Royals Recap: Wade Davis Pitches Well; Mike Moustakas & Lorenzo Cain Go Deep
By Joel Wagler
The offense bounced back yesterday in the Kansas City Royals‘ 7-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Surprise, Arizona. The Royals had been in a bit of a slump recently but they produced 13 base hits in support of starter Wade Davis.
Mar 5, 2013; Surprise, AZ, USA; Kansas City Royals center fielder Lorenzo Cain (6) grounds into a fielder
On the Mound
Wade Davis saw his first major league action since being shut down after a March 3 start in which he strained his shoulder. He appeared healthy through 4 scoreless innings in which he allowed just 1 hit and 2 walks while striking out 2. He started the fifth but loaded the bases without recording an out. The bullpen held the damage to just 1 run. Davis appears to need some arm strengthening over the next two weeks before his first regular season start, probably in Philadelphia. Donnie Joseph and Dan Wheeler continue to pitch well in relief as they work to earn a spot on the final roster.
At the Plate
Not only did the Royals hitters knock out 13 hits but 7 were for extra bases. Mike Moustakas (4), Lorenzo Cain (1), and Johnny Goavotella (1) each sailed one over the fence. Among guys who will be starting, Alex Gordon, Moustakas, and Cain all still have spring batting averages over .400.
This and That
On April 11, there will be a special preview showing of the new movie “42”, a bio pic on Jackie Robinson at the AMC BarryWoods 24 theater (8101 Roanridge Road, Kansas City, Mo., 64151). Co-stars Harrison Ford (Branch Rickey) and Andre Holland are scheduled to attend. Tickets are available for $42 and $72, and multi-ticket VIP sponsorship packages are available for $10,000 and $25,000. Tickets are available only on-line at 42kansascity.com. Proceeds from the viewing will benefit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the Kansas City Sports Commission. Please show your support. If you’ve never been to the Negro Leagues baseball Museum, add it to your must see list. It represents an incredible and important part of not only baseball history, but the history of our nation as a whole.
Up Next
The Royals have an off day today so there will be no recap on Friday. Bruce Chen will pitch in a minor league game today and fellow 5th starter candidate Luis Mendoza will start in a minor league game on Friday. James Shields will take the mound for the Royals on Friday and face the Angels in Tempe, Arizona.
AL Central Notes
Detroit Tigers: One has to wonder why the Tigers are trying to trade starting pitcher Rick Porcello. This spring Porcello has thrown 18 innings. He has given up 5 runs, 14 hits, 0 walks, and struck out 18. His ERA is 2.50 and his WHIP is .78. Even in for springs numbers, those are boggling. Remember, most starting pitchers, especially after the first couple of weeks, are facing major league batters.
Cleveland Indians: Michael Brantley went 3-3 with a double and 2 RBI Wednesday against the Angels. Lonnie Chisenhall homered for the Indians.
Chicago White Sox: John Danks, returning from shoulder surgery, will most likely start the season on the DL. He has struggled mightily this spring. Adam Dunn played left field yesterday in preparation for interleague play (Could I make a better argument against interleague play?). Dunn threw out a runner at the plate during the game.
Minnesota Twins: Returning from a calf strain, third baseman Trevor Plouffe hopes to return to major league action on Friday after playing a few minor league games.