Kyle Isbel
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2024Moose85124100001000.4000.4000.600
2024Old Geezers196371597039151100.2380.3330.492
2025Old Geezers00000000000000.0000.0000.000
MLB Player Data
DateNewsComment
Jun 29 2025Isbel is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Lou Trivino is starting the game for the Dodgers as an opener before giving way to left-hander Justin Wrobleski, who will work in bulk relief. As a result, the Royals will keep Isbel on the bench for the series finale. Drew Waters will cover center field.
Jun 26 2025Isbel is not in the lineup for Thursday's contest versus the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's a routine day off for Isbel, who started each of the previous three tilts. Drew Waters is covering center field and batting ninth for the Royals on Thursday.
Jun 21 2025Isbel isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Padres. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After going 1-for-14 across his last four games, Isbel will take a seat Saturday while Drew Waters starts in center field and bats eighth.
May 28 2025Isbel is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel started back-to-back games after battling an illness earlier this week, and he'll get the night off Wednesday despite the Reds starting a right-handed pitcher (Hunter Greene). Michael Massey, Drew Waters and Dairon Blanco will fill the outfield from left to right.
May 26 2025Isbel (illness) is batting ninth and playing center field Monday against the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel missed the Royals' last two games due to illness, but he's feeling well enough to take the field Monday. He's slashing .276/.281/.431 with three homers in 133 plate appearances this season.
May 25 2025Isbel (illness) is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel was scratched from the lineup Saturday due to an illness and will sit again for Sunday's series finale in Minnesota. Drew Waters will shift to center field while Mark Canha and Nick Loftin start in right and left, respectively.
May 24 2025Isbel was scratched from the lineup ahead of Saturday's game against Minnesota with an illness. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: While Isbel takes the day off to recover, Drew Waters will move to center field, opening up right field for Mark Canha.
May 14 2025Isbel is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Astros. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lefty-hitting Isbel started in Tuesday's 2-1 loss against Astros southpaw Framber Valdez, but the outfielder will hit the bench Wednesday while Houston sends a second straight lefty (Colton Gordon) to the bump. Mark Canha will enter the lineup as a replacement for Isbel, manning left field and batting sixth.
May 8 2025Isbel is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel will receive a breather for the day game after he had started in each of the Royals' last three contests while going 3-for-9 with a solo home run and an additional run. Drew Waters will replace Isbel in center field.
May 6 2025Isbel went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Tuesday's win over the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel finally got the Royals on the board with a solo home run to lead off the sixth inning. He's now homered twice in his last four games after leaving the yard only once in 29 games prior. Outside of his two home runs, Isbel does not have an extra-base hit since April 16 and continues to lack notable production with 12 RBI and 10 runs scored in 95 plate appearances.
May 4 2025Isbel is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Drew Waters will get the start in center field while Isbel sits for the second time in the last four games. Isbel brings quality defense in the outfield, but he's not been much of a fantasy asset while frequently hitting at the bottom of the Kansas City order this season. He's slashing just .241/.244/.361 with two home runs, one steal, 11 RBI and seven runs through 30 games.
May 1 2025Isbel is not in the lineup for Thursday's game in Tampa Bay. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's a routine day off for Isbel, who started each of the previous three tilts. Drew Waters will occupy center field and bat ninth for the Royals on Thursday.
Apr 10 2025Isbel is absent from the lineup for Thursday's contest against the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel started the first three games of the four-game set, but he'll begin the series finale on the bench. Drew Waters is making his first start of the season for the Royals in center field and will bat ninth.
Apr 7 2025Isbel went 3-for-4 with a homer and two RBI in Monday's 4-2 victory over the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel popped his first homer of 2025 off Simeon Woods Richardson in the sixth inning, launching the solo shot 401 feet to right field. With this effort, the 28-year-old collected his first three-hit game since Aug. 12, 2024, which was also against the Twins. Isbel doesn't offer much fantasy intrigue outside of the deepest of leagues as he is currently the strong side of a platoon and hits in the bottom of the Kansas City lineup.
Apr 6 2025Isbel is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel and fellow left-handed-hitting outfielder MJ Melendez will head to the bench for the series finale while the Orioles send southpaw Cade Povich to the bump. The Royals will roll out a starting outfield of Mark Canha, Maikel Garcia and Hunter Renfroe from left to right.
Mar 31 2025Isbel is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel went 2-for-9 with a double and two runs scored while starting in center field in all three games of the Royals' season-opening series versus the Guardians. He'll be getting a breather as Kansas City opens a three-game set in Milwaukee, with Maikel Garcia spelling Isbel in the outfield.
Mar 17 2025Isbel went 2-for-3 in Monday's spring training win over Arizona. He's hitting .265 (9-for-34) with a .686 OPS this spring. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel will return as Kansas City's starting center fielder but likely needs to improve at the plate to keep from losing playing time. He hit just .240 last season with a .662 OPS, but his elite glove kept him in the lineup. Isbel has ranked in at least the 95th percentile in Outs Above Average each of the last three seasons. He'll also sit against most left-handed pitching as he hit just .161 with a .450 OPS against lefties last season. The Royals have experimented with Maikel Garcia in center field this spring, so Kansas City could look at other options if he struggles at the plate.
Jan 9 2025Isbel agreed to a one-year, $1.75 million contract with the Royals on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel will receive a $1 million raise in his first year of arbitration eligibility after slashing .229/.287/.367 with 42 RBI and 11 stolen bases across 136 games last season. While he is expected to start regularly in the outfield again in 2025, the 27-year-old's career-long lack of offensive production means he can be safely left off fantasy managers' radar.
Oct 7 2024Isbel is not in the lineup Monday for Game 2 of the ALDS against the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-handed-hitting Isbel will grab as seat as the Yankees send southpaw Carlos Rodon to the bump. Garrett Hampson is covering center field and batting ninth for the Royals.
Sep 28 2024Isbel isn't in Kansas City's lineup for Saturday's game against Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel will join many of the Royals' starters in getting a day off Saturday after the team clinched a postseason berth Friday. Dairon Blanco will get a chance to start in center field while Isbel rests.
Sep 26 2024Isbel is not in the lineup for Thursday's contest versus the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-handed-hitting Isbel will begin the series finale on the bench as the Nationals start southpaw Patrick Corbin on the mound. The right-handed-hitting Garrett Hampson will patrol center field for the Royals.
Sep 18 2024Isbel is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game versus the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Southpaw Tarik Skubal is on the hill for Detroit, so the left-handed-hitting Isbel will take a seat. Garrett Hampson will occupy center field and bat ninth for Kansas City.
Sep 15 2024Isbel is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel will typically hit the bench versus left-handed pitching, but he's on the bench Sunday against Pittsburgh righty Jared Jones. Garrett Hampson is starting in center field for the series finale.
Sep 14 2024Isbel went 1-for-2 with a double, a walk, two stolen bases and a run scored in Saturday's 5-1 win over the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: One game after he hit multiple extra-base hits, Isbel showed off a different skill by picking up his first steals since Aug. 19. The outfielder has a career-high 11 thefts on 13 attempts this year, and he's flashed additional speed with seven triples. He still has little to show for overall with a .234/.286/.377 slash line, eight home runs, 42 RBI, 58 runs scored and 12 doubles across 124 contests.
Sep 13 2024Isbel went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, an RBI double and two total runs scored in Friday's 8-3 win over the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel contributed his RBI double during the Royals' six-run second inning, and he added a solo shot in the fourth. This was his second multi-hit effort in three games after he went 23 contests without one from Aug. 13 to Sept. 9. The outfielder has a .232/.282/.374 slash line with eight homers, 42 RBI, 57 runs scored and nine stolen bases over 123 games this season, serving primarily as a strong-side platoon option in center field.
Sep 9 2024Isbel is absent from Monday's lineup against the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel will avoid a matchup with Yankees southpaw Carlos Rodon. Garrett Hampson will start in center field Monday and bat ninth.
Sep 8 2024Isbel is absent from Sunday's lineup against Minnesota. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel will sit Sunday after going 1-for-5 with one RBI and two runs scored across the first two games of the series. Garrett Hampson will start in center field and bat ninth.
Aug 30 2024Isbel is out of the lineup for Friday's game against Houston. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel will avoid a matchup with left-hander Framber Valdez on Friday. Garrett Hampson draws the start in center field and will bat eighth.
Aug 26 2024Isbel is out of the lineup for the second game of Monday's doubleheader with the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lefty-hitting Isbel drew the start in the Royals' 4-3 win earlier in the day while the Guardians opted for a bullpen game, but he'll head to the bench for Game 2 with southpaw Logan Allen toeing the rubber for Cleveland. Garrett Hampson will pick up a start in center field in place of Isbel, who went 1-for-4 in the first contest of the day.
Aug 25 2024Isbel is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel is mired in a 3-for-20 slump and will head to the bench Sunday as southpaw Kolby Allard takes the mound for Philadelphia. Garrett Hampson will start in center field and bat ninth in the series finale.
Aug 20 2024Isbel is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lefty-hitting Isbell will dodge a matchup with southpaw Tyler Anderson on Tuesday. In his place, Garrett Hampson will bat ninth and play center field.
Aug 19 2024Isbel went 1-for-4 with a stolen base in Monday's 5-3 win over the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel has gone 11-for-26 (.423) over his last eight games, a span that has seen him rack up five RBI and four extra-base hits. The outfielder has matched his career high with nine steals, doing so in just 11 attempts this year compared to 15 attempts in 2022. He's slashing .235/.289/.381 with seven home runs, 33 RBI, 49 runs scored, eight doubles and seven triples over 324 plate appearances as a strong-side platoon option in center field.
Aug 18 2024Isbel is absent from Sunday's lineup against Cincinnati. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lefty-hitting Isbel will sit for a second straight contest with the Reds sending southpaw Andrew Abbott to the mound. Garrett Hampson will man center field and bat eighth.
Aug 17 2024Isbel is not in Saturday's lineup against the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He'll head to the bench with lefty Nick Lodolo on the hill for Cincinnati. The lefty-hitting Isbel may also sit Sunday with Andrew Abbott slated to start for the Reds.
Aug 13 2024Isbel went 3-for-4 with a double and one RBI in Monday's 8-3 loss to the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel logged three hits for the second game in a row and it was his third consecutive multi-hit effort. The outfielder was ice cold before this hot stretch -- he went 0-for-21 over an eight-game span from July 30 to Aug. 7. He's now at a .236/.290/.386 slash line with seven home runs, seven doubles, seven triples, eight stolen bases, 31 RBI and 47 runs scored through 308 plate appearances. As long as he's hitting well, he should continue to handle a strong-side platoon role in center field, though there's nothing in his history to suggest an extended hot streak is on the way.
Aug 10 2024Isbel went 3-for-4 with a triple, three runs, an RBI and a stolen base Saturday in an 8-3 victory versus the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel notched his second straight multi-hit performance following an eight-game cold stretch during which he went 0-for-21 at the plate. He's tripled in each of his past two contests and is up to a career-high seven three-baggers on the campaign, tied for fifth-most in the league. Isbel is slashing .228/.284/.377 with seven homers, 30 RBI, 47 runs and eight thefts overall in 2024.
Aug 4 2024Isbel is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Tigers, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel will hit the bench Sunday since southpaw Brant Hurter is scheduled to work as Detroit's primary pitcher. Garrett Hampson will start in center field and bat eighth in the series finale.
Aug 2 2024Isbel is absent from the lineup for Friday's contest versus the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-handed hitting Isbel had started each of the previous five games, but he'll begin this one on the bench versus southpaw Tarik Skubal. Garrett Hampson is handling center field for the Royals.
Jul 27 2024Isbel is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel went 1-for-3 with a stolen base and one run scored in Friday's 6-0 win over Chicago. Garrett Hampson will start in center field Saturday and bat seventh against Cubs southpaw Shota Imanaga.
Jul 26 2024Isbel went 1-for-3 with a stolen base and one run scored in Friday's 6-0 win over the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel is 5-for-11 over his last three games, a noticeable uptick in success for the outfielder. He's logged seven steals this season, three of which he's racked up across 15 games in July. The 27-year-old is slashing .235/.286/.387 with seven home runs, 27 RBI and 39 runs scored across 84 contests. Isbel is likely to remain in a strong-side platoon role in center field, with Garrett Hampson often entering the lineup versus southpaws.
Jul 23 2024Isbel is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel will yield to Garrett Hampson in center field with southpaw Jordan Montgomery on the mound for Arizona. Isbel went 3-for-4 with a double, two RBI and a run during Monday's series opener.
Jul 22 2024Isbel went 3-for-4 with a double, two RBI and a run scored in Monday's win over the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel opened the game's scoring with an RBI single in the second inning. He later knocked an RBI double and scored in the fourth. It was Isbel's first three-hit game of the season and just his second multi-hit performance this month. He's now slashing .233/.286/.381 with 17 extra-base hits and 26 RBI through 260 plate appearances.
Jul 13 2024Isbel isn't in the Royals' lineup Saturday against the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel went 0-for-2 with two walks and a run scored during Friday's win, and he'll now retreat to the bench while Garrett Hampson starts in center field, batting ninth.
Jul 10 2024Isbel went 2-for-3 with a solo home run, a walk, a stolen base and three total runs in Game 2 of a doubleheader sweep versus the Cardinals on Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel didn't play in Game 1 of the twin bill but made a big impact in the nightcap. He singled, stole second base and scored in the fifth frame, scored again following a walk in the seventh, and finished with a solo shot to right field in the ninth. Isbel had been ice cold through six games in July coming into Wednesday, going 1-for-14 with four strikeouts.
Jul 5 2024Isbel isn't in the Royals' lineup for Friday's game versus Colorado. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With southpaw Kyle Freeland set to toe the slab for the Rockies, the left-handed bat of Isbel will step out of the lineup. Garrett Hampson will take over in center field while batting eighth.
Jun 30 2024Isbel is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel has two triples, two homers and a 1.061 OPS over his past nine games but will sit Sunday with lefty Logan Allen pitching for Cleveland. Garrett Hampson will take over in center field and bat eighth.
Jun 28 2024Isbel went 2-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk in Friday's 10-3 win over the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel has four extra-base hits (two homers, two triples) over his last eight contests. The 27-year-old continues to hold onto a starting role in center field, slashing .235/.280/.390 with a career-high six homers through 67 contests. He's added 22 RBI, 28 runs scored, four stolen bases, five doubles and four triples this season.
Jun 26 2024Isbel is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game versus the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel missed a couple contests over the weekend with a back issue, but his absence Wednesday looks to be a routine day off after he had started both of the first two games of the series. Garrett Hampson will patrol center field for the Royals.
Jun 24 2024Isbel (back) will start in center field and bat ninth in Monday's game against the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel will move back into the starting nine after a tight back kept him out of the lineup for the final two contests of the Royals' weekend series versus the Rangers. Garrett Hampson and Dairon Blanco both picked up one start apiece in center field while Isbel was on the bench.
Jun 23 2024Isbel (back) is not in the starting lineup for Sunday's series finale against Texas. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel will sit for a second straight game Sunday after leaving in the fifth inning of Friday's 6-2 loss due to lower back tightness. Dairon Blanco will start in center field Sunday and bat ninth against Rangers right-hander Max Scherzer.
Jun 22 2024Isbel (back) is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel left in the fifth inning of Friday's 6-2 loss due to lower-back tightness, and it's unclear how much time he'll miss. Garrett Hampson will start in center field Saturday and bat ninth against Texas right-hander Jon Gray.
Jun 21 2024Isbel exited Friday's game against the Rangers due to lower back tightness. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Garrett Hampson pinch hit for Isbel in the top of the fifth inning. Before exiting, Isbel hit a solo home run in the top of the third inning in his only at-bat of the game. Clarity on the severity of the injury should be known following Friday's game.
Jun 15 2024Isbel is out of the lineup for Saturday's game against the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Even with righty Yoshinobu Yamamoto on the mound for Los Angeles, Isbel will yield to Garrett Hampson in center field. Isbel had started in each of the Royals' past four games, going 4-for-13 with three runs scored.
Jun 10 2024Isbel is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After he was held out of the lineup June 4 due to a head injury, the lefty-hitting Isbel started in each of the Royals' last four games, all of which came against right-handed pitchers. He'll hit the bench Monday with southpaw Carlos Rodon on the hill for the Yankees, opening up a spot in center field for Garrett Hampson.
Jun 5 2024Isbel (head) will start in center field and bat ninth in Wednesday's game against the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After exiting Sunday's 4-3 win over the Padres when he was kneed in the head in a collision with teammate Bobby Witt, Isbel was withheld from the lineup for Tuesday's 8-5 loss, but he's back in action Wednesday. Garrett Hampson spelled Isbel in center field Tuesday but will move to second base for the second game of the series in Cleveland.
Jun 4 2024Isbel (head/neck) is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game in Cleveland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel departed Sunday's game against the Padres after taking a knee to the head during a collision with teammate Bobby Witt. He avoided a concussion, but Isbel isn't feeling well enough to play even after Monday's team off day. Garrett Hampson will cover center field Tuesday.
Jun 2 2024Isbel was removed from Sunday's 4-3 win over the Padres in the top of the sixth inning with a non-concussive head/neck injury. He went 0-for-1 prior to leaving the game. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 27-year-old took a knee to the head as he collided with shortstop Bobby Witt in the outfield in the top of the fifth inning, per Anne Rogers of MLB.com. Isbel was initially able to stay in the contest, but after the Royals returned to the field for the top of the sixth, Garrett Hampson came on to replace him in center field. He'll have Monday's team off day to aid in his recovery ahead of Tuesday's series opener in Cleveland.
Jun 1 2024Isbel is out of the starting lineup Saturday versus San Diego. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel will get a day off after he went 2-for-13 with a double, an RBI, three runs scored and a stolen base while starting the last four contests. Dairon Blanco will take over in center field and bat ninth against the Padres.
May 28 2024Isbel went 0-for-2 with one RBI, one walk and one stolen base in Tuesday's 4-2 loss to the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel missed two games after taking a foul ball off his face Saturday. The outfielder is just 1-for-10 over his last four contests, but he was able to pick up his first RBI since May 18 on a groundout Tuesday. Isbel is at four steals, four home runs, 13 RBI, 18 runs scored and a .212/.260/.336 slash line through 147 plate appearances as the Royals' primary center fielder this year.
May 27 2024Isbel (face) remains out of the lineup for Monday's contest in Minnesota. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel suffered a facial injury Saturday and will now miss a second straight start. He's considered day-to-day. Dairon Blanco will get the call in center field Monday.
May 26 2024Isbel (face) is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel will get at least one day off to heal up from the facial injury he suffered in the Royals' 7-4 win Saturday, when he fouled a ball off himself in the seventh inning. Garrett Hampson will spell Isbel in center field.
May 25 2024Isbel was removed from Saturday's game against the Rays after getting hit in the head by a foul tip, Jaylon T. Thompson of The Kansas City Star reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel was hit in the face by a fastball that deflected off the handle of his bat during the seventh inning of Saturday's contest. The Royals will take a look at him and should offer an update relatively soon, but there is a good chance the 27-year-old outfielder misses at least a few games.
May 24 2024Isbel is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With southpaw Tyler Alexander expected to serve as the primary pitcher for Tampa Bay, the lefty-hitting Isbel will sit Friday and pass center field duties to Garrett Hampson. Isbel will get a break after going 2-for-11 with two runs in a three-game series against Detroit.
May 19 2024Isbel is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against Oakland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With southpaw JP Sears taking the mound for the Athletics, the lefty-hitting Isbel will get a rest day. Garrett Hampson will take over center field duties and bat ninth while Dairon Blanco and Hunter Renfroe round out Kansas City's outfield.
May 18 2024Isbel went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Saturday's 5-3 win over the Athletics. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The homer was Isbel's first since April 29. The outfielder has seen a dip in playing time in May, in part because he's hitting .222 (8-for-36) over 11 contests this month. Overall, he has a .218/.262/.361 slash line with four homers, three stolen bases, 12 RBI, 15 runs scored, three doubles and a triple over 127 plate appearances. Isbel will likely continue to be out of the lineup versus most southpaws, with Garrett Hampson or Dairon Blanco as options to pick up the short side of a platoon in center field.
May 14 2024Isbel is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel will give up center-field work to Garrett Hampson for a third consecutive game. Isbel has gone hitless in four of his last six starts.
May 12 2024Isbel is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lefty-hitting Isbel will cede center field to Garrett Hampson while the Angels bring southpaw Patrick Sandoval to the hill for the series finale.
May 9 2024Isbel isn't in the Royals' lineup for Thursday's game against the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel will step out of the lineup as the Angels prepare to send left-hander Reid Detmers to the mound to start Thursday's contest. Garrett Hampson will fill in as Kansas City's center fielder and bat ninth.
May 6 2024Isbel is absent from the lineup for Monday's game in Cleveland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-handed-hitting Isbel will take a seat against Milwaukee right-hander Bryse Wilson while Dairon Blanco gets the start in center field. Isbel had started each of the last 13 contests when the Royals faced a right-hander.
Apr 29 2024Isbel went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and an RBI single in Monday's 6-5 loss to the Blue Jays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel's bat has started to come around -- he's gone 7-for-21 (.333) with four extra-base hits over his last seven games. The outfielder has held onto a strong-side platoon role in center field this season. He's slashing .225/.262/.388 with three homers, three stolen bases, eight RBI, 10 runs scored, two doubles and a triple over 85 plate appearances. Isbel still most frequently bats at the bottom of the Royals' lineup when he's playing.
Apr 28 2024Isbel is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel will be joined on the bench by fellow lefty-hitting regulars Vinnie Pasquantino, Michael Massey and MJ Melendez while the Royals stock up on extra right-handed bats to counter Tigers southpaw Tarik Skubal. Dairon Blanco will replace Isbel in center field.
Apr 23 2024Isbel went 1-for-2 with a solo home run in Monday's 5-3 loss to the Blue Jays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel's homer was in the ninth inning, but the Royals weren't able to turn it into a rally. The outfielder had gone 0-for-12 across his previous four contests. He's batting .197 with a .533 OPS through 64 plate appearances while adding two homers, five RBI, three stolen bases and five runs scored. Isbel should remain on the strong side of a platoon in center field, with Garrett Hampson seeing most of the playing time versus southpaws.
Apr 22 2024Isbel is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Blue Jays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel will stick on the bench for the second game in a row while the Royals oppose a second straight left-handed starting pitcher in Yusei Kikuchi. Garrett Hampson will spell Isbel in center field.
Apr 17 2024Isbel isn't in the Royals' lineup for the final game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the White Sox, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: An 0-for-4 performance during Game 1 will send Isbel to the bench for the second contest, giving Garrett Hampson a chance to start in center field while batting in the leadoff spot.
Apr 13 2024Isbel isn't in the Royals' lineup Saturday against the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel will take a seat to begin Saturday's game as southpaw Sean Manaea starts on the hill for the Mets. Garrett Hampson will step in to cover center field while batting sixth.
Apr 10 2024Isbel went 1-for-3 with a stolen base and a run scored in Wednesday's 11-2 win over the Astros. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel is just 4-for-20 (.200) over his last seven games, but he has three steals in that span. The 27-year-old continues to see a strong-side platoon role in center field, sharing the position with utility man Garrett Hampson. Isbel has a .235/.257/.353 slash line with a home run, three RBI and three runs scored over 36 plate appearances this season, so it's unlikely he'll hit higher than the bottom third of the order.
Apr 7 2024Isbel is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the White Sox, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Lefty Garrett Crochet is starting Sunday for Chicago, so Isbel will hit the bench for the second time this season. Garrett Hampson will start in center field and bat ninth.
Apr 4 2024Isbel went 1-for-4 with a stolen base in Wednesday's 4-3 loss to the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel has seen steady time in center field, starting five of the first six games this season, though he's routinely hit at the bottom of the order. The outfielder's steal Wednesday was his first of the season. He's hitting .278 with one home run, one RBI and one double over 18 plate appearances. Isbel offers only modest speed -- he had 18 steals over 225 major-league contests over the previous three seasons.
Apr 2 2024Isbel is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel started the first four games of the season but will hit the bench Tuesday with southpaw Cole Irvin pitching for Baltimore. Garrett Hampson will start in center field and bat seventh.
Mar 31 2024Isbel went 2-for-3 with a solo home run and a double in Sunday's 11-0 win over the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel had started the season quietly prior to his big Sunday. He was one of five Royals to slug a homer in the contest. He's started all three games in center field to begin the season, though he's also hit at the bottom of the batting order. The Royals have yet to face a left-handed starter, so it's still unclear if Isbel will be a full-time starter or just a platoon player.
Mar 24 2024Isbel is positioned to begin the season as the Royals' starting center fielder after Drew Waters was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Friday, which was reported by Anne Rogers of MLB.com. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel was the favorite for the job early in camp, and he had a strong showing during spring training with a .344/.417/.500 slash line in 36 plate appearances. The 27-year-old played in 91 contests last year but struggled to a .662 OPS, and his hold on the job could wane quickly this season if he repeats that performance.
Feb 22 2024The Royals believe Isbel is their best option in center field, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel has graded out as an elite defensive center fielder the last two seasons, which looks to give him a leg up over Drew Waters even as he hasn't hit much. Waters is viewed as a quality defender himself but has played as much right field as center field. The left-handed hitting Isbel appears to be the favorite to at least start against righties, with Waters representing an option versus lefties.
Sep 29 2023Isbel went 3-for-4 with one double, two RBI and two runs scored in Friday's win over the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel was the ninth of 10 consecutive Kansas City batters to reach base to begin the game, belting a bases-loaded double that drove in two runs. The three hits mark just the second time this season Isbel has recorded more than two hits in a game. He enters the final two games of the season slashing .240/.282/.366 with five homers, 34 RBI, 45 runs and seven steals in 91 games and 292 at-bats.
Sep 17 2023Isbel is out of the lineup Sunday against the Astros. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel went 1-for-4 with an RBI single and a run scored in the Royals' defeat of Houston on Saturday, but he'll ride the pine in Sunday's series finale. Nelson Velazquez, Drew Waters and Dairon Blanco are starting across the outfield.
Sep 15 2023Isbel is out of the lineup Friday against the Astros. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: MJ Melendez, Drew Waters and Nelson Velazquez will start across the outfield for Kansas City. Isbel has shown a bit more life at the plate in recent weeks, but he is batting just .232/.272/.380 across 81 total major-league games this year.
Sep 12 2023Isbel is out of the lineup for the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader versus the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Royals are going with Drew Water is center field against Dylan Cease. Isbel figures to be back in the lineup for the second game of the double dip.
Sep 9 2023Isbel will be on the bench for Saturday's game against the Blue Jays, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel recently missed five games with a tight hamstring but returned to start both Wednesday and Friday, going a combined 1-for-6 with two walks and four strikeouts. He'll retreat to the bench Saturday, with Drew Waters taking over in center field.
Sep 6 2023Isbel (hamstring) is starting in center field and batting eighth Wednesday against the White Sox in his return to the lineup. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel missed the previous five games with a tight hamstring but is feeling well enough to give it a go in this one. He and his teammates will be squaring off against Touki Toussaint.
Sep 5 2023Isbel (hamstring) remains out of the lineup for Tuesday's contest versus the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel hasn't played since Friday because of a tight hamstring. The Royals consider the injury to be minor and expect Isbel to avoid the injured list, but the longer his absence drags on, the odds of an IL stint certainly increase. Drew Waters is in center field again Tuesday.
Sep 4 2023Isbel hasn't played since Friday due to hamstring rightness, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel is missing a third straight start Monday, but the hamstring issue is considered mild and his pregame workouts haven't been interrupted. It sounds like he has a good shot to avoid the injured list.
Sep 3 2023Isbel isn't in the Royals' lineup Sunday against the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Chris Sale will start Sunday's game for the Red Sox, so the left-handed bat of Isbel will retreat to the bench for the start of the game. Dairon Blanco will man center field in Isbel's absence and bat ninth.
Sep 2 2023Isbel is not in Saturday's lineup against the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel will head to the bench despite having the platoon advantage (against Tanner Houck) for the second time in the last three games against right-handed pitchers after starting regularly against righties prior to Aug. 29. The righty-hitting Nelson Velazquez has been getting more starts in the outfield recently while the Royals cycle players through the designated hitter slot.
Aug 29 2023Isbel is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 26-year-old will usually sit against left-handed pitchers, but he'll take a seat Tuesday despite Pittsburgh's opener (Colin Selby) and expected bulk pitcher (Luis Ortiz) both being right-handed. It is Isbel's second absence in Kansas City's past nine games, and he's gone 5-for-21 with a home run and five RBI during that span. Drew Waters will man center field while Dairon Blanco and Nelson Velazquez start in the corner outfield.
Aug 25 2023Isbel went 2-for-3 with a home run, a walk and three total RBI in Friday's 7-5 loss to the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel was productive from the bottom of the order with an RBI single in the second inning and a two-run blast in the seventh. This was his fifth multi-hit effort in August, and he's now batting .290 (18-for-62) with 11 RBI over 20 contests this month. The outfielder is at a .246/.277/.394 slash line with five homers, 27 RBI, 32 runs scored and six stolen bases through 71 contests while maintaining a regular role in center field.
Aug 23 2023Isbel is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Athletics. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel will be the odd man out of the Kansas City outfield while MJ Melendez, Drew Waters and Dairon Blanco form the Royals' starting trio from left to right. The move to the bench comes while Isbel has enjoyed a productive run at the dish over the past five games, going 5-for-14 with a double, a walk, four RBI and two runs.
Aug 19 2023Isbel will be on the bench Saturday against the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel sits after starting seven straight games. He's hitting .252/.270/.389 in 40 games since returning from a hamstring injury in late June, which represents only a modest improvement from the .209/.250/.352 line he recorded prior to the injury. Drew Waters starts in center field Saturday.
Aug 12 2023Isbel went 2-for-3 with a walk, a stolen base and two runs scored in Friday's 12-8 win over the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel was productive out of the No. 9 spot in the order again. He's hit safely in four straight games, going 5-for-14 with two steals, two RBI and four runs scored in that span. Long-term consistency has been a struggle for the outfielder this year -- he has just one other hitting streak of four or more games in 2023. Isbel is slashing .232/.263/.384 with six steals, four home runs, 18 RBI and 27 runs scored over 60 contests.
Aug 9 2023Isbel went 1-for-4 with a double, two RBI, a stolen base and a run scored in Tuesday's 9-3 win over the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The outfielder was productive in a variety of ways Tuesday, as he also had a sacrifice fly. He's off to an inauspicious start in August, however, going 4-for-23 (.174) over seven games this month. Regardless he continues to see regular playing time in center field. Isbel is slashing .223/.252/.376 with five steals, four home runs, 18 RBI and 25 runs scored over 58 contests this season.
Jul 30 2023Isbel is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel started the past five games and will receive a day off after going 8-for-20 with a double, a home run, a stolen base, three RBI and six runs during that stretch. Drew Waters will shift to center field while Dairon Blanco starts in right.
Jul 29 2023Isbel went 1-for-4 with a solo home run, a stolen base and an additional run scored in Friday's 8-5 extra-inning win over the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel opened the scoring with his third-inning solo shot. He also stole third in the 10th inning as the initial runner. The outfielder has had a lackluster July, hitting .246 with a .727 OPS, three home runs and two steals over 21 contests. Despite the middling numbers, he remains a steady presence in the lineup, especially against right-handers. Isbel is slashing .213/.249/.373 with four homers, four steals, 14 RBI and 20 runs scored across 50 games this season.
Jul 24 2023Isbel went 1-for-2 with a solo home run in Sunday's loss to the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After pinch hitting for Dairon Blanco in the seventh inning, Isbel cranked a solo homer off Ron Marinaccio in the ninth. The 26-year-old Isbel has been swinging the bat well of late -- he's gone 5-for-17 (.294) with a .941 OPS over his last five games. After a rough start to the year, Isbel's now slashing .208/.247/.364 with three homers, 16 runs scored, 13 RBI and three steals across 162 plate appearances this season.
Jul 23 2023Isbel is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel started the past four games and will receive Sunday off after he went 4-for-15 with three doubles, an RBI and five strikeouts. Dairon Blanco will take over in center field for the Royals.
Jul 18 2023Isbel isn't in the Royals' lineup Tuesday against the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-handed bat of Isbel will take a seat Tuesday versus southpaw Tarik Skubal and the Tigers. Drew Waters will slide to center field in Isbel's absence, allowing Dairon Blanco to start in right field and bat ninth.
Jul 16 2023Isbel went 1-for-4 with a stolen base and a run scored in Sunday's win over the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel notched just his third stolen base of the year and recorded his first base knock since the team returned from the All-Star break. The Royals don't really have anyone challenging Isbel for playing time with Edward Olivares (oblique) on the shelf and he should remain a regular in the lineup against righties despite a dreary .203/.248/.338 slash line over 141 plate appearances this season.
Jul 15 2023Isbel will sit for the nightcap of Saturday's doubleheader against the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel played center field and hit cleanup in the afternoon contest but went 0-for-4 with a strikeout, driving his OPS on the season down to .594. Left fielder MJ Melendez will move up to the cleanup spot, while Drew Waters will slide to center field with Dairon Blanco entering the lineup in right.
Jul 10 2023Isbel went 2-for-4 with a solo homer and two runs scored in Sunday's win over the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel got the Royals on the board with a solo blast off Shane Bieber to kick off the fifth inning and came around to score once more in the sixth after he singled. The 26-year-old has notched multiple hits and an RBI in back-to-back games heading into the All-Star break but is slashing just .212/.278/.364 in 11 games since returning from a Grade 2 left hamstring strain in late June.
Jul 6 2023Isbel isn't in the Royals' lineup Thursday against the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel is just 3-for-24 since returning from the injured list June 27, so he'll get a day off Thursday to regroup. Dairon Blanco will take over in center field and bat eighth in Isbel's absence.
Jul 1 2023Isbel isn't in the Royals' lineup Saturday against the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Lefty Julio Urias will start on the mound for the Dodgers, meaning Isbel will remain in the dugout to begin Saturday's game. Drew Waters will start in center field in Isbel's place, allowing Dairon Blanco to start in right and bat ninth.
Jun 28 2023Isbel is not in the starting lineup against the Guardians on Wednesday, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel went 0-for-3 after being activated off the 10-day injured list Tuesday after missing seven weeks because of a Grade 2 left hamstring strain. The outfielder will get a day of rest with Drew Waters lined up in center field and Samad Taylor getting the start in left.
Jun 27 2023Kansas City activated Isbel (hamstring) from the 10-day injured list Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel wound up missing seven full weeks because of a Grade 2 left hamstring strain and will probably have to force his way back into a regular role with the switch-hitting Drew Waters now commanding most of the starts in center field for the Royals. Isbel had slashed just .209/.250/.352 in 26 games (96 plate appearances) before his lengthy IL stint.
Jun 12 2023Isbel (hamstring) will begin a rehab assignment Tuesday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel resumed running the bases June 2 and will now begin testing his hamstring in a game setting. Isbel figures to return within a week, but it's unclear what role he will play in the Royals' outfield now that Drew Waters is healthy. The 26-year-old outfielder has been out since early May with a left hamstring strain.
Jun 2 2023Isbel (hamstring) ran the bases Friday and is expected to begin a rehab assignment after the Royals' next road trip, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: That timeline suggests Isbel won't begin playing in rehab games until the week of June 12 at the earliest. He'll likely continue ramping up his baseball activities over the next week. The outfielder could still be activated on or around June 18, which aligns with the initial six-week timeline he was given when he suffered the injury in early May.
May 5 2023Royals manager Matt Quatraro told reporters that Isbel will be sidelined six weeks after being diagnosed with a Grade 2 hamstring strain, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel was placed on the 10-day injured list by the Royals on Friday after he suffered the injury during Thursday's game against Baltimore. The outfielder will not be ready for action until near the end of June, and Quatraro noted that Jackie Bradley and Nate Eaton will get most of the reps in center field with Maikel Garcia also possibly getting some chances.
May 4 2023Isbel was removed from Thursday's game against Baltimore due to a left hamstring strain. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel was forced to come out of the game after he came up grabbing at his hamstring following a bunt single in the seventh inning. There's no word yet on the severity of Isbel's injury, and fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day until more information comes out.
Apr 30 2023Isbel is out of the lineup for Sunday's game at Minnesota. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel started the past five games and will head to the bench after he went 3-for-17 with two doubles, a triple and a run scored during that stretch. Jackie Bradley will take over in center field against Twins righty Sonny Gray.
Apr 5 2023Isbel was placed on the paternity list Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel could be away from the team for up to three games as he heads home to spend time with his expanding family. In his place, Nick Pratto was called up from Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday.
Feb 21 2023Isbel is expected to be the Royals' Opening Day center fielder following the injury to Drew Waters (oblique), Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel had seemed likely to play left field while Waters handled center, but now the former is needed in the middle of the diamond with the latter out six weeks. Edward Olivares, Nate Eaton and Samad Taylor should now see more action in the corner outfield spots, with Franmil Reyes also possibly in the mix. Isbel sports a disappointing .642 OPS so far in the big leagues but has showed some pop and speed in the minors.
Oct 5 2022Isbel went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Wednesday's loss to Cleveland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: In the final game of the season, Isbel took a 1-0 cutter from Aaron Civale in the fifth inning over the fence in right field for his fifth long ball of 2022. The 25-year-old received sporadic at-bats over the last couple of weeks of the season, likely due to his undesirable .211/.264/.340 slash line on the season. The home run to close out the year was a good sign for Isbel, however, and he will look to carry that momentum into the offseason.
Sep 4 2022Isbel went 1-for-4 with a grand slam, a walk and two total runs scored in Friday's win over the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel scored Nick Pratto, Michael Taylor and Ryan O'Hearn on his fifth-inning grand slam. Isbel also came around to score on a seventh-inning double from Nate Eaton. The grand slam was Isbel's fourth homer of the season and his first since Aug. 6. The outfielder had suffered a three-game hitless streak to end August, but has gone 3-for-7 in his last two games, raising his batting average from .210 to .217 in the process.
Aug 29 2022Isbel went 0-for-1 with two walks, a stolen base and a run scored in Sunday's 15-7 win over the Padres. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Brent Rooker got the start in left field, but Isbel was effective after entering as a defensive replacement in the sixth inning. Isbel has his a meager .224 with one home run, four steals, seven RBI and 11 runs scored in August. The speedy 25-year-old is up to nine steals with three homers, 20 RBI and 25 runs scored through 217 plate appearances, though he's slashed just .214/.259/.338. He'll likely continue to serve as outfield depth, competing with MJ Melendez and Drew Waters for playing time in the corner outfield while also occasionally allowing Michael Taylor some rest.
Aug 24 2022Isbel went 1-for-4 with a stolen base and a run scored in Wednesday's 5-3 win over the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel has been in contention for playing time around the outfield, but the arrival of Drew Waters in the majors could create competition between the two younger players. In August, Isbel has gone 10-for-44 (.227) with three steals, a home run, two triples and three doubles across 19 games. He's slashing just .214/.254/.342 with three homers, eight steals, 20 RBI and 24 runs scored across 210 plate appearances overall. The lefty-hitting Isbel should remain in a part-time role as the Royals evaluate many young options for their 2023 roster construction.
Aug 22 2022Isbel is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lefty-hitting Isbel is on the bench against a right-hander (Michael Kopech) after going 0-for-4 with a walk and a run scored while starting in the final two games of the Royals' weekend series in Tampa Bay. Though the 49-74 Royals are in evaluation mode as the season winds down, Isbel still looks to be stuck in a part-time role while MJ Melendez, Michael Taylor and Hunter Dozier profile as the team's primary outfielders.
Aug 17 2022Isbel isn't in the lineup Wednesday against Minnesota. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel is getting a day off after he went 1-for-7 with an RBI, a steal and a strikeout over the last three games. Nate Eaton will start in left field and bat eighth.
Aug 14 2022Isbel went 1-for-2 with an RBI and a stolen base in a 4-0 victory Sunday against the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel had a run-scoring single and stole a base in the sixth inning. It was his seventh stolen base in 10 attempts this season. He's turned it on in August and has a .296/.345/.630 line with five extra-base hits and two stolen bases in 29 plate appearances. He's started nine of Kansas City's last 12 games, appearing at each of the outfield spots during that span. The Royals appear to be giving Isbel an extended opportunity to showcase his skills at the big-league level.
Aug 11 2022Isbel isn't in the lineup Thursday against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel went 2-for-4 with a double, two runs, two RBI, a stolen base and two strikeouts Wednesday but will get a day off for Thursday's series finale. Nate Eaton is taking over in right field and batting ninth.
Aug 10 2022Isbel went 2-for-4 with a double, two RBI, two runs scored and a stolen base in Wednesday's win over the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel doubled and scored in the bottom of the third inning before later adding a two RBI single, a stolen base and another run scored in the eighth frame. The stolen base was his sixth of the season and first since July 25. Over his last six games, Isbel has gone 7-for-17 with five extra-base hits, six RBI, eight runs scored and a stolen base.
Aug 9 2022Isbel is out of the lineup for Game 2 of Tuesday's doubleheader against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel started Game 1 and went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts, and he'll take a seat for the nightcap. Nate Eaton will man right field in his place for Game 2 of the twin bill.
Aug 7 2022Isbel went 2-for-3 with a triple, a double, three runs scored and three RBI in Sunday's 13-5 win over the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel hit an RBI triple in the seventh inning and followed it up with a two-run double in the eighth. After an 0-for-18 stretch, the 25-year-old has gone 5-for-9 with five runs scored over his last three games. Isbel is now slashing .222/.258/.359 with 17 RBI and 13 extra-base hits through 67 appearances.
Aug 6 2022Isbel went 2-for-3 with a solo home run and an additional run scored in Saturday's 5-4 win over the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel restored a one-run lead for the Royals with his fourth-inning blast. He recently endured an 0-for-18 skid across nine contests, but he's now gone 3-for-6 with a homer and a triple in his last two games. The outfielder is up to a .213/.247/.335 slash line, three long balls, 14 RBI, 16 runs scored and five stolen bases through 174 plate appearances. He can play all around the outfield, though the recently promoted Nate Eaton could push Isbel for playing time soon if the latter doesn't show improvement at the plate.
Aug 4 2022Isbel is not in the lineup for Thursday's game versus the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel started the past two games and will take a seat while mired in an 0-for-18 slump. MJ Melendez, Michael Taylor and Nate Eaton -- who was called up from Triple-A Omaha on Thursday -- will start from left to right in the outfield.
Aug 3 2022Isbel will start in right field and bat eighth in Wednesday's game against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel will pick up his second consecutive start, and he looks like he could be one of the primary beneficiaries of the Royals' decision to trade Whit Merrifield to the Blue Jays on Tuesday. The trade should free up Hunter Dozier to pick up more reps at third base, thereby clearing room in the corner outfield for Isbel, who went 0-for-3 in Tuesday's 9-2 loss.
Jul 31 2022Isbel is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Royals are opposing a lefty (Jordan Montgomery) for the second day in a row, so the lefty-hitting Isbel will once again find himself on the bench. Though Isbel looked prime to play regularly versus right-handed pitching following the trade of Andrew Benintendi to the Yankees a few days earlier, Salvador Perez's recent return from the injured list could result in Isbel losing out on playing time. With Perez is expected to step back in as the Royals' everyday catcher, MJ Melendez looks like he might log more time in the corner outfield at Isbel's expense.
Jul 30 2022Isbel isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Yankees, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel will get a breather after he went 0-for-11 with five strikeouts over the last three games. Hunter Dozier is shifting to right field while MJ Melendez starts in left.
Jul 28 2022Isbel will start in left field and bat ninth in Thursday's game against the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel will man left field for the second straight contest and appears poised to find a regular home at the position after the Royals dealt Andrew Benintendi to the Yankees on Wednesday in exchange for three prospects. Over 155 plate appearances this season, Isbel has managed a lowly .221/.258/.324 slash line, so he may need to show some improvement at the dish to ensure he sticks as a regular in the lineup once Edward Olivares (quadriceps) is back from the injured list.
Jul 26 2022Isbel went 0-for-1 with a stolen base in Monday's 7-0 win over the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel stole a base after running for Hunter Dozier in the seventh inning. It's been Dozier starting in right field since the All-Star break. Even with Edward Olivares (quadriceps) on the injured list, the lefty-hitting Isbel has been more of a fourth outfielder rather than a platoon option. He's up to five steals with a .227/.265/.333 slash line in 151 plate appearances, so he's yet to really command more playing time with his hitting.
Jul 24 2022Isbel is not in the starting lineup for Sunday's series finale against the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel is not in the lineup for the third straight game Sunday. Hunter Dozier will start in right field while Nick Pratto takes over at first base and bats eighth. It appears that Isbel is no longer an everyday starter.
Jul 18 2022The Royals reinstated Isbel (personal) from the restricted list Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel was one of 10 Royals players who will rejoin the 26-man active roster after being ineligible to play during the four-game weekend series in Toronto due his vaccination status. He closed the Royals' first-half schedule with a .223/.257/.331 slash line to go with two home runs, four stolen bases, 13 RBI and 13 runs across 148 plate appearances. When Kansas City opens its post-All-Star-break schedule Friday, the 25-year-old will likely have to vie for work in right field with Edward Olivares, as Andrew Benintendi and Michael Taylor (shoulder) are the established starters at the other two outfield spots.
Jul 14 2022The Royals placed Isbel (personal) on the restricted list Thursday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel is one of 10 Royals on the 26-man active roster who won't be eligible for the four-game series in Toronto due to his vaccination status. He'll be formally reinstated from the restricted list for the Royals' first game coming out of the All-Star break July 22 against Tampa Bay. Infielder Nick Pratto was summoned from Triple-A Omaha to temporarily replace Isbel on the active roster.
Jul 13 2022Isbel is unable to enter Canada for the four-game series in Toronto this weekend due to his vaccination status, so he'll be placed on the restricted list Thursday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel is one of 10 players who won't be able to play against the Blue Jays due to being unvaccinated. Michael Taylor and Andrew Benintendi are also heading to the restricted list, so the Royals will need to call up some minor-leaguers to make the trip to Toronto.
Jul 12 2022Isbel went 3-for-3 with a double, a hit-by-pitch, an RBI and a run scored in Tuesday's loss to the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel supplied an RBI double and came around to score in the second inning. The outfielder has a pair of multi-hit games in his last four contests, going 5-for-15 (.333) in that span. The 25-year-old is slashing .221/.255/.331 with two home runs, 13 RBI, 13 runs scored, four stolen bases, five doubles and two triples through 145 plate appearances. He should see steady playing time in center field while Michael Taylor (shoulder) is day-to-day.
Jul 10 2022Isbel went 2-for-4 with a run scored, an RBI and a stolen base in a 5-1 win Sunday over Cleveland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel had a run-scoring single in the second inning and singled, stole second and scored in the sixth. It was the first multi-hit game for the 25-year-old since June 7, and it came on the heels of a 6-for-47 slump. While he's appeared in each of the last 15 games for Kansas City, Sunday was just his seventh start during that span.
Jul 6 2022Isbel is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Astros. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: As recently as last week, the lefty-hitting Isbel looked as though he might hold down the strong side of a platoon right field, but the righty-hitting Edward Olivares appears to have made a case for a regular role against both left- and right-handed pitching. Isbel finds himself on the bench Wednesday for the fourth time in five games Wednesday, with three of his absences coming when the Royals have opposed right-handers.
Jul 3 2022Isbel recorded a stolen base in Sunday's 7-4 win over the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel didn't make a plate appearance, but he ran for Ryan O'Hearn in the ninth inning. Isbel notched a steal with two outs but was thrown out at the plate on a Nicky Lopez single to end the inning. This was Isbel's third steal in four attempts this season. The 25-year-old outfielder has appeared to take on the strong side of a platoon in right field with Edward Olivares, though Whit Merrifield could poach starts from both outfielders at times. Isbel is slashing .222/.248/.333 this year, but he's shown a little improvement by going 3-for-10 with a pair of home runs in his last five contests.
Jul 1 2022Isbel will start in right field and bat eighth Friday against the Tigers, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel has homered in back-to-back games -- his first two home runs of the season -- and will be rewarded with another start in the series opener in Detroit. He's still batting just .223/.250/.340 for the season, however. Isbel will need to keep it up to fend off Edward Olivares for playing time in the outfield.
Jun 29 2022Isbel went 1-for-2 with a solo home run Wednesday against the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel delivered a home run to lead off the fifth frame, his second long ball of the season. However, he struggled significantly entering Wednesday's start, collecting only two hits across 23 at-bats in his previous 10 games. Isbel is in a fight for playing time since Edward Olivares was activated from the injured list Friday, so he'll need to pick up his performance to maintain consistent plate appearances.
Jun 21 2022Isbel went 1-for-2 with an RBI single in Tuesday's 12-11 extra-innings win over the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel entered the game as a defensive replacement in right field, but he made his biggest impact at the plate in the 11th inning. He hit an RBI single for the Royals' 12th run, which proved to be the decisive tally in the contest. The outfielder has seen his playing time drop off with the Royals enjoying relatively good health among their position players. Isbel is likely to serve as more of a fourth outfielder to spell Michael Taylor in center field and to compete with Hunter Dozier and MJ Melendez in right. For the season, Isbel is slashing .231/.260/.297 with no home runs, eight RBI, eight runs scored, two stolen bases, four doubles and a triple through 96 plate appearances.
Jun 5 2022Isbel is not in Sunday's lineup against the Astros. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel has now sat in back-to-back games against a righty Saturday and a lefty (Framber Valdez) in this one. Michael Taylor has drawn the start in center field in both instances.
Jun 4 2022Isbel is out of the lineup Saturday against the Astros. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel went 1-for-8 with an RBI and three strikeouts over his last two games, and he'll be out of the lineup for the second time in the last three matchups. Michael Taylor will start in center field and bat eighth.
Jun 1 2022Isbel isn't starting Wednesday against the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel started Tuesday against Cleveland and went 1-for-4 with an RBI and two strikeouts. However, he'll get a breather in Wednesday's series finale while Whit Merrifield shifts to center field with Emmanuel Rivera entering the lineup at third base.
May 30 2022Isbel (illness) was reinstated from the COVID-19 injured list Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel was sidelined for nearly a week after he dealt with mild illness symptoms last Tuesday, but he'll be available for Monday's game against Cleveland. Whit Merrifield will start in center field and lead off Monday, but Isbel should be in the mix for playing time at the position until Michael Taylor (illness) is cleared to return.
May 26 2022Isbel (illness) was placed on the injured list Thursday without an injury designation. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel was scratched from Tuesday's lineup due to mild illness symptoms, so he's likely landed on the COVID-19 IL. Brewer Hicklen was promoted in a corresponding move and will start in center field Thursday.
May 24 2022Isbel was scratched from Tuesday's lineup against the Diamondbacks for precautionary reasons due to mild illness symptoms, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel was penciled in to start in center field Tuesday, but he was removed from the lineup an hour before first pitch. The 25-year-old should be considered day-to-day until the team updates his status. Dairon Blanco will start in center field in his place.
May 22 2022Isbel went 1-for-4 with an RBI and a stolen base in Sunday's 7-6 loss to the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel has hit safely in the last five games, going 8-for-17 (.471) with two doubles, two RBI, two steals and a run scored in that span. The outfielder has benefited from more playing time with Michael Taylor (illness) on the COVID-19 injured list, though it's unclear if Isbel has forced his way into more than just a fourth outfielder role once the Royals' outfield is fully healthy. The 25-year-old owns a .278/.286/.352 slash line with no homers, four RBI, six runs scored and two steals across 56 plate appearances this year.
May 19 2022Isbel went 2-for-4 with a stolen base and a run scored in Thursday's 7-4 loss to the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel has notched consecutive multi-hit games after posting just two such efforts in his first 17 contests. The outfielder also showed off a little speed Thursday with his first stolen base of the year. The recent surge has him up to a .250/.261/.295 slash line with three RBI, six runs scored and a pair of doubles in 46 plate appearances. With Michael Taylor (illness) on the COVID-19 injured list, Isbel has a chance to fill a starting role in center field in the short term.
May 18 2022Isbel will start in right field and bat eighth in Wednesday's game against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 25-year-old will be making his fourth consecutive start Wednesday, and he looks like he could get the chance to play regularly against right-handed pitching in the wake of Salvador Perez (thumb) moving to the injured list. With Perez out of commission, MJ Melendez will take over as the Royals' primary catcher, thereby allowing Hunter Dozier to see more work as a designated hitter or first baseman while Isbel picks up starts in the outfield.
May 3 2022Isbel is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Cardinals, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lefty-hitting Isbel was on the bench in Monday's 1-0 loss to the Cardinals with southpaw Steven Matz on the hill for St. Louis, but the former's absence from the lineup Tuesday comes as a bigger surprise since the right-handed Dakota Hudson is starting for the opposition. Edward Olivares will pick up his fourth start in five games in right field and could be receiving a look in an everyday role at the position rather than as a short-side platoon player.
May 2 2022Isbel is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With southpaw Steven Matz on the hill for St. Louis, the lefty-hitting Isbel will bow out of the starting nine. Edward Olivares will get the nod in right field, where the Royals could look to run a platoon featuring Isbel as the strong-side option after Whit Merrifield was moved back to the infield following Adalberto Mondesi's season-ending knee injury.
Apr 21 2022Isbel was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Thursday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Although Isbel began the season on the major-league roster, he appeared in just two games and went 0-for-1 with a run. He should see more playing time in the minors and will be a candidate to rejoin the Royals if their outfielders deal with injuries at some point.
Apr 7 2022Isbel secured a spot on the Royals' Opening Day roster, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Both Isbel and Edward Olivares broke camp with the big club as reserve outfielders. Andrew Benintendi, Michael Taylor and Whit Merrifield compose the Royals' starting outfield from left to right and should have a fair amount of security in those roles against both left- and right-handed pitching, so Isbel and Olivares could struggle to find consistent playing time. Isbel has two minor-league options remaining and will be a prime candidate for a demotion if the team needs to clear up a roster spot.
Mar 29 2022Isbel went 1-for-3 with a three-run home run in Tuesday's 11-4 win over the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel got the start in center field Tuesday with Michael Taylor (hip) scratched from the lineup. The homer was Isbel's second in nine Cactus League games. He's gone 5-for-19 with four walks, seven RBI, five runs scored and a triple. When the Royals are at full health, there's no clear path for Isbel to receive regular at-bats, so he may have to settle for being a reserve outfielder to start the season if he breaks camp in the majors.
Oct 3 2021Isbel is on the bench for Sunday's game against the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel sits for a fourth consecutive game, but there's been no indication of an injury or other issue. Unless he pinch hits Sunday, he'll finish the season hitting .274 with a home run and seven RBI in 73 at-bats. Whit Merrifield starts in right field while Hanser Alberto plays second base.
Oct 2 2021Isbel isn't starting Saturday's game against the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel will be out of the lineup for a third consecutive game after he went 2-for-13 with a double, three runs, an RBI and a stolen base across his last five appearances. Hunter Dozier will start in right field while Cam Gallagher starts behind the plate.
Oct 1 2021Isbel remains on the bench for Friday's game against the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel has now sat for two straight games after previously starting seven out of eight. He's looked good when in the lineup this season, hitting .274/.338/.438, but it will be Hunter Dozier who starts in right field Friday.
Sep 30 2021Isbel isn't starting Thursday's game against Cleveland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Even with right-hander Shane Bieber on the mound for Cleveland, Isbel will take a seat after he went 2-for-8 with a double, three runs, an RBI and a stolen base across the last three games. Hunter Dozier will shift to right field while Cam Gallagher enters the lineup at catcher.
Sep 25 2021Isbel will sit Saturday against the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel hits the bench after starting three straight games. He's gone 9-for-26 with six extra-base hits (including one homer) in 10 games since joining the big-league roster in mid-September. Edward Olivares starts in center field Saturday, with Hunter Dozier starting in right.
Sep 20 2021Isbel is out of the lineup for the first game of Monday's doubleheader with Cleveland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel picked up four starts in the outfield over a five-game stretch from Sept. 12 through Sept. 16, but he'll be on the bench for a third straight contest now that Michael Taylor is back in action after a brief leaf of absence from the team to tend to a personal matter. Unless the Royals lose one of Taylor, Andrew Benintendi or Hunter Dozier over the final two weeks of the season, Isbel looks poised to remain a fourth outfielder for Kansas City.
Sep 15 2021Isbel isn't in the lineup Wednesday against the Athletics. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel was in the lineup for each of the last two games after he was called up Sunday, and he went 4-for-7 with a home run, a double, three runs, three RBI and a walk. He'll get a breather as Edward Olivares shifts to center field while Hanser Alberto starts at third base.
Sep 12 2021The Royals recalled Isbel from Triple-A Omaha on Sunday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. He's batting eighth and playing center field Sunday against the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel hit .265/.306/.324 with three RBI in 36 early-season plate appearances. He's enjoyed a solid season at Omaha, hitting .264 with 15 home runs, 55 RBI and 21 stolen bases in 105 games. Isbel temporarily fills the roster spot of Michael Taylor, who went on the family medical emergency list Sunday.
Apr 23 2021Isbel was optioned off the active roster Friday, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel won a spot on the Royals' Opening Day roster, something of a surprise considering he'd never played above High-A and was a below-average hitter in 52 games at that level in 2019. He looked overmatched in 12 major-league games so far this season, as it took a clearly unsustainable .474 BABIP just to get him to a poor .265/.306/.324 line. He struck out in 41.7 percent of his plate appearances. Isbel could return at some point this season but did nothing in his brief cameo to suggest he'll be an exciting fantasy option if and when that happens.
Apr 20 2021Isbel is not in Tuesday's lineup against the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He will once again head to the bench with a lefty (Rich Hill) starting for Tampa Bay. Hunter Dozier will start in right field while Hanser Alberto gets the nod at the hot corner.
Apr 19 2021Isbel is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After being on the bench for five straight games while managing an unspecified injury, Isbel checked back into the lineup Sunday and went 2-for-3 with a walk in the Royals' 2-0 win over the Blue Jays. Though the lefty-hitting Isbel still appears to be the Royals' top option in right field, he'll take a seat Monday with southpaw Josh Fleming on the mound for Tampa Bay. The Royals will add an extra right-handed bat (Hanser Alberto) to the lineup as a replacement for Isbel.
Apr 18 2021Isbel (undisclosed) is starting in left field and batting eighth Sunday against the Blue Jays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 23-year-old was scratched from Thursday's lineup for unspecified reasons and remained on the bench for both ends of Saturday's doubleheader, but he's back in the lineup for Sunday's series finale. Isbel has a .250/.276/.321 slash line with one triple, five runs, three RBI and one stolen base through his first nine big-league games.
Apr 17 2021Isbel (undisclosed) isn't starting the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against Toronto, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel didn't appear in Saturday's matinee, and Jorge Soler will take his place in right field for Game 2 while Salvador Perez serves as the designated hitter. It's not yet clear whether Isbel will be available off the bench for the nightcap.
Apr 15 2021Isbel was scratched from the lineup for Thursday's game against the Blue Jays for an unspecified reason. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel was initially slated to start in right field Thursday, but Hunter Dozier will now serve as the right fielder while Hanser Alberto enters the lineup at third base. While the Royals haven't yet provided a reason for Isbel's removal from the lineup, the Blue Jays announced their starting pitcher late Thursday, so it's possible that Kansas City's new lineup is simply to provide better matchups.
Apr 14 2021Isbel isn't starting Wednesday's game against the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel will sit for a second consecutive game after hitting just .105 with a walk and 12 strikeouts in the past six contests. Jorge Soler will start in right field Wednesday while Salvador Perez serves as the designated hitter.
Apr 13 2021Isbel is not in Tuesday's lineup against the Angels, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The promising rookie had five hits in his first two games but is hitting .105 with 12 strikeouts and one walk over his last six games. He has at least managed to chip in a steal over that cold stretch. Jarrod Dyson will start in right field and bat eighth.
Apr 5 2021Isbel will sit for the first time this season Monday against Cleveland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel started each of the Royals' first three games in right field, grabbing five hits in 13 at-bats while striking out five times. Jorge Soler will move from the designated hitter spot to man the position in his absence, with Ryan McBroom making his first start of the season as the designated hitter.
Apr 4 2021Isbel went 0-for-4 with a stolen base and three strikeouts in Sunday's 7-3 loss to the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel got on base due to Rangers catcher Jonah Heim's second-inning error. Isbel was able to steal second base, but couldn't come around to score. The 24-year-old outfielder went 5-for-13 (.385) with three RBI, three runs scored, a triple and five strikeouts in his first three major-league games. As long as he keeps hitting reasonably well, he should maintain a starting role in right field.
Mar 31 2021Manager Mike Matheny said Isbel will start in right field Opening Day against the Rangers on Thursday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 24-year-old was reassigned to minor-league camp last week, but he he apparently showed enough during spring training to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster. Isbel spent 2020 at the alternate training site and will make his major-league debut Thursday versus Texas.
Mar 25 2021Isbel remains in the mix for an Opening Day roster spot, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Isbel was reassigned to minor-league camp Monday but continues to get opportunities in Cactus League games. He's yet to advance beyond High-A, where he struggled to a .262/.282/.361 line in 52 games in 2019, but he's making a strong case for himself this spring, hitting .313/.395/.563 through 19 contests.
Jun 5 2018The Royals have selected Isbel with the 94th overall pick in the 2018 first-year player draft.Isbel doesn't have much in the way of flashy tools, but is pretty solid across the board, and has a chance to be a solid regular in center field, although it is more likely that he slides to left field or second base. He has a good all-fields approach, and really broke out in his junior season for UNLV, hitting .357/.441/.643 with 14 home runs, six steals (on nine attempts) and a 43:34 K:BB in 238 at-bats. In pro ball, his hit tool and approach will have to carry him, as he probably won't be a 20-homer threat unless he really sells out. Some scouts have graded him as a plus runner, but that is unlikely to be the case by the time he reaches the majors.