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KC Royals Fantasy Heroes: Kendrys Morales Is Back

By John Viril

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Free-agent acquisition Kendrys Morales is showing KC Royals fans that his poor 2014 was a fluke in KC’s 6-4 win over the Angels in Los Angeles on Saturday night.

Morales smacked three hits and drew one walk against the Angels. The designated hitter is making the Kansas City Royals faithful forget about departed favorite Billy Butler.

With their win on Saturday night, the KC Royals have started the season 5-0 for only the second time in club history (2003 when the team began 9-0 is the other instance).

 KENDRYS MORALES

Kansas City Royals general manager Dayton Moore drew lukewarm, at best, reactions from pundits for signing 32-year-old Kendrys Morales after his terrible 2014 season in Minnesota and Seattle (.207/.285/.347).

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 Morales only signed well after the season began due to Seattle tagging him in free-agency. He did not appear in a game with Minnesota until June. He never got untracked. Even a trade back to Seattle did not help.

Few expected a significant rebound from Kendrys Morales in 2015. The Steamer projection system saw him as a mere 0.5 WAR (wins above replacement) player, while ZiPS forecasted a 0.6 WAR season.

Well, Kendrys Morales has hit .400/.500/.700 with 1 home run, 3 doubles, 4 walks, and 4 RBIs in five games. This strong start follows a spring in which Morales slashed .313/.421/.625 for an 1.046 OPS.

Obviously, its a small sample size. But, Morales looks poised for a far better season than most expected from him in 2015. While Kendrys Morales might not qualify at any defensive position this season, he still could prove useful as a bench bat on your fantasy team.

He’s a clear get on 20-team leagues and A.L. only leagues.

AT THE PLATE

The KC Royals continue to beat up on opposing pitchers with 12 hits on Saturday night. They have hit home runs in all five games, including two in their victory over the Angels. The Kansas CIty Royals have been more patient at the plate than last year’s club, drawing four walks Saturday and 15 walks in 5 games.

Kendrys Morales was the beast on Saturday night, going 3 for 4 with 2 singles, 1 double, 1 walk, 1 run scored, and 1 RBI (4)

Salvador Perez struck the big blow with a two-run home run in the 4th that broke open the game by putting the Kansas City Royals up 5-1. Perez finished 2 for 4 with a single, home run, 1 run scored, and 2 RBIs (6).

Mike Moustakas hit a solo home run in the 4th inning to tie the game at 1-1. He also continued to use the opposite field by slashing a single to shallow left center to lead off the 9th inning. Moose finished 2 for 4 on the night, with 1 single, 1 home run, 1 walk, 1 run scored, and 1 RBI (2).

ON THE MOUND

Jeremy Guthrie went 7.0 innings, allowing 6 hits, 1 home run, 4 runs, 1 walk, with 2 strikeouts. Guthrie only struggled in the 5th inning, giving up three runs. While he was not dominant, it was good enough to earn the win (1-0).

Wade Davis entered in the 8th a pitched a clean inning.

Greg Holland earned his third save on the season with  a clean 9th inning that included 2 strikeouts.

KC Royals pitchers retired the final 13 Angels hitters in a row to finish the game.

UP NEXT

The KC Royals will go for their second consecutive series sweep by sending Yordano Ventura (1-0, 1.50 ERA) to the mound against the Angels. Los Angeles will counter with C.J. Wilson (1-0, 0.00 ERA). Game time is 1:35 PM CST at Angels Stadium in Anaheim.

Next: Salvador Perez Could Get Another New Contract

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