The Kansas City Royals have been at their best offensively in June, scoring 129 runs through the month with four games remaining. It marks the most runs Kansas City has scored in a single month this season.
The Royals put up 117 runs in April before totaling just 95 during a difficult offensive month in May. This month, however, multiple bats have heated up and contributed to the team’s offensive production.
Young sluggers Jac Caglianone and Carter Jensen have been swinging the bat well in June. But another Royals hitter has also put together a strong month at the plate.
Nick Loftin has quietly provided a spark for the Royals’ offense
While most of the attention has been on Jac Caglianone’s outstanding offensive month, utility man Nick Loftin has continued to produce at the plate.
So far this month, Loftin is slashing .288/.368/.530 with three home runs in 66 at-bats. He has also drawn eight walks and collected five doubles.
The right-handed hitter entered June without a home run this season. For a player not known for his power, hitting three home runs this month is an encouraging sign that he is seeing the ball well.
Loftin came into the season coming off a productive spring training as he competed for one of the final spots on the Opening Day roster.
When second baseman Michael Massey was placed on the injured list to begin the season, Loftin earned a spot on the roster. Then, when Jonathan India underwent season-ending surgery, Loftin’s opportunities continued to grow.
Even outside of June, the 27-year-old has enjoyed one of the better offensive stretches of his career this year.
Loftin has consistently put together quality at-bats this season. He owns a 12.7% strikeout rate, along with a 14.4% whiff rate, a 22.2% chase rate and a 33% squared-up rate, according to Statcast.
Loftin can play nearly anywhere on the diamond, making him one of the Royals’ most versatile players. His defensive flexibility gives Kansas City even more opportunities to keep him on the field.
While the season has not gone as planned for Kansas City, June has brought optimism for the future. With several young players stepping up and the offense producing at a much higher level, it will be interesting to see what lies ahead for the Royals.
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