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 They won their second straight game Thursday by beating the Chicago
White Sox 6-4 at U.S. Cellular Field, but more key players left the
game early or didn't play at all.
"They're very trivial (issues), day-to-day, probably overly-cautious
concerns," said manager Ned Yost, who didn't seem too concerned
about the spate of aches and pains. "We're just trying to do the
smart thing."
Designated hitter Kendrys Morales left in the fifth inning with
tightness in his left quadriceps, catcher Salvador Perez departed
after jamming his right thumb during an at-bat in the seventh and
Wade Davis, who took over the closer's role in lieu of Greg
Holland's season-ending ligament tear, wasn't used in a save
situation because of a back issue.
All of that was piled on top of star center fielder Lorenzo Cain not
playing because of a contusion on his right knee and right fielder
Alex Rios being scratched from the lineup because of tightness in
his back.
"(Morales) is fine," Yost said. "It's just some tightness in his
quad. We're just being extra precautionary right now. Rios had the
stiff back, Wade had a bit of a stiff back, so I'm trying to stay
away from him. (Perez) got jammed (and) his thumb was a little sore
with the cold weather."
The good news for the Royals (92-67) is what has happened in the
past two games. After losing four of five, they head into the final
regular-season series in Minnesota with a chance to win home-field
advantage through the playoffs.
Thursday's victory pulled them even with the Toronto Blue Jays for
the best record in the American League, which won the All-Star game
and home-field advantage in the World Series.
As for the game, the Royals did something they've rarely done
against White Sox left-hander John Danks. They roughed up the
veteran starter for six runs on 11 of their 13 hits, paving the way
for Kris Medlen (6-2) to earn the win.
Kansas City had five hitters record multi-hit games, led by third
baseman Mike Moustakas (2-for-5, two RBIs) and right fielder Jonny
Gomes (1-for-2, three RBIs).
Jose Abreu went 2-for-4 with two RBIs to lead the White Sox (74-85).
The Cuban-born slugger's two-run single in the seventh off
right-hander Luke Hochevar cut Kansas City's lead to 6-4 and put him
into the history books for the second straight night.
His home run Wednesday, also off Hochevar, was his 30th of the
season and tied him with Albert Pujols and Ryan Braun as the only
players in major league history to hit at least that many in their
first two seasons. The two RBIs a day later gave him 101 for the
season, which tied him with Pujols as the only major league players
with at least 30 homers and 100 RBIs in their first two seasons.
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"I am very excited," Abreu said, according to White Sox interpreter
Billy Russo. "I was thinking a lot about it every time (I went to
the plate). I tried to not think about it, but I couldn't do it
because it was something that was in my head. It is a big honor to
see my name along with Albert. He's one of the greatest players in
the history of baseball and now I have the opportunity to see my
name next to his."
The Royals' bullpen recovered to preserve the win for Medlen, who
allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits and finished strong by
retiring the final 10 hitters he faced.
Chicago had the tying runs on base with two outs in the eighth, but
Alexei Ramirez was thrown out at the plate to end the inning.
Right-hander Ryan Madson closed it out in the ninth for his third
save.
Danks had a great track record against the Royals coming into the
game, but this outing was an outlier. The veteran left-hander
allowed four runs on seven hits through the first three innings, and
two more runs in the fifth.
"They found some holes," Danks said. "(My) command wasn't where it
needs to be, but I certainly felt like I threw the ball better than
the line shows. You gotta tip your hat. They put the bat on the ball
and found some holes, made things happen and it is what it is."
NOTES: Royals CF Lorenzo Cain fouled a pitch off his right knee in
the seventh inning Wednesday. X-rays didn't show any fractures.
"He's going to be fine," manager Ned Yost said. ... White Sox 2B
Micah Johnson underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee
Thursday to remove scar tissue. He is expected to be fully recovered
for spring training. ... The White Sox announced that upgrades will
be made to U.S. Cellular Field by Opening Day next season.
Highlighting the improvements will be three large video boards along
the outfield concourse. The project was approved by the Illinois
Sports Facilities Authority, which owns the stadium.
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