Kansas City Royals announce players of month for July... and one’s no longer with KC
Kansas City Royals outfielder Drew Waters couldn’t say enough good things about teammate Bobby Witt Jr.
Waters, who shares a locker next to the 23-year-old phenom, raved about Witt’s ability to hit for power and demonstrate elite speed on the base paths.
Waters eventually settled on one specific phrase when describing Witt:
Five tools.
“When people say five tools, he is a guy that has all five,” Waters said.
Witt has taken a step forward this season. He is hitting .262 with 18 home runs, 61 RBIs and 29 stolen bases. But he reached another level in July, producing an MLB-leading 15 extra-base hits and plenty of memorable highlights.
There was his walk-off grand slam against the Minnesota Twins. And nearly hitting for the cycle against the Cleveland Guardians.
Witt’s increased production did not go unnoticed by those covering the team. On Wednesday, he was named the club’s player of the month for July, as determined by voting conducted among local media.
Former teammate Ryan Yarbrough, traded Tuesday to the L.A. Dodgers, was selected as the Royals’ pitcher of the month.
“We have seen it now for a couple of months,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “His (Witt’s) at-bats have gotten better. His patience has improved and he is driving the ball to all fields. He is using his speed.
“I think, more so than anything, he has refined his zone at the plate.”
Witt has done damage in favorable counts. He posted a .452 average when hitting in a 1-1 count, with 14 hits, five home runs and 11 RBIs.
Witt said his success is a byproduct of having a consistent approach.
“I’m just trying to simplify it as much as possible and not really worry about the past at-bat or next at-bat,” he said. “It’s just worrying about that pitch and not trying to do too much or too little. Just trying to put a good swing on the ball. Look for pitches over the plate and be ready to hit.”
It’s the second consecutive month that Witt has earned the Royals’ monthly honor. He has won the club’s monthly award three times in his young career.
Yarbrough, meanwhile, led all Royals starting pitchers with a 2.19 ERA in four July starts, allowing just six runs while striking out 15. The Royals won three of those four games, including a 2-1 victory over the Twins on July 30.
In all, Yarbrough — acquired last offseason — appeared in 14 games (seven starts) with the Royals. He was dealt to the Dodgers for two minor-league prospects at Tuesday’s trade deadline.
He was a steady arm for the KC pitching staff after returning from a scary on-field incident: In May, Yarbrough was hit in the face by a line drive. He suffered skull fractures and was sidelined for two months.
Upon returning, Yarbrough went at least five innings in each of his appearances.
“Kind of a wild six months that he was with us, you know, with the freak accident a couple months ago,” Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said. “But the way he pitched here lately has been really impressive.”
The Royals entered August on a four-game winning streak and continued their three-game home series against the New York Mets Wednesday night.
This story was originally published August 2, 2023 at 6:45 PM.
