The Royals introduced that outfielder MJ Melendez has been positioned on the 10-day injured record, retroactive to July 15, as a result of a left ankle sprain. No corresponding transfer was instantly introduced because the membership doesn’t play once more till Friday as a result of All-Star break.
Melendez, 25, departed the membership’s most up-to-date recreation on Sunday after apparently injuring himself operating out a floor ball. Bally Sports activities Kansas Metropolis offered video of the play on X. Because of the off days within the break, it’s attainable he might return after solely lacking a handful of video games, however the group will possible present extra details about his anticipated absence within the days to come back.
It’s unlucky timing for Melendez personally, as he was heating up a bit after an terrible first half. He hit .181/.249/.353 by the top of June for a wRC+ of 64, indicating he was 36 % worse than the league-average hitter. He then put up a torrid line of .273/.314/.606 in 35 July plate appearances, however no matter momentum he was carrying into the break will now be placed on ice.
It’s been a irritating season in what has already been a disappointing huge league profession for Melendez. He was thought of one of many high 100 prospects within the sport as he climbed towards the majors with Baseball America placing him within the No. 42 total spot heading into 2022. However he hit simply .227/.314/.396 over 2022 and 2023 for a wRC+ of 95.
The Royals progressively moved him from the catcher place to the outfield in that point. He was blocked by Salvador Perez anyway, however the Royals possible hoped {that a} less-demanding defensive place might maybe assist him develop offensively, however that hasn’t actually materialized. Even along with his current sizzling streak, he’s nonetheless hitting simply .192/.257/.385 on the yr total for a 75 wRC+ and his career-long efficiency results in a line of .219/.303/.393 and a 92 wRC+.
Regardless of the struggles of Melendez, it’s been season for the membership total. The Royals went 56-106 final yr, however have virtually matched that win whole already. They’re presently 52-45 and simply two video games out of a playoff spot. That’s been largely regardless of their horrendous manufacturing on the grass, as Melendez and his fellow outfielders have hit .216/.276/.361 on the yr for a 76 wRC+, lifeless final within the majors.
Including to the outfield is an apparent goal space for the membership previous to the July 30 deadline and basic supervisor J.J. Picollo has admitted that it’s one thing they are going to be exploring. For now, the group consists of Hunter Renfroe, Kyle Isbel and Dairon Blanco, with infielders Adam Frazier and Garrett Hampson able to shifting on the market as nicely. With Melendez hitting the IL, the membership might recall somebody like Nelson Velázquez, Drew Waters or Nick Pratto to take his spot.
It’s distinctly attainable that the group will get a major shakeup through trades within the subsequent few weeks and look fully totally different by August. If Melendez returns from the IL and finds himself squeezed from enjoying time, he does nonetheless have choices and may very well be despatched to the minors if the membership so chooses.
