A tattoo tale, ‘Ox’ & ‘Little Bill’: Kansas City Royals’ call-ups are living the dream

Samad Taylor is relishing his time with the Kansas City Royals.

His brief tenure has already been filled with memorable moments. There was the walk-off hit in his MLB debut and he’s made a handful of starts in the Royals’ lineup.

He’s also just enjoying the atmosphere. As he sat at his locker during a recent road swing through Detroit, he couldn’t stop laughing.

The story of Royals teammate Drew Waters’ mystery tattoo was hilarious.

“People don’t know that Drew has a tattoo of a lighting bolt on his rib,” Taylor said. “It was his first tattoo.”

Waters, who is in his first full season with the Royals, offered to elaborate. He said the tattoo has a special meaning. It reminds him to be electric on the field, even if he had to initially hide it from his parents.

“I kind of got it as a reminder,” he said, “and something I got to look at every day of what to take out there.”

Taylor and Waters have dynamic chemistry. They sit together in the clubhouse and discuss strategies in the outfield. Their friendship was cultivated in Triple-A and is reaching a new level in the majors.

“I click with Drew pretty well ...” Taylor said. “We are two outgoing guys and it’s been an amazing journey.”

Taylor, or “Little Bill,” as some teammates call him, is one of several young players called up by the Royals in recent weeks. He joined Darion Blanco, Austin Cox and James McArthur as the latest wave of prospects to get an extended look at the big-league level.

Each has earned his respective role. They all performed well in Triple-A and now get to live out a lifelong dream.

Cox was first called up earlier this season. He pitched two scoreless innings against the Baltimore Orioles on May 4. However, he was sent back down when the Royals needed to make room on their major-league roster.

A month later, Cox returned to the Royals. He has looked good in his promotion and set an MLB record in the process, becoming the first pitcher in the baseball’s expansion era (since 1961) to face 39 batters without allowing a hit to begin his career.

“Any time you are on a big-league mound, it’s really an honor,” Cox said. “It’s what you dream of. And I think that in those moments, I was focused on executing pitches.”

Cox, nicknamed “The Ox,” has soaked up knowledge from his veteran teammates. He spent one offseason training with Royals closer Scott Barlow. He also has chatted with catchers Salvador Perez and Freddy Fermin, who has been his catcher since rookie ball, as well.

“He’s been lights-out for sure,” Barlow said of Cox. “His fastball gets really good carry and I feel like he is able to use that in the zone a ton. I was saying to him to make sure he has a good catch (during bullpen sessions) and have intent with it.”

Cox said the toughest part of his learning curve has been dealing with recovery after games. He has transitioned to a relief role after being a starter in Triple-A. The change has shifted his mindset toward being ready to pitch every day.

Cox’s recovery regimen consists of multiple exercises. He sets his routine to build his core strength in the weight room. He also has set a plan to remain hydrated each day. The idea is to stay loose, given the uncertainty of when he will pitch in games.

“It’s been really easy to talk to everyone and pick their brains in the bullpen,” Cox said.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro has shuffled his lineups to give everyone ample playing time. Blanco has spent time in left field and center. He adds another speed element after stealing 47 bases in minor-league 49 games.

Blanco has also seen action as a pinch-runner and defensive substitute. He platoons with Taylor and Edward Olivares for playing time in the outfield.

McArthur is the newest addition to the Kansas City roster. He was acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies on May 8. Standing 6-foot-7 and throwing an overpowering fastball, he posted 31 strikeouts in 20 1/3 innings at the Triple-A level.

“It’s been super-smooth,” McArthur said of joining the Royals’ organization. “The guys in Omaha have been awesome. The guys here have been super-nice and welcoming. I’ve learned a lot from them.”

The Royals will continue to cycle in talented prospects this season. This is an evaluation period in their long-term rebuild plan.

And those young players will continue to have the opportunity to impress and solidify spots on the big-league roster.

“There is so much to learn at this level especially as a young player,” Waters said. “Every day you are learning something new.”

Despite their 22-56 record, the Royals have shown some competitive spirit. KC won two games against the MLB-leading Rays at Tropicana Field. They defeated rising Tampa Bay superstar pitcher Shane McClanahan.

Royals pitcher Jordan Lyles also picked up his first win in his 16th start of the year. He was welcomed with celebratory high-fives in the clubhouse afterward on Saturday.

“It’s starting to get time where we are all starting to sniff that we want to win,” Royals reliever Jackson Kowar said before returning to Triple-A Omaha. “I’m happy that we are here and everyone can debut with small, special moments. I think this group wants to come together and win as a team. I think that’s the next jump.”

The Royals begin a six-game homestand against the Cleveland Guardians and Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday at Kauffman Stadium.

This story was originally published June 26, 2023 at 5:30 AM.