In a somewhat surprising move, the Royals have optioned second baseman Nicky Lopez to Triple-A, per Lynn Worthy of the Kansas City Star (via Twitter). Whit Merrifield is now in line to move in from the outfield to man second base, notes the Athletic’s Alec Lewis (via Twitter).
Looking at the numbers, it’s not a shock to see Lopez sent down for further seasoning. His 55 wRC+ across 192 plate appearances in 2020 ranked dead last among the 142 qualified hitters in the Majors. He slashed .201/.286/.266 with a meager .065 ISO. Specifically, the quality of his contact was lacking: He finished in the fourth percentile league-wide for exit velocity, barrel rate, and expected slugging. That said, he provides elite defense at the keystone, he runs well, and with a 9.4 percent walk rate and 21.4 percent strikeout rate, his approach at the plate is solid.
Despite his struggles, the Royals have stood behind Lopez. It certainly seemed as if they were planning on entering 2021 with Lopez as their starting second baseman. Per MLB.com’s Anne Rogers (via Twitter), manager Mike Matheny commented, saying, “We had some conversations, knowing that we have some time to get his swing in the right place. He’s been working the last several days and has made some good strides.”
With Lopez heading to Triple-A and Merrifield moving to second, Kyle Isbel looks like a possibility to start the season in right field. He would need to be added to the 40-man roster, as does Hanser Alberto, who seems likely to make the roster as a reserve infielder. Alberto could benefit from extra playing time, with Hunter Dozier seeing time in right. If not Isbell, Jarrod Dyson, Nick Heath, Edward Olivares, or Ryan McBroom could be given more playing time in the outfield. Alternatively, Jorge Soler could see time in right, and the Royals could deploy a rotating designated hitter.
Looks like Kyle Isbel may have just landed on the 26-man roster.
Not surprising. Lopez cannot hit and you just can’t have black holes in your lineup anymore to win. Lopez might turn into a fine utility player but he shouldn’t be handed starting ABs. My guess is Isbel starts the first two months as the starter, then if Bobby Witt hits and the team is good, he gets called up to play 2nd or 3rd, which Dozier or Whit moving to RF.
Unless Isbel is solid, in which case you have a nice problem on your hands.
Clearly service time manipulation.
Obviously.
Sarcasm?
Very much so. Lopez has been dreadful.
Now that’s surprising but it’s not like he hasn’t been given ample time to establish himself & it just hasn’t happened with the stick.
That said I think he’ll be back sooner rather than later.
Kyle Isbel, c’mon down!!!
The Royals probably have 13 or 14 (depending how many they carry) Pitchers on the roster that hit better than Lopez. Isbel has done nothing but hit all spring and is certainly deserving of a shot
Isbel’s done nothing but hit since becoming a pro save a stretch with the Rox in 2019. heck of a sleeper prospect.
?? Isbel was never with the Rox. You lost me. Maybe I’m misunderstanding what you’re saying.
sorry, Blue Rox, A+ affiliate for the Royals for a bit. forgive the colloquialism, i went to a few of their games in the past.
Just an FYI, there’s a cap of 13 pitchers on the new 26-man roster.
i think they actually reversed that rule this year
Ah, I didn’t realize that. I stand corrected.
Imagine you time travel from 1978 to today and read that a 21% strikeout rate is a positive.
Imagine you time travel from 1978 and see middle infielders who can actually hit.
Nicky Lopez has shown nothing
Hanser should play everyday. Professional hitter!
A surprise!!!!!
Nicky left his baseball bat in his high school locker. He still has not found it.
Wrong…..apparently you haven’t seen what he did in AA and AAA. He will be back to that soon.