Royals Rumblings – News for April 7, 2025

Kris is Bubalicious.

Bobby Witt Jr. fell a home run short of the cycle on Sunday.

The elusive cycle remains at large for the time being.

“In some ways, it’s luck,” Witt said. “But in some ways, you just let the game happen.”

Anne Rogers writes about Kris Bubic’s dominant start on Sunday.

Bubic has always had a good changeup, but it has way more depth to it now that he’s spiking his finger on it. That’s why so many Orioles were swinging through changeups way below the zone.

“Especially a strike-to-ball changeup when it stays in the zone awhile and dips down late, that’s going to be an important pairing going forward,” Bubic said. “I can still get more out of both sliders. But just to have multiple weapons is nice.”

Vahe Gregorian writes that Bucic has been the best Royals starter through the first stretch of games.

No wonder manager Matt Quatraro says he’s not sure who counts as what number in the rotation.

“I know there’s a lot made out of who starts opening day and who’s fifth, but these guys are all going to make 30-plus starts hopefully, right?” he said. “And so once the season gets going, I lose track of who’s one and who’s four, who’s five.”

Sam McDowell writes about the friendship between Hunter Harvey and Orioles first baseman Ryan Mountcastle.

Mountcastle stood in Harvey’s wedding. In fact, that’s about the only reason they stopped being roommates. They each had a girlfriend, and at some point it didn’t make sense to live together anymore.

When they talked this week, Harvey had a message for Mountcastle.

“We’re not in D.C. anymore,” Harvey said. “where it’s hot and the ball flies.

“We’re at The K now on a cold night. I’ll take my odds against you.”

Jaylon Thompson writes about MJ Melendez’s struggles.

“Obviously, I would’ve liked to (have) gotten off to a great start,” Melendez said before Saturday’s game. “But honestly, it’s not how you start but how you finish. The best year I ever had in pro ball, I started off like 2-for-30-something. I’m not too worried about it. I know it will come and I’ve just got to stick with the process every day.”

Melendez has a positive mindset. He admitted baseball has a humbling nature and negativity can be cumbersome. It’s why he made slight changes to his routine to better prepare himself for each game.

“I started working with a mental performance coach,” Melendez said. “That’s definitely something that I’m excited about and something that can kind of help me propel in the right direction and get me to where I want to be at.”

Reliever Sam Long is also struggling.

“I need to make them more uncomfortable,” Long said. “I think they’re expecting my pitches to move away from them. … I should not be having as many issues with lefties as I am right now.”

Alec Marsh had a minor setback in rehab.

Jac Caglianone’s first home run of the year was a mammoth shot.

Mariners outfielder Victor Robles makes an amazing catch crashing into the fence, but injuring himself in the process.

The Rockies pull of a spectacular triple play against the Athletics.

Roki Sasaki shows his potential in a Dodgers win.

Blake Snell hits the Injured List.

Rockies pitcher Chase Dollander strikes out six in his MLB debut.

Rob Manfred says the new torpedo bats are good for baseball.

The Blue Jays are reportedly making progress on an extension for Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

The Pirates will re-add the Roberto Clemente logo in right field at PNC Park after removing it.

What’s behind Tommy Edman’s power surge?

The Athletic writes that the Cubs are a revenue machine, so why don’t they spend more? [$]

Jerry Reinsdorf isn’t looking to sell the White Sox.

Yankees catcher Austin Wells likes to review breakfast burritos.

Elbow injuries are becoming an epidemic in baseball.

The UConn women’s basketball team wins their 12th national title.

Alex Ovechkin becomes the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer, passing Wayne Gretzky.

Gen Z is reviving Tumblr.

Judges weren’t pleased with an AI avatar used to argue a case in court.

A YouTuber is arrested for approaching an uncontacted tribe in India.

Your song of the day is Pearl Jam with Even Flow.