Thus far, the Kansas City Royals have been a major disappointment.
They are tied for last in the AL Central with the Detroit Tigers and have the second-worst run differential in the American League at minus-48.
Star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.’s knee soreness won’t make claiming wins any easier if the injury turns into something more.
In the outfield, Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller writes that the Royals should be letting the young guys play. He questions why Kansas City has not already designated a 37-year-old designated hitter and outfielder for assignment.
“It’s probably going to be a similar story if the Royals give up the ghost on [Starling] Marte, who has yet to homer or steal a base despite being on Kansas City’s active roster since Opening Day,” Miller wrote Monday.
Marte, a two-time All-Star and Gold Glove Award winner, is not the same caliber of player he was in the past with the Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Mets.
Speed was a major factor in Marte’s game, but he has just one stolen base attempt all year.
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“It’s surprising they haven’t given either Kameron Misner or John Rave a shot in Marte’s spot. The pair of 28-year-old outfielders with a bit of MLB experience has combined for 21 home runs and 23 stolen bases at Triple-A Omaha,” Miller added. “(Then again, the Royals seem to have their sights set on draft lottery odds, so maybe they’ll just let it ride with Marte on his $1M deal.)”
Marte’s career is on the back nine, but maybe he finds a suitable fit with a contender if he is DFA’d or traded.
However, it’s hard to imagine he has much value at this moment.
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