Tampa Bay Rays vs. Kansas City Royals - News - July 15, 2023 | FOX Sports

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・July 15, 2023 July 15 Jul 15

Rays beat Royals 6-1, led by Siri's 2 HRs

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Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, MO

Salvador Perez - Leaves with hamstring discomfortPerez was removed from Sunday's game against Rays in the second inning with left hamstring discomfort, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports.

ImpactPerez went from first to home on an MJ Melendez double in the first inning, and it would seem he injured himself in the process. The veteran backstop will undergo testing to determine the full extent of the injury. Perez has been with Kansas City his entire career and remains under contract for two more years. Royals GM J.J. Picollo told Anne Rogers of MLB.com last month that he had "no intention" of trading Perez at this year's deadline.

JULY 16, 2023•ROTOWIRE

Salvador Perez - Early exit SundayPerez was removed from Sunday's game against the Rays in the second inning, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports.

ImpactPerez singled in the first inning and went from first to home on an MJ Melendez double. It's unclear if he injured himself on the play, but Perez was lifted for a pinch hitter the next inning. The game was delayed by an hour due to rain in Kansas City.

JULY 16, 2023•ROTOWIRE

Dairon Blanco - Nabs sixth stealBlanco went 1-for-2 with one RBI and a stolen base in a 4-2 loss to the Rays in Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader.

ImpactBlanco was on the bench in the afternoon game before getting the start in right field for the nightcap. He picked up his sixth steal of the year but was also caught stealing for the third time. Blanco remains in a part-time role while batting .188 with three RBI, four runs scored, three doubles and two triples over 52 plate appearances. The limited playing time nullifies most of the benefit of his speed from a fantasy perspective.

JULY 16, 2023•ROTOWIRE

Drew Waters - Gets aboard three times SaturdayWaters went 2-for-6 with a walk, a stolen base and a run scored over both games of Saturday's doubleheader versus the Rays.

ImpactWaters went 2-for-10 with six strikeouts over the four games leading into the All-Star break, but he was a bit more productive in the Royals' return to action. The outfielder has hit .322 over his last 18 contests and is at a .244/.300/.353 slash line with three home runs, four steals, 12 RBI and 16 runs scored through 39 games overall. He should continue to see plenty of playing time between right field and center field.

JULY 16, 2023•ROTOWIRE

MJ Melendez - Notches fifth stealMelendez went 2-for-8 with a stolen base across both games of Saturday's doubleheader versus the Rays.

ImpactMelendez's steal came in the afternoon contest. He's gone 17 games without a multi-hit effort, slumping to a .156/.229/.234 slash line over that span. The power-hitting 24-year-old has struggled to make an impact for much of the season, hitting .207 with a .619 OPS, six home runs, five steals, 31 RBI and 34 runs scored over 86 contests despite a near-everyday role. He's been a bit unlucky based on his .288 BABIP, but he's hindered by a 29.9 percent strikeout rate.

JULY 16, 2023•ROTOWIRE

Bobby Witt Jr. - Solid in twin billWitt went 2-for-8 with a solo home run and a double across both games of Saturday's doubleheader versus the Rays.

ImpactHe's hit safely in 10 of 11 games in July, batting .357 with three homers, four stolen bases and nine RBI this month. It's another step forward after the talented shortstop had a strong June to offset his slower start to the season. Witt is slashing .257/.299/.449 with 15 homers, 27 steals, 48 RBI and 49 runs scored through 92 contests overall.

JULY 16, 2023•ROTOWIRE

Carlos Hernández - Handed loss in nightcapHernandez (0-5) took the loss in Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader versus the Rays, allowing a run on two hits while striking out one in one inning.

ImpactThe Rays took the lead on a Luke Raley RBI single in the eighth inning, sticking Hernandez with his first decision since June 12. After some troubles in early June, the right-hander has settled down, allowing three runs (two earned) over his last 13.1 innings. He's at a 3.94 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 52:12 K:BB with five holds through 45.2 innings this season. Hernandez could be an option to take over the closer role if the Royals trade Scott Barlow before the deadline, though save chances on a last-place team are likely to remain sparse.

JULY 16, 2023•ROTOWIRE