PT TOMORROW: AL Central - Emmanuel Rivera breaking out in KC

Kansas City Royals

When Adalberto Mondesi (SS, KC) tore his ACL in late April, the Royals expected to play Nicky Lopez (2B, KC) at shortstop and Bobby Witt, Jr. (SS, KC) at 3B considering that’s the only position he’d played up to that point. Fast forward to July, and Witt hasn’t started a game other than at SS since May 24. Lopez has been brutal at the plate, slashing .237/.296/.285 through 253 ABs and his defensive value has been lost at 3B as well, scoring at a -0.1 UZR. Lopez’s futility at the plate and lack of positive value defensively at the hot corner has opened the door for Emmanuel Rivera (3B, KC) to show up and show out.

Rivera has played 3B in the last eight KC games, starting six. In his last 32 plate appearances as of July...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

Could George Springer's playing time continue to slip as his struggles continue? Plus, Blaze Alexander nearing a return for BAL, and rotation updates for TB, BOS, and NYY.
Aug 25 2026 3:05am
Robert Stock has excelled at limiting hard contact, but can he become efficient enough to earn a win? Plus: 1B & SP in MIA; INF & SP in PHI; 1B in WAS; SP in ATL; more.
Aug 24 2026 3:37am
This week, we check in on late-season closer options in both L.A. and Colorado, watch as new playing time changes become clearer in S.F. and S.D., and welcome some guys to (or back to) the majors.
Aug 22 2026 3:07am
With Dansby Swanson dealing with an oblique issue, Ramírez should see regular at bats.
Aug 21 2026 3:05am
Despite a stellar performance at Triple-A, Walker Jenkins just can't seem to get a call-up from the Twins. Plus, Sam Antonacci and Michael Massey facing lefties, Angel Martínez's playing time crunch in CLE, and Kerry Carpenter's extended absence in DET.
Aug 20 2026 3:05am

Tools