Royals Take I-70 Series

ROYALS WIN 4-2 over the St. Louis Cardinals and win the final game of the series. Chris Young only pitched 4 complete innings but only gave up 1 run on 1 hit, 6 walks and 5 strikeouts. The offense scored 4 runs including a solo bomb from Kendrys Morales in the 8th inning. The home run was projected to be a 456 foot bomb, his 11th of the season. The Royals will now start a 3 game series with the Philadelphia Phillies. Pitching game 1 tomorrow for the Phillies is Jeremy Hellickson and Ian Kennedy will pitch for the Royals. The game is scheduled for 6:05 at Citizens Bank Park. #ForeverRoyal -#RoyalNoah

Dodgers Place Clayton Kershaw on DL

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The Los Angeles Dodgers have placed pitcher Clayton Kershaw on the 15-day DL with a lower back injury.

He got an epidural injection on Wednesday for the pain he was feeling in his lower back. While he is going on the 15-day DL, the Dodgers expect him to miss a lot more time than that.

He has been dealing with the pain for about a month, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The Dodgers sent him back to Los Angeles Wednesday, one day after his start against the Pittsburgh Pirates in which he gave up four runs in six innings.

Royals Take Series Opener In St. Louis

ROYALS WIN 3-2 over the St. Louis Cardinals and win game 1 of the 2 game series. There was not alot of offense as both starting pitchers pitched good. Edinson Volquez had a strong outing bouncing back from his worst start of the year in his last start. Edinson pitched 6.2 innings giving up 0 runs on 6 hits 1 walk and 4 strikeouts. Pitching the final game of the series tomorrow for the Cardinals is Mike Leake and Chris Young. The game is scheduled for 6:15 at Busch Stadium. #ForeverRoyal -#RoyalNoah

Cyber Harassment

I have always believed in being professional and running my sports blog sites with professionalism and always telling the truth in my posts and keeping my word and keeping up on my writing assignments.  But there are some people who want to lie and manipulate there way through. They also try to make people look bad. I had a few writers like that a while back. These guys were lead by Dakota Odom. He was so unbearable that I had to let him go. That was SIX MONTHS AGO! Since that time he has tried making us look bad by saying lies on social media. He's hacked into our accounts and messed up our stuff. He has sent death threats through messaging. He is a liar, manipulator, and childish young teenager. To all the teen sports writers reading this, don't be like him. If something happens that you don't like, don't hold a grudge and try to get even months after the fact. To all the veteran sports writers and editors, if you ever come across a situation like the one I just described, be patient and handle it professionally. The sports writing world would be a better place if immature idiots like Dakota Odom weren't apart of it.

Royals Take I-70 Series Opener

ROYALS WIN 6-2 over the St. Louis Cardinals are win game 1 of the 2 game series. The Royals offense scored 6 runs for the second straight night giving starting pitcher Danny Duffy a good lead to work with. Danny pitched 8 complete innings giving up just 2 runs on 6 hits, 0 walks and 8 strikeouts. Joakim Soria pitched a scoreless 9th inning to give the Royals the early season advantage over their in state rival. Pitching game 2 tomorrow for the Cardinals is Michael Wacha Andriese Yordono Ventura will pitch for the Royals. The game is scheduled for 7:15. #ForeverRoyal -#RoyalNoah

Royals Avoid Sweep

ROYALS WIN 6-1 over the Houston Astros and win the final game of the series. The Royals finally got a good pitching performance as Ian Kennedy pitched 7 complete innings giving up just 1 run on 3 hits, 1 walk and 11 strikeouts. The offense scored 6 runs including 2 solo shots by Kendrys Morales and a 2-run bomb by Cheslor Cuthbert. The Royals now start a quick 2 game series at home against the St. Louis Cardinals. Pitching game 1 tomorrow for the Cardinals is Adam Wainwright and Danny Duffy will pitch for the Royals. The game is scheduled for 7:15. #ForeverRoyal -#RoyalNoah

Nationals Place Stephen Stratsburg on DL

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The Washington Nationals have placed pitcher Stephen Stratsburg on the 15-day DL with an upper back strain. He has not started since June 15 and was scratched from his start Saturday against the Detroit Tigers. He will also miss his scheduled start today against the Milwaukee Brewers.

The Washington Post reported that Stratsburg had dislocated two ribs while lifting weights last week, but the ribs were put back into place. Stratsburg has a 2.90 ERA this season. 

The DL move is retroactive June 16. He threw a bullpen session on Friday, but was still feeling discomfort in his lower back. The Nationals will make a roster move on Monday. 

Mets Re-Sign Jose Reyes

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The New York Mets have signed shortstop Jose Reyes. He was released by the Colorado Rockies earlier this week. 

He was arrested for a domestic abuse incident in Hawaii back in October and he has not played since. The Mets want him to publicly address soon after they announce they have signed him.

Reyes is not new to the Mets, however. He played with the Mets from 1999-2011. He has since played for the Miami Marlins and Toronto Blue Jays before joining the Rockies.

The Mets had first been uninterested in signing Reyes, but decided to after being swept by the Atlanta Braves. 

Colby Lewis Out Two Months with Lat Muscle Injury

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Texas Rangers pitcher Colby Lewis was placed on the 15-day DL Wednesday. He is expected to miss two months with a strained lateral muscle. 

He will not be allowed to throw for at least another four weeks and may not return to the Rangers rotation until the end of August. He will undergo his first MRI in four weeks. From there, he will begin a throwing program.

Lewis is the third pitcher on the DL, joining Yu Darvish and Derek Holland. This comes after Lewis was close to a perfect game in his last start against the Oakland Athletics. The perfect game was broken up in the eighth inning and the no-hitter was broken up in the ninth inning. 

Blue Jays Place Jose Bautista on DL

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The Toronto Blue Jays have placed outfielder Jose Bautista one the 15-day DL with a sprained toe. He sprained it after colliding into the outfield wall on Thursday.

His foot got caught in a fence latch in Philadelphia and when he got it out, he was limping off the field. He was also wearing a walking boot on Friday.

Bautista has hit 12 home runs and recorded an American League 48 walks this season. He is also in the final year of his contract with the Blue Jays.

Cubs Place OF Dexter Fowler on 15-Day DL

(photo credit: usatoday.com)

The Chicago Cubs have placed outfielder Dexter Fowler on the 15-day DL with a hamstring strain.

He suffered the injury while sliding into first base during Saturday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, a game which the Cubs won 4-3. He also missed Sunday's game.

He has hit seven home runs and has recorded six stoles bases in 284 plate appearances this season. 

He also ranks 10th in the National League with a .398 on-base percentage and is the front runner for all NL outfielders in the All-Star voting. 

Royals Take Series Against Tigers

ROYALS WIN 2-1 over the Detroit Tigers and win the final game of the series winning the series. The offense didn't have as big as a day as the last 2 nights but they got the job done. Chris Young pitched 6 complete innings giving up just 1 run on 3 hits, 1 walk and 7 strikeouts. Then Soria, Herrera and Davis pitched scoreless innings to shut the door. The Royals have a day off and then go on the road for just 2 games, both games against the New York Mets. Pitching game 1 on Tuesday for the Mets is Noah Syndergaard and Ian Kennedy will pitch for the Royals. The game is scheduled for 6:10 at Citi Field. #ForeverRoyal -#RoyalNoah

Who Would You Rather Start a Franchise With? Kershaw or Trout?

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(photo credit: maxpreps.com)

There has been a debate going around on whether or not one would want to start their franchise around Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw or Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim outfielder Mike Trout? In my opinion, I would rather start my franchise with Trout.

While Clayton Kershaw being one of the best pitchers in baseball, there is other pitchers that can do what he can do and then some. There are not many batters that can do what Trout can do.

Trout has amazing batting skills and can hit the ball hard. He's also got a little speed in him, too. He can steal bases at a fast pace. 

He's not just great in offense, but in defense, as well. He is also well known for robbing many home runs, probing he can do it on both sides of the field. 

Royals Take Game 3 From Tigers

ROYALS WIN 16-5 over the Detroit Tigers and win game 3 of the 4 game series clinching at worst a series tie. The offense had another big night scoring 16 runs on 21 hits. Edinson Volquez pitched 6.1 innings giving up 5 runs on 8 hits, 0 walks and 6 strikeouts. Pitching the final game of the series tomorrow for Detroit is Jordan Zimmermann and Chris Young will pitch for the Royals. The game is scheduled for 1:15. #ForeverRoyal -#RoyalNoah

Royals Even Series With Tigers

ROYALS WIN 10-3 over the Detroit Tigers and win game 2 of the 4 game series. The Royals bounce back after loosing 10-4 last night. The Royals offense scored 10 runs including a solo bomb from Salvador Perez in the bottom of the 6th inning and a 3-run bomb from Kendrys Morales in the bottom of the 8th. Yordono Ventura pitched 6.1 innings giving up 0 runs on 6 hits, 0 walks and 5 strikeouts. Pitching game 3 of the series tomorrow for Detroit is Matt Boyd and Edinson Volquez will pitch for the Royals. The game is scheduled for 6:15. #ForeverRoyal -#RoyalNoah

Royals Sweep Tribe

ROYALS WIN 9-4 over the Cleveland Indians and win the final game of the series completing the sweep. The offense exploded for 9 runs including a 3-run homer by Salvador Perez. Ian Kennedy pitched 6.2 innings giving up 4 runs on 5 hits, 2 walks and 6 strikeouts. The Royals will now start a 4 game series with the Detroit Tigers. Pitching game 1 tomorrow for the Tigers is Justin Verlander and Danny Duffy will pitch for the Royals. The game is scheduled for 7:15. #ForeverRoyal -#RoyalNoah

Rockies Designate Jose Reyes for Assignment

(photo credit: sportingnews,com)

The Colorado Rockies have designated shortstop Jose Reyes for assignment. General manager Jeff Bridich described the move as "best for the organization."

The Rockies reinstated Reyes from the restricted list, where he had been since being suspended for violating the league's domestic abuse policy, before designating him for assignment.

He was arrested on Oct. 31, 2015 for a domestic abuse incident involving him and his wife in Hawaii. The MLB suspended him through May 31.

The Rockies now have 10 days to decide from three different options - trade him, release him or demote him to the minors. If they decide to trade or release him, one team will not want him, and that's the New York Mets. 

Reyes played with the Mets from 2003-2011. ESPN's Adam Rubin reported that the Mets want nothing to do with Reyes.

Royals Clinch Series Win Over Indians

ROYALS WIN 3-2 over the Cleveland Indians and win game 2 of the 3 game series and clinch at worst a series win. Whit Merrifield hit his 2nd homer in as many nights to get the Royals on the board and then down by 1 in the bottom of the 8th inning Salvador Perez hit a 2-run homer to put the Royals on top late and Joakim Soria shut the door. It wasn't pretty but nothing less it's a win. Pitching the final game of the series for Cleveland tomorrow is Corey Kluber and Ian Kennedy will pitch for the Royals. #ForeverRoyal -#RoyalNoah

David Wright Considering Neck Surgery

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New York Mets third baseman David Wright is considering undergoing neck surgery. If he decides to go through with it, his season will come to an end.

The surgery would replace a herniated disc in his neck. The disc has kept him out of action since May 27. 

He is currently in talks with Dr. Robert Watkins, the same doctor who oversaw him for rehab for spinal stenosis last summer. 

The decision on whether or not Wright will undergo surgery or not is expected by the end of the week. If he does undergo it, the minimum recovery time is three months. 

Rangers Place Yu Darvish on DL

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The Texas Rangers have placed pitcher Yu Darvish on the DL with shoulder discomfort. 

After two MRIs, however, one on his shoulder and one on his neck, there seems to be no structural damage. The team has said he will receive treatment until he is ready to throw again.

He had started three games this season for the Rangers after undergoing Tommy John surgery last March. He was placed on the 60-day DL to begin this season. 

Before he went back to Texas, he made five rehab starts. 

The Rangers scratched Darvish from his scheduled start on Monday against the Oakland Athletics.

His last outing was on Wednesday against the Houston Astros. He pitched just five innings in that game.

Royals Take Game 1 From Tribe

ROYALS WIN 2-1 over the Cleveland Indians and win game 1 of the 3 game series. Edinson Volquez pitched 7 complete innings giving up 0 runs on just 2 hits, 4 walks and 3 strikeouts. Whit Merrifield hit his first career home run in the bottom of the 4th inning. Pitching the second game of the series tomorrow for Cleveland is Josh Tomlin and Chris Young will pitch for the Royals. The game is scheduled for 7:15. #ForeverRoyal -#RoyalNoah

Royals Take Series From Sox

(photo credit: The Herald)

Royals win 3-1 over the Chicago White Sox and win the final game of the series and win the series.

The Royals end the road trip on a high note winning the final 2 games of the road trip and winning the final series.

The offense didn't score a huge amount of runs but it was enough as Yordono Ventura pitched 7 complete innings giving up 1 run on 5 hits, 1 walk and 10 strikeouts.

Then Kelvin Herrera in the 8th, and Wade Davis in the 9th both pitched 1-2-3 innings.

The Royals will now start a 7 game, 2 series home stand starting with a 3 game series against the Cleveland Indians.

Pitching game 1 tomorrow for the Tribe is Carlos Carrasco and Edinson Volquez will pitch for the Royals. The game is scheduled for 7:15.

Royals End 8 Game Losing Streak

(photo credit: Kansas City Star)

The Kansas City Royals defeated the Chicago White Sox 4-1 and they've win game 2 of the 3 game series.

 The Royals get their first win of the long road trip and first win after losing 8 straight.

Danny Duffy pitched 6 complete innings giving up 0 runs on 3 hits, 3 walks and 10 strikeouts.

Then Soria pitched the 7th, Herrera pitched the 8th and Wade Davis shut the door in the 9th. The offense woke up scoring 4 runs including 3 of the 4 runs coming on 3 different solo shots.

Kendrys Morales hit his 7th bomb of the year and Cheslor Cuthbert hit both of the other 2 home runs giving him a total of 4 homers on the year.

Pitching the rubber match tomorrow for the Sox is Carlos Rodon and Yordano Ventura will pitch for the Royals. The game is scheduled for 1:10 at U.S. Cellular Field.

Baltimore Orioles select Preston Palmeiro, son of Rafael Palmeiro, with seventh round pick in MLB draft

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With their seventh round pick, The Baltimore Orioles took a player with a name that is relatable to their franchise. In the seventh round of the MLB draft, the Orioles selected Preston Palmeiro, the son of four-time MLB All-Star Rafael Palmeiro. 

Palmeiro played seven of his twenty seasons with the Orioles, including his final season in the league. Preston, 21, made a name for himself as a first baseman at NC State. As a junior with the Wolfpack, Palmeiro batted .337 with a .412 on-base percentage, 55 RBIS and 20 doubles. 

 Palmeiro flashed one of the nation’s steadiest swings from the left side of the plate. Questions have arose about his power. Palmeiro hit just nine home runs this year, and he a slugged a rather average .539. However, Palmeiro has superb vision at the plate.

Phillies Place P Vincent Velasquez on DL

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Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Vincent Velasquez has been placed on the 15-day DL with a right bicep strain. 

He left Wednesday's game against the Chicago Cubs with the strain. He only threw two pitches in the game.

He has started 11 games for the Phillies this season, posting a 5-2 record 3.67 ERA to go along with his record.

Velasquez had Tommy John surgery in 2011 and didn't return until the end of the 2012 season. 

SB Nation reported that Velasquez even felt discomfort during warmups on Wednesday. 

Athletics Place Rich Hill on DL

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The Oakland Athletics have placed Rich Hill on the disabled list with a strained right groin. 

He was recovering from a previous groin injury when, during a 35-pitch bullpen session on Thursday, he felt a pull on the 33rd pitch of the session.

He first suffered the injury on May 29 against the Detroit Tigers then missed his next scheduled start against the Houston Astros earlier this week. He was named the AL Pitcher of the Month for May, posting a 2.25 ERA and 1.13 WHIP with 74 strikeouts in 64 innings pitched.

If he doesn't return this season, he'll be looking for a new team. He's currently on a one-year, $6 million deal with the Athletics. 

Astros draft Whitley with #17 pick

By: Jordan Smith

The Houston Astros have just drafted their next pitcher that is going to take the majors by storm like Dallas Keuchel did. Get ready as the homegrown Texas pitcher from San Antonio is joining the Houston Astros' organization and is going to develop into one of the best pitchers in the majors when he gets there. For more on this draft pick, click the link below, which will take you to my Award-Winning Sports Blog, Houston Sports Beat.

Houston Astros' newest flamethrower

MLB suspends Yordano Ventura nine games, Manny Machado four games, for bench-clearing brawl

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Major League Baseball has handed down punishments for the actions of Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado, and Kansas City Royals pitcher Yordano Ventura in the game between Baltimore and Kansas City on Tuesday.

Machado was suspended four games and fined $2,500 for punching Ventura, after he was hit with a pitch. Ventura was suspended nine games, and he was fined an undisclosed for his actions during the fight. Both players will appeal their punishments, which means they are still eligible to play until the MLB makes a ruling. 

During the second inning of Tuesday’s game between the Orioles and the Royals, Ventura threw two pitches inside at Machado, and the Orioles third baseman was clearly upset, as he told Ventura something as he was walking back to the dugout. Then when Machado came up to bat again, Ventura hit Machado in the back with a 99 MPH fastball.

 Machado then immediately charged the mound and punched Ventura. Shortly after, both benches cleared and a brawl ensued. Both Machado and Ventura were ejected after the fight was over. With the nine game suspension, Ventura will only have to miss one start. The Orioles will miss their star shortstop, as Machado will likely end up missing an entire series.

This year, Machado has a batting average of .303, and he has slugged 15 home runs this season. Baltimore will likely start Paul Janish while Machado serves his suspension. Ventura has seemed to develop a knack for igniting bench-clearing brawls. In April 2015, 

Ventura received a seven game suspension, after he started a kerfuffle with the Chicago White Sox.

 Last June, Ventura stared down Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout after a play at the plate, which caused a bench-clearing skirmish. Ventura was fined in 2015 for hitting then Oakland Athletics third baseman Brett Lawrie. 

Ventura has a 5.32 ERA this year, with an American League high 35 walks. The MLB saw a similar situation earlier this year, when Texas Rangers second baseman Rougned Odor punched Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista, after he slid hard into Odor. 

White Sox Cut Mat Latos, Sign Justin Morneau

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The Chicago White Sox have released pitcher Mat Latos and have signed first baseman Justin Morneau.

The team released Latos after he recorded a 7.25 ERA over his last seven starts. The White Sox have lost 20 of their last 26 games after a 23-10 start to the season.

Before the slump, Latos was 4-0 with just a 0.74 ERA to start off the season. But due to the slump, and his performance on Tuesday where he gave up six runs off of five hits in 4 2/3 innings pitched in a 10-5 loss to the Washington Nationals, the White Sox had to cut him.

To replace Latos, the Sox have purchased the contract of right-hander Tyler Danish from Double-A Birmingham.

As far as Morneau, the Sox placed him on the 15-day DL after signing the veteran to a one-year, $1 million deal. He was a four-time All-Star and an AL MVP, mostly with the Minnesota Twins. In the beginning of the year, Morneau was not signed by any team due to offseason elbow surgery.

Royals Sweep Rays

ROYALS WIN 6-3 over the Tampa Bay Rays and win the final game of the series sweeping the Rays. Danny Duffy pitched a quality game throwing 6 complete innings giving up just 3 runs on 7 hits, 0 walks and 6 strikeouts. The Royals finish up a 6 game home stand and win every game in the home stand sweeping both the Chicago White Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays. The Royals will now go on the road to start a 10 game, 3 series road trip starting with a 4 game series against the Cleveland Indians starting tomorrow night. Pitching game 1 tomorrow for the Tribe will be Carlos Carrasco and pitching for the Royals will be Yordono Ventura. The game is scheduled for 6:10 at Progressive Field. #ForeverRoyal -#RoyalNoah