KC Royals Fantasy Heroes: Omar Infante Joins the Party

KC Royals struggling second baseman Omar Infante finally joined the hit parade in Kansas City’s 11-5 win over the Cleveland Indians Tuesday. Infante, who came into the game hitting .235, stroked three hits and drove in two runs.

The Kansas City Royals reclaimed sole possession of first place in the A.L. Central by a half game over Detroit, who lost to the Twins 3-2. The Royals have the best record in the American League.

So much for the team having a mediocre season after their “fluke” World Series appearance last fall.

OMAR INFANTE

Omar Infante has played with a bone spur in his elbow since the spring, and was one of the few KC Royals that started the season slowly (the other being Alex Gordon).

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He’s looked weak at the plate, with an average the hovered below the Mendoza line (.200) until the team’s April 17 win over Oakland (infamous for Brett Lawrie spiking Alcides Escobar, which touched off an ugly weeks that included a brawl and multiple ejections).

Since then, Infante has gone 9 for 24 with 4 of his 6 extra base hits on the season (all doubles). While Omar Infante’s slash line remains a mediocre .268/.263/.375 with an OPS of .638, he looks much better at the plate since his weak swings early in the season.

He’s still not worth regular play in most fantasy lineups. Infante’s been something of a disappointment since signing with the Kansas City Royals as a free agent in 2014.

Omar Infante is still not starting material in a 10 or 12-team fantasy league, but could be worth spot play in deeper 20-team, or A.L. only leagues, as he heats up.

AT THE PLATE

The KC Royals blasted Cleveland pitching to the tune of 18 hits, 11 runs, and 6 extra base hits that included home runs by Alex Gordon and Kendrys Morales.

The Kansas City Royals lead all of baseball with a .305 team batting average and rank 3rd with a .815 OPS.

On Tuesday, KC Royals bats awoke to plate six runs in the 7th inning after Cleveland had wiped out a 3-2 Kansas City lead on Brandon Moss‘ 3-run home run in the bottom of the 6th.

The KC Royals looked like they were toying with Cleveland.

Every Kansas City Royal hitter except Lorenzo Cain smacked at least one hit. Even Cain managed to reach base with a walk.

Kendrys Morales struck the big blow with a 3-run shot in the 7th inning that put the game out of reach at 9-5. Morales went 3 for 5 with 1 single, 1 double, 1 home run (3), 4 runs scored, and 3 RBIs (14).

If you haven’t already picked up Morales in your fantasy league, you’re probably already too late. He’s one of the surprise fantasy bats of MLB’s first month. You might consider selling high on Morales, since he’s likely too cool off from his torrid pace.

Alex Gordon had another big day, going 2 for 3, with a single, home run (3), 2 walks, 2 runs scored, and 2 RBIs (11). Gordon is past his early season struggles and is a great fantasy play right now.

Omar Infante finished 3 for 5 with 1 double, 2 singles, 1 run scored, and 2 RBIs (7).

Salvador Perez continues to hit well, with a 3 for 5 night with 3 singles, 1 run scored, and 1 RBI (13).

Alcides Escobar stroked two hits, but banged up his knee scoring the go-ahead run in the 7th inning. While Escobar remained in the game, the injury bears watching since he hurt the same leg that Brett Lawrie spiked on April 17.

ON THE MOUND

Jeremy Guthrie wobbled through 5.0 innings, allowing  6 hits, 3 walks, and 4 earned runs with 3 strikeouts. Guthrie left the game after surrendering two baserunners in the 6th inning.

Brandon Finnegan saw his first action of 2015, pitching the 6th inning. Finnegan allowed 2 hits, 1 walk, and 1 earned run. Despite giving up Brandon Moss’ 3-run shot in the 6th, and allowing both inherited base-runners to score, he earned the win (1-0) courtesy of KC Royals hitters producing a 6-run outburst in the 7th.

Chris Young pitched the 7th inning, allwing 1 hit and 0 runs.

Jason Frasor entered in the 8th and pitched a clean inning with 1 strikeout.

Yohan Pino finished off the 9th with another clean inning with 1 strikeout.

The KC Royals bullpen has continued their dominance from 2014, even with closer Greg Holland on the disabled list.

UP NEXT

Yordano Ventura (2-1, 4.09) will start the final game of the series for the KC Royals on Wednesday. He will be opposed by Danny Salazar (2-0, 2.08 ERA) for Cleveland. Game time is April 29, 5:10 PM CST at Jacobs Field in Cleveland.

Next: KC Royals: Evaluating Division Rival Cleveland Indians