The KC Royals are removing some of the defensive responsibilities for MJ Melendez
The Royals recalled catcher Freddy Fermin from Triple-A Omaha as part of a flurry of moves Tuesday, and it signaled a change for MJ Melendez.
Melendez has played 15 games in the outfield this season and 10 at catcher. Going forward, Melendez will only be an outfielder. Salvador Perez will remain the Royals’ main catcher and Fermin will be the backup.
Royals manager Matt Quatraro called it a “short term” move.
“Now that doesn’t mean that within a game if something happens and we pinch run for Salvy or Freddy is out of the game or whatever, MJ can certainly go back there,” Quatraro said. “But as far as starting games in the short term, as long as the other guys are healthy, he’s gonna play in the outfield.”
The move is being made in an effort to unlock Melendez at the plate.
After a promising rookie season in 2022, Melendez entered Tuesday with a .174 batting average and 37 strikeouts in 25 games. His strikeout rate (35.2%) is the second-highest rate in baseball, according to Fangraphs.
Only the Marlins’ Jazz Chisholm (35.7%) has a higher rate.
Baseball Savant’s statistics show Melendez is below average in chase rate, but he’s among the best in baseball in average exit velocity and hard-hit rate.
“Offensively, we’ve got to get him on track,” Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said. “He hits at the top of the lineup for us or somewhere in the top all the time. He’s done that really since he’s gotten here. So (we’re) taking a little bit off of his mind from a preparation standpoint, because these catchers put a lot of work into getting ready for a game.
“But taking that off of his mind right now and just focusing on the bat we think will pay dividends and just something we thought we should do at this point.”
Whether or not it’s coincidental, Melendez hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the first inning of Tuesday’s game.
This story was originally published May 2, 2023 at 9:54 PM.
