftin: 1/2, 2 RBI, BB, HR

Austin Nola: 1/3

Bobby Witt Jr.: 1/3, HR, RBI

Michael Wacha: 2.0 IP, 3 H, 1ER, 0 BB, 1 SO

Luis Cessa: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 SO

The Royals have an off day on Monday. They’ll continue their Cactus League schedule on Tuesday against the Chicago Cubs. Brady Singer is the probable starter for Kansas City, while Chicago is yet to name a starter. The game will be at Surprise Stadium, starting at 7:05 CST.

Also of note on Sunday, the Royals moved four players to minor league camp. After Sunday’s game, pitchers Mason Barnett and Chandler Champlain were assigned to minor league camp. Catchers Carter Jensen and Luca Tresh were also re-assigned to minor league camp. There are now 62 players for the Royals in major league spring training.