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KC Royals Fantasy Heroes: Alex Gordon Struggling At Plate

By John Viril

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KC Royals left fielder Alex Gordon is still struggling at the plate. Despite another 0 for 3 performance from Gordon, the Kansas City Royals smashed the Twins 12-3 Monday afternoon.

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The Kansas City Royals are the last unbeaten team in major-league baseball, running their record to a perfect 7-0.

Alex Gordon and Alex Rios were the only KC Royals not to get a hit in KC’s 13-hit barrage that included 3 doubles and 1 home run. Even Omar Infante, who has been nursing a bone spur in his right elbow, managed a double.

Overall, several poor misplays in the field by the Twins showed the value of Kansas City’s outstanding defense. Minnesota was charged with two errors, and probably deserved at least two more.

Minnesota miscues helped the KC Royals score the lead run in the 3rd, and prolonged multi-run rallies in the 6th and 8th innings.

ALEX GORDON

Alex Gordon went 0 for 3, with 1 walk and 1 run scored. His hitless performance on Monday caused his slash line to sink to an abysmal .063/.348/.063 for an OPS (on base plus slugging) of .408.

Alex Gordon isn’t even making loud outs. His low batting average is no accident. He’s simply not making good contact.

This poor early-season performance follows a spring in which Gordon slashed a mere .200/.200/.286 for an anemic OPS of .486.

Alex Gordon does not look right after off-season surgery on his right wrist. He is, however, still contributing on defense. But, that isn’t going to help fantasy owners much. Few leagues include any kind of defensive statistics.

If you have Alex Gordon on your roster, I’d sit him until he shows some kind of improvement at the plate. Right now, he’s simply a black hole in your lineup. You’d be better off playing almost anyone on your roster than Alex Gordon.

AT THE PLATE

The Kansas City Royals have hit at least one home run in each of their seven games, for a total of 10 homers on the 2015 season. Kansas City hitters sport a team batting average of .324 and an OPS of .932.

The Royals took a commanding 5-1 lead after scoring three runs in the 6th. When the Twins threatened to make it a game by scoring single runs in the 6th and 7th innings, the KC Royals responded with a six-run 8th that effectively ended the game.

While no one expects them to maintain this pace at the plate, it’s sure fun while it lasts.

Designated hitter Kendrys Morales continues to get it done at the plate. He finished the day 2 for 4, with 1 single, 1 home run, 1 walk, 2 runs scored, and 1 RBI (5). For the season, Morales has a ludicrous .414/.500/.724 line.

If Kendrys Morales is still available in your league, you need to grab him ASAP.

Eric Hosmer also chipped in with two hits after going 0 for 5 on Sunday. Hosmer went 2 for 4, with 1 single, 1 double, 2 runs scored, and 2 RBIs (7).

Mike Moustakas, Salvador Perez, and Alcides Escobar also contributed two hits on the day.

ON THE MOUND

Danny Duffy made his second start of the season and picked up his first win (1-0) despite not looking particularly sharp. Duffy pitched 6.1 innings, allowing 6 hits, 1 walk, and 3 runs while striking out 3.

Ryan Madson entered with one out in the 7th inning. Madson pitched 1.2 innings, allowing 1 hit, 0 runs and striking out 3. Ryan Madson showed good velocity on his fastball, averaging 93.4 mph and touching 94.

Franklin Morales pitched his first inning of the season in the 9th, allowing no hits or runs and notching 1 strikeout.

UP NEXT

The KC Royals play the second game of a three-game series in Minnesota on Tuesday night. The Royals will send Edinson Volquez (1-0, 1.13 ERA) to the mound against Kyle Gibson (0-1, 14.73 ERA) for the Twins. Game time is 7:10 PM CST at Target Field in Minneapolis.

Next: KC Royals Bats Key To Fast Start

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