Royals Recap
Hosted by Big Dill
About This Episode
Generated sports podcast with host Big Dill based on prompt: Kansas City Royals daily updates. If they played a game yesterday give me the highlights.
Transcript
Welcome to Big Dill Sports, the podcast where we deep dive into everything Kansas City Royals. I’m your host, Dillon, and today we’re serving up some juicy details about our team as they take a breather before hitting the road.
It's July 17, 2025, and the Royals are kicking back on an off-day after a thrilling victory over the Miami Marlins. They're gearing up to face the Marlins again tomorrow, this time in sunny Miami at loanDepot Park. But before we preview that, let’s rewind to their last matchup on Wednesday when our boys served Miami a 5-1 defeat right at Kauffman Stadium.
So, what made Wednesday a “big dill”? In the eighth inning, with two outs, Bobby Witt Jr. got the party started with a triple. Vinnie Pasquantino leveled the score, and Salvador Perez delivered a clutch double to take the lead. Nick Loftin and Freddy Fermin chimed in with more runs, sealing a five-run inning. Brady Singer was sensational on the mound, giving up just one run over eight solid innings. The cherry on top? Angel Zerpa and James McArthur teamed up to shut it down in the ninth.
Now, let’s set our sights on Friday. The Royals hit the field against the Marlins with Michael Wacha taking the mound. He’ll face off against Sixto Lugo, a promising rookie with a hot hand. It’s a great matchup of veteran experience versus youthful energy. First pitch is set for 6:10 p.m. Central, so mark your calendars.
Looking at the standings, the Royals sit in third place in the AL Central. With a bit more hustle, Kansas City could push above the .500 mark in no time. A quick sweep of the Marlins might just help nudge them closer.
Today’s ‘big dill’ spotlight shines brightly on Bobby Witt Jr. This two-time All-Star at just 25 is leading the majors with 32 doubles. He’s racking up runs with an .849 OPS, and you can bet he'll be vital down the stretch.
We can’t forget Maikel García, another rising star, making his All-Star debut with standout stats like a .297 batting average and 25 doubles. With his impressive speed and defense, García is a player to watch.
On the injury front, we've got several pitchers nursing various strains and inflammations. Michael Lorenzen is on the 15-day IL, while others like Hunter Harvey and Cole Ragans aim to return by August. But fret not, as our bullpen looks ready to cover the gap.
As we wind down, keep an eye on how manager Matt Quatraro manages this roster. After such a high-energy game, the team will need to harness this momentum to perform consistently, especially Perez, who had a stellar game.
So, Royals fans, take this off-day to catch your breath. Tomorrow, our boys are back on the diamond, ready to make waves in Miami.
I’m Dillon, and this has been Big Dill Sports, your go-to for all things Kansas City Royals. Keep swinging for the fences, and I’ll catch you after the next game!
## Off-Day (Thursday, July 17, 2025)
The Kansas City Royals did not play on Thursday, July 17, as the club enjoyed an off-day between series. Their last contest came a day earlier, and the team will resume action on Friday, July 18, on the road at loanDepot Park against the Miami Marlins. ([fieldlevelmedia.com](https://fieldlevelmedia.com/mlb/marlins-look-to-pick-up-where-they-left-off-vs-royals/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
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## Upcoming Schedule
- **Next Game:** at Miami Marlins, Friday, July 18, 2025, first pitch 6:10 p.m. CT (FanDuel Sports Network Kansas City)
- **Probable Starters (per Field Level Media):**
- Royals: RHP Michael Wacha (4-6, 4.07 ERA)
- Marlins: RHP Sixto Lugo (6-5, 2.67 ERA) ([new.cbssports.com](https://new.cbssports.com/mlb/gametracker/preview/MLB_20250718_KC%40MIA/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
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## Recent Game Recap (Wednesday, July 16)
Though not “yesterday,” the most recent game on Wednesday saw Kansas City defeat Miami, 5–1, at Kauffman Stadium. Key moments included:
- **Five-Run, Two-Out Eighth Inning Rally:** After being held scoreless through seven, Bobby Witt Jr. opened the frame with a triple. Vinnie Pasquantino tied the game with a single, and Salvador Perez delivered the go-ahead double down the left-field line for a 3–1 lead. Nick Loftin and Freddy Fermin added insurance RBIs later in the inning. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/marlins-royals-score-4110d0b686d505c4259163857c2538b4?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
- **Pitching Spotlight:**
- Brady Singer worked eight innings, allowing one run on six hits with five strikeouts, before Angel Zerpa and James McArthur closed out the victory.
- Miami’s rookie Valente Bellozo dazzled in his MLB debut, tossing five innings of two-hit ball before the Royals’ late rally. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/marlins-royals-score-4110d0b686d505c4259163857c2538b4?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
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## American League Central Standings (as of July 17)
(Records courtesy of sports standings)
- Detroit Tigers 59-38
- Minnesota Twins 47-49
- **Kansas City Royals 47-50**
- Cleveland Guardians 46-49
- Chicago White Sox 32-65
Kansas City sits in third place, 12 games behind the division-leading Tigers, and will look to climb back over .500 in the second half of the season.
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## Player Highlights & All-Star Selections
- **Bobby Witt Jr. (SS):** Two-time All-Star at age 25. Leads the majors with 32 doubles, and adds three triples, 14 home runs, and an .849 OPS entering Friday’s action. ([cbssports.com](https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/gametracker/live/MLB_20250718_KC%40MIA/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
- **Maikel García (3B):** First-time All-Star (.297 BA) with 25 doubles, three triples, eight homers, 18 stolen bases, and an .808 OPS. ([cbssports.com](https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/gametracker/live/MLB_20250718_KC%40MIA/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
- **All-Star Representation:** Royals placed four on the midsummer classic roster—Witt Jr., García, LHP Kris Bubic, and closer Carlos Estévez. ([cbssports.com](https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/gametracker/live/MLB_20250718_KC%40MIA/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
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## Injury & Roster Updates
### Kansas City Royals (per CBS Sports preview) ([new.cbssports.com](https://new.cbssports.com/mlb/gametracker/preview/MLB_20250718_KC%40MIA/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
- **Michael Lorenzen (P):** Left oblique strain; placed on 15-day IL July 14; retroactive to July 12.
- **Hunter Harvey (P):** Right shoulder inflammation; expected return after All-Star break (target Aug 1).
- **Cole Ragans (P):** Right shoulder strain; anticipated return early August.
- **Daniel Lynch (P):** Left elbow soreness; possible return July 20.
- **James McArthur (P):** Left elbow inflammation; expected back July 24.
- **Alec Marsh (P):** Right shoulder inflammation; back post–All-Star break.
- **Paul DeJong (INF):** Undisclosed; out remainder of season.
### Miami Marlins (for context)
- **Edward Cabrera (P):** Probable for start July 18; returned from elbow inflammation.
- **Andrew Nardi (P):** Back strain; expected to return July 18.
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### Notes for Journalists
- **Off-Day Context:** July 17 served as a rest day after the All-Star break. Look for whether the Royals lean on off-day adjustments to carry momentum into the Miami series.
- **Pitching Matchup:** Michael Wacha versus Sixto Lugo offers a contrast of veteran versus established rookie—key for setting series tone.
- **Bullpen Watch:** Compare how Matt Quatraro deploys his relievers after a demanding eight-inning outing from Singer.
- **Offensive Spark:** Watch if Perez can build on his two-hit performance and if Witt Jr. continues his second-half surge.
This comprehensive update should equip you with the background, context, and statistics needed for your Royals coverage on July 17, 2025.
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