Lane Adams on his major-league debut: ‘No words to describe the feeling’

In the long history of major-league baseball, there may never have been a more prepared pinch-runner than the Royals’ Lane Adams on Monday night.

In the Royals’ 4-3 win over Texas at Kauffman Stadium, Adams ran for designated hitter Raul Ibanez, who had drawn an eighth-inning walk.

It was the major-league debut for Adams, who was recalled from Class AA Northwest Arkansas earlier on Monday.

“(Manager Ned Yost) said if Raul gets on in his next at-bat, you’re going to run for him, so be ready,” Adams said. “I was down in the hall running and stretching for about three innings. The excitement was building up, so I had to do something to calm it down.”

Adams, who was the Royals’ 13th-round draft pick in 2009, hit .269 with 25 doubles, three triples and 11 homers for the Naturals. He also stole 38 bases.

After a slow start, Adams hit .323 in 133 at-bats after the All-Star break, despite missing time after being hit in the wrist with a pitch.

And now, he’s officially a major-leaguer, which may explain why his phone wouldn’t stop making noises after the game.

“I didn’t know what to think,” Adams said. “There are no words to describe the feeling. To be able to step on the field in a playoff chase in September? Wow. It’s really exciting.”

Royals chances of making the playoffs

From Baseball Prospectus: 65 percent

From The Star

Greg Holland and the bullpen were certainly fresh enough to close out a 4-3 win over Texas.

Sam Mellinger on what Salvador Perez means to the team.

Eric Hosmer was back and Billy Butler was on the bench Monday.

Some good music

“Everybody’s Fightin’ The Same Damn Fight” by The Lovemakers

This story was originally published September 2, 2014 at 9:21 AM.