Kansas City Royals’ Daniel Lynch pitches five strong innings in spring win over Mariners
It took two spring training starts for Kansas City Royals left-hander Daniel Lynch to look like he’s ready for the regular season.
Lynch, who debuted last season and made 15 starts in the majors, pitched five innings and allowed one run in the Royals’ 11-4 win over the Seattle Mariners in front of an announced 2,730 at Peoria Stadium on Tuesday.
Lynch gave up one run on five hits, didn’t walk a batter and struck out two in a highly-efficient outing.
“He had the tempo going, controlled the strike zone, fastball came out (well), used the changeup, slider and the curveball in smart counts,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said of Lynch. “I thought it was just a very good outing.”
Lynch’s only run allowed came on a solo home run by Steven Souza Jr. in the fourth inning. Each of the other four hits Lynch allowed were singles. He also recorded nine ground-ball outs and praised his infield defense for its stellar play.
“I think the defense was incredible,” Lynch said. “Nicky (Lopez) made three plays very few other second baseman in the league make on a routine basis. (Adalberto Mondesi) made an awesome play. (Catcher Cam Gallagher) was awesome back there, as usual.
“I thought all around as a team we played awesome, then they gave me a bunch or runs to work with. I just tried to do my job, let the defense play. ”
The Royals scored 10 runs or more for the third consecutive game.
The Royals’ Kyle Isbel hit a three-run home run in the fourth inning. He was a late addition to the starting lineup as center field Michael A. Taylor was held out after being pulled from Monday’s game due to hip tightness.
Bobby Witt Jr. (2 for 3) and Carlos Santana (2 for 3) each had two hits and a run scored for KC. Whit Merrifield (1 for 3) doubled and scored a run as did Hunter Dozier (1 for 3).
Ryan O’Hearn (1 for 3) left the game with a mild left groin injury. He’s considered day-to-day, according to the Royals.
Dipoto family affair
A cool moment took place in the eighth inning when the Royals brought in right-handed minor-league pitcher Jonah Dipoto. Dipoto is the son of Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto.
Jerry watched from the press box suite as Jonah pitched against the Mariners.
Jonah, who was drafted in 2019, pitched for Single-A Quad Cities last season. Tuesday, he recorded a ground out to first, a strikeout on a called third strike and a fly ball to left field to retire the side in order.
In the dugout after he came off the field, he waved his hat towards his father in the press box.
“Without question, one of the best moments of my baseball career is when I was sitting (in the stands) watching my kid,” Matheny said. “I’m going to tell you, I’ve never been with my heart pumping so much as watching my own kid on a major-league field, even though it’s spring training. I know how special that is.
“The first thing (Jonah) needed to know when he came off that field was he deserved the right to be here. He was his team’s Pitcher of the Year last year. He’s done everything right. He’s going about it the right way. As you can see, he’s got good stuff. It gives me goosebumps as I see him over here. Those are memories he’ll never forget.”
Melendez made strides
The Royals reassigned two of their top 4 prospects (according to Baseball America’s rankings) after Monday’s game when they sent catcher MJ Melendez and first baseman Nick Pratto to Triple-A Omaha. Both were put on the 40-man roster this winter.
Triple-A players will break camp on Friday. The Omaha Storm Chasers start their regular season on the road in Indianapolis on April 5.
Last season while spending time at Double-A and Triple-A, Pratto won a minor-league Gold Glove, hit 36 home runs and posted a .385 on-base percentage.
Meanwhile, Melendez led all minor-league players with 41 home runs and posted a 1.011 OPS. Matheny raved about a different aspect of Melendez’s game on Tuesday.
“(Melendez was) probably the most improved player from a year ago,” Matheny said. “... How much he has improved defensively, is something we’re truly praising. We’re excited about that growth.”
Up Next
Royals right-hander Carlos Hernández will start on Wednesday against the San Francisco Giants, while left-handed reliever Amir Garrett and right-hander Jackson Kowar are also listed as probables.
Right-hander Brad Keller was originally slated to pitch in Peoria on Tuesday, but the Royals decided to have him throw in a “B” game instead. His outing wasn’t scheduled to start until after the Cactus League game in Peoria.
This story was originally published March 29, 2022 at 7:41 PM.
