Kansas City Royals vs. Chicago Cubs - News - August 20, 2023

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Christopher Morel - Gets Monday offMorel is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Tigers.

ImpactNick Madrigal will enter the lineup at third base and serve as the de facto replacement for Morel, who had served as the Cubs' designated hitter for each of the past 13 games. Morel went just 2-for-23 with eight strikeouts in the last six of those contests, however, so manager David Ross may just be giving the 24-year-old a mental break Monday.

AUGUST 21, 2023•ROTOWIRE

Julio Rodríguez's historic stretch lands him atop Ben Verlander's team of the week

Julio Rodríguez's recent history-making stretch earned him the top spot on Ben Verlander's team of the week.

AUGUST 21, 2023

Julio Rodríguez's historic stretch lands him atop Ben Verlander's team of the week

Tucker Davidson - Likely serving as opener MondayDavidson is listed as the Royals' probable starting pitcher Monday in Oakland and is expected to work as an opener in front of bulk reliever Alec Marsh.

ImpactThe Royals haven't clarified their pitching plans for the series opener, but Monday is Marsh's turn in the rotation and he worked behind an opening pitcher in his last outing Wednesday, so it stands to reason that the club will go that route again. Davidson made 11 starts between stops with Atlanta and Anaheim in 2022, but he's pitched exclusively in relief over 24 appearances with the Angels and Royals in 2023. Davidson hasn't covered more than four innings in any of those appearances and hasn't worked more than two innings since the beginning of June, so he's unlikely to stay in the game for more than once through the Athletics' batting order before giving way to Marsh.

AUGUST 21, 2023•ROTOWIRE

Father praises Royals minor-leaguer who played catch with young fan of opposing teamThis was a cool moment from a Royals minor-league game.

AUGUST 21, 2023•KANSASCITY.COM

Matt Duffy - Notches rare stealDuffy went 0-for-3 with a stolen base in Sunday's 4-3 loss to the Cubs.

ImpactDuffy got aboard on a fielder's choice in the second inning and proceeded to record his first steal of the season. The infielder last swiped a bag in 2021 when he picked up eight steals in 97 games with the Cubs. The 32-year-old has seen a little extra playing time lately with Maikel Garcia (ribs) dealing with a nagging injury. Duffy is slashing .258/.315/.319 with one home run, 12 RBI and 15 runs scored over 178 plate appearances, mainly serving as a short-side platoon option this season.

AUGUST 21, 2023•ROTOWIRE

Bobby Witt Jr. - Keeps running SundayWitt went 1-for-4 with a stolen base and a run scored in Sunday's 4-3 loss to the Cubs.

ImpactWitt went nine games without a steal in the middle of August, but he's responded with three thefts over his last two contests. He's been automatic lately, hitting .382 with six home runs, eight steals, 19 RBI and 16 runs scored through 18 games this month. The shortstop is up to a .281/.320/.500 slash line with 37 steals, 24 homers, 79 RBI and 71 runs scored while routinely hitting second.

AUGUST 21, 2023•ROTOWIRE

Ben Zobrist was at Royals-Cubs game over weekend and received nice ovation from fansThe World Series hero from 2015 and 2016 heard cheers from Royals and Cubs fans.

AUGUST 21, 2023•KANSASCITY.COM

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Kansas City Royals vs. Chicago Cubs - News: Aug 20, 2023

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Julio Rodríguez's historic stretch lands him atop Ben Verlander's team of the week