The Kansas City Royals had two split squad games Thursday tying the White Sox 3-3 and losing to the Cleveland Guardians 8-5. They face the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday at 4:10 PM. The Royals open the season on Thursday, March 28th when they host the division rival Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals made three roster moves yesterday before their split-squad games to continue to shape their roster before opening day.
OF – Spencer Nivens
Nivens was assigned to the Royals roster yesterday. Nivens spent last year between the Royals rookie team in the Arizona Complex League and Columbia in Single-A. He played in four games in the Arizona Complex League with four doubles, one RBI, and one steal and slashed .313/.353/.563 with a .916 OPS. With Columbia, he played in 28 games with three doubles, two home runs, seven RBIs, seven stolen bases, and slashed .184/.336/.276 with a .612 OPS.
LHP – Emilio Marquez
Marquez was assigned to the Royals roster yesterday. Last season Marquez played at three different levels with the Royals A+, AA, and AAA. He appeared in 22 games total throwing 32.2 innings of work finishing with a 2-0 record. He struck out 41 batters, walked 12, a 4.41 ERA, and a 1.29 WHIP combined across all three levels last season pitching in the minors for the Royals.
LHP – Marlin Willis
Willis was assigned to the Royals roster yesterday before the split-squad games. Willis spent last year pitching for the Quad Cities River Bandits at High A level for the Royals. He appeared in 29 games, threw 31 innings, with a 7.84 ERA, and a 1.94 WHIP. He also struck out 47 batters while walking 44 during his time with the River Bandits.
LHP – Daniel Lynch IV
Lynch was optioned to the Omaha Storm Chasers Friday morning. Lynch appeared in five games this spring and threw 13 innings. He recorded a 1-0 record with a 2.77 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP. Last year Lynch started nine games for the Royals going 3-4 in 52.1 innings of work. He struck out 34, walked 16, had a 4.64 ERA, and a 1.26 WHIP.
LHP – Anthony Veneziano
Veneziano was optioned to the Omaha Storm Chasers Friday morning by the Royals. He appeared in three games this spring throwing 6.1 innings, and striking out seven, with a 9.95 ERA, and a 1.58 WHIP. Last year he appeared in two games for the Royals throwing 2.1 innings with two walks, one strikeout, a 0.00 ERA, and a 1.71 WHIP with the Royals
