The Kansas Metropolis Royals offense didn’t present up on Thursday, managing simply 5 hits and one stroll as they have been shut out by the Rays, 4-0.
Not solely have been the Royals shut out for the second consecutive sport, that loss marked the tenth time they’ve been shut out this season. The Royals have scored only one run in 13 different video games. It’s not a shock that Kansas Metropolis ranks last in the majors with 263 runs scored this season.
Adjustments have been made. Outfielder MJ Melendez, who had posted an atrocious .085/.173/.170 batting line in 52 plate appearances, was banished to Triple-A in mid-April. High outfield prospect Jac Caglianone made his debut on June 3 and has but to ascertain himself because the slugger the Royals want him to be. The likes of outfielders Drew Waters and John Rave, in addition to utilityman Nick Loftin, have acquired taking part in time because the Royals desperately attempt to discover one thing that works.
Established veterans are struggling as effectively. Catcher Salvador Perez is within the midst of his worst season offensively in his profession. First baseman Vinnie Pasquantino has been respectable however has not developed as anticipated. The Royals have solely three hitters with greater than 15 plate appearances who have been above average this season because the lineup has hamstrung top-of-the-line pitching staffs within the league.
One thing wants to vary in Kansas Metropolis. Whereas the Royals ought to look so as to add one other bat, or three, throughout the offseason, that doesn’t change their disappointing efficiency offensively in 2025.
It’s time to take an extended have a look at hitting coach Alec Zumwalt.
The truth that Zumwalt is a hitting coach is weird given his playing career. He started his time within the minors as an outfielder however was transformed to the mound after three seasons; Zumwalt had simply 39 extra plate appearances over his subsequent seven years as a participant. He had additionally served because the Royals director of player development and hitting performance, doubtlessly explaining why shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. is likely one of the few offensive success tales that the Royals developed.
After posting an 86-76 document en path to a playoff berth, the Royals had excessive expectations coming into 2025. A moribund efficiency offensively has torpedoed these hopes on the halfway level of the 12 months. If the Royals are going to make a run to the postseason, modifications have to be made. And people modifications want to start with Zumwalt.
