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KC Royals Fantasy Heroes: Alex Gordon Wakes Up

By John Viril

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Alex Gordon‘s bat returned from the dead on Wednesday with two singles, but the KC Royals still lost their first game of the season to the Twins 3-1.

The Kansas City Royals are now 7-1 on the season and slide to second place in the AL Central after the Tigers knocked off the Pirates 1-0 to go 8-1. Despite the loss, Kansas City’s strong start is still encouraging after most pundits projected a mediocre year following their 2014 trip to the World Series.

Somehow, I doubt a loss is going to bother a team that overcame a four-run deficit in their do-or-die Wild Card game against Oakland last fall.

ALEX GORDON

Well, on Monday I wrote that fantasy players should bench Alex Gordon until he shows something at the plate. On Wednesday, Gordon got his second and third hits of 2015.

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Though they were both singles, Alex Gordon at least made decent contact for the first time this season.

Gordon’s performance was good news for the KC Royals after the team lost right fielder Alex Rios to the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday after he broke his left pinky finger. The injury game after he was hit by a pitch, the 12th Kansas City Royals hitter nailed by opponents this season.

The KC Royals need Gordon to start carrying his weight at the plate to offset a thin outfield.

While Wednesday’s two-hit game is encouraging, I would still keep Alex Gordon on the bench if I have a solid alternative. I’m still not convinced he’s healthy.

Keep an eye on him.

AT THE PLATE

For the first time in seven games, the KC Royals did not hit a home run. They also suffered their first loss. Not only did the Kansas City Royals not hit a dinger, they didn’t even get an extra base hit despite nine singles.

The KC Royals also did not help themselves on the basepaths with a stolen base or a walk.

Alcides Escobar finished 3 for 4 with 3 singles.

Mike Moustakas went 2 for 4, with 2 singles and 1 run scored.

Alex Gordon chipped in with his first multi-hit game of the season, going 2 for 4 with 2 singles, and 1 RBI.

ON THE MOUND

Edinson Volquez pitched a decent game on Wednesday night, but got saddled with a tough loss (1-1). Volquez lasted 7.2 innings, allowing 5 hits, 1 walk, 3 runs, with 7 strikeouts. His big mistake came on a high fastball to Oswaldo Arcia, who parked it in the seats for a 2-run home run that broke a 1-1 tie in the 4th. 

Despite the loss, Volquez continues to show good command in 2015. His 2014 improvement in walks allowed appears to no fluke.

Franklin Morales entered in the 8th to record the final out of the inning. The Kansas City Royals bullpen has not surrendered a run in 19.1 innings in 2015.

UP NEXT

The KC Royals will finish their three-game series in Minnesota on Thursday night. Jason Vargas (1-0, 3.00 ERA) will pitch for the Kansas City Royals, opposed by Twins left-hander Tommy Milone (1-0, 0.00 ERA). Game time is 7:10 PM CST at Target Field in Minneapolis on April 16.

Next: Keys To Kansas City Royals Perfect Start

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