Daniel Lynch IV, Royals Seek to Subdue Surging Mariners
Daniel Lynch IV has experienced a season with highs and lows in Kansas City. Since May 5, the player who pitches with their left hand has been called back up to Triple-A Omaha three times and sent back down to the minor leagues twice. As the Kansas City Royals get set to take on the Seattle Mariners, Lynch is prepared to leave his mark on the MLB once more.
Lynch’s Return to the Mound
Daniel Lynch IV( 0- 0,1.50 ERA) was listed to start Friday night when the Royals open a three- game series with the visiting Seattle Mariners, who have won nine of their last 11 games. Lynch lately started camp in Minnesota on May 30, getting an emergency starter after Brady Singer was ruled out due to illness. Lynch allowed three runs( two earned) on five hits in five innings, but entered a no- decision in the Royals’ 7- 6 loss.
“I’m pretty confident that I can make pitches, but in that situation, I was just happy to keep us in the game,” said Lynch, who traveled more than 1,350 miles the previous day to get to the Twin Cities.
Team’s Appreciation for Lynch
The Royals certainly appreciated Lynch’s effort. “Coming into the game, for him to do that and pitch as well as he did, that’s extremely tough,” outfielder MJ Melendez said. “So big props to him being able to just stay ready, stay mentally locked in, and physically, he just looked good as well.”
Lynch was sent back down the next day but was called up again this past Sunday when Michael Wacha went on the injured list with a fractured left foot.
Royals’ Recent Performance
The Royals defeated host Cleveland 4- 3 on Thursday for just their third win in the once 10 games. Kyle Isbel hit a tie- breaking single in the eighth inning.” I had a lot of opportunities today, late in the game with a chance to take the lead,” Isbel said.” I put a good swing on a ball and got a good pitch to hit.”
Kansas City’s bullpen didn’t allow a hit over51/3 scoreless innings, with James McArthur earning his 12th save of the season.” We do not win if they do not put up the zeros,” Royals director Matt Quatraro said of his relief corps.” The Guardians have gone through a lot of these( close) games, too, and that is why these teams are winning.”
Mariners’ Momentum
The American League West-leading Mariners won 3-0 Thursday at Oakland as Bryan Woo and three relievers combined on a two-hitter. Mitch Garver homered and added an RBI single. The victory was especially significant for Woo, who grew up in nearby Alameda, Calif.
“Honestly, I think coming home you have to focus a little more just because you’re seeing family, you’re seeing friends, you look up in the stands and you see a lot of familiar faces,” Woo said. “Sometimes it can actually throw you off a little bit. So you have to lock in a little bit more and be a little bit more focused on baseball.”
Pitching Matchup
The Mariners are scheduled to send right-hander Bryce Miller (5-5, 3.18 ERA) to the mound on Friday. Miller is 0-0 with a 6.75 ERA in one previous start against the Royals, while Lynch is 0-0 with a 1.93 ERA after a 2021 start against the Mariners.
Game Outlook
As the series opens, the Royals will be looking to make on their recent win and find some consistency. Lynch’s return to the rotation provides a important- demanded boost, especially given his solid performances when called upon. The Royals’ bullpen has shown it can deliver in clutch moments, and maintaining this position of performance will be crucial for their MLB aspirations.
On the other side, the Mariners are riding high on a surge of momentum, with strong performances both at the plate and on the mound. Bryce Miller’s consistency will be a crucial factor, as the Mariners aim to continue their winning streak and solidify their position at the top of the AL West. Their MLB trip this season has been emotional, and they aim to keep that momentum going.
Fans can anticipate a competitive series as both teams have much to prove. The Royals are seeking to turn their season around and climb the standings, while the Mariners are concentrated on maintaining their winning ways and securing their place as a formidable force in the MLB.