Sat Apr 19 22:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Royals Demote Melendez as Hitting Woes Continue; Lugo Takes Mound Against Tigers
DETROIT, MI – The Kansas City Royals have demoted struggling catcher MJ Melendez, a move that comes as the team attempts to break a five-game losing streak marked by anemic offense. The corresponding roster move saw the return of Mark Canha from a 10-day injured list stint for a left abductor strain. However, Canha will not start today’s game against the Detroit Tigers.
The Royals have scored three runs or fewer in each of their last five games, prompting the organization to make a change. The team will look to right-hander Seth Lugo, last year’s AL Cy Young runner-up, to provide a much-needed spark on the mound. While Lugo has a respectable 3.86 ERA this season, he will need a stellar performance to overcome the Tigers’ Casey Mize, who boasts a 2.60 ERA.
Adding to the challenge, Maikel Garcia will be making his first major league start in right field, a position that presents a different set of challenges than his usual center field position. Meanwhile, Drew Waters will start in left field, hoping to solidify his place on the major league roster with an improved performance.
The Royals face a significant uphill battle against a strong Tigers team and their own offensive struggles. Whether the roster change will be enough to reignite the bats remains to be seen.
First Piper 