Sweeney Picks up 5 Hits in Royals Win

J.P. Howell is just not ready to pitch at this level. He didn't even make it out of the second inning tonight. He gave up 4 ER in 1 2/3 IP and his ERA is now an astronomical 8.65. Bell plans to leave him in the rotation after the break, unless Snyder is ready to return. Bell isn't saying who Snyder will replace, but as bad as Lima and Howell have been, either are prime candidates. If Anderson is a go after the break, both Lima and Howell will out of the rotation.

Here's what Bell's second-half rotation looks like: Greinke, Carrasco, Lima, Hernandez, and Howell. He must like the match ups, otherwise the order of this rotation doesn't make any sense. Carrasco is clearly our best starter right now. Hernandez is our second best and the other three look, well, like they belong in the minor leagues.

Thankfully, we outslugged the Twins tonight, and won 12-8 in spite of Howell's poor performance. Mike Sweeney was 5-for-6 with 3 RBI. Every starter had at least one hit, most had multiple hits. Angel Berroa made a great diving play in the hole between short and third. The Royals broke it open in the sixth inning scoring 6 runs.


In the final game before the break, the Royals send D.J. Carrasco (4-3, 3.69) to the mound tomorrow afternoon against Carlos Silva (7-3, 3.68).