| Date | News | Comment |
| Mar 22 2024 | The White Sox released Moustakas on Friday, Vinnie Duber of AllCHGO.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas joined the White Sox on a minor-league contract Feb. 14 after spending 2023 with both the Rockies and Angels. He didn't show much production during spring training as he slashed .195/.283/.317 with one home home run and two RBI over 41 at bats. Moustakas will look to catch onto another team's roster should he clear waivers. |
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| Mar 20 2024 | Moustakas is competing with Gavin Sheets for the final roster spot with the White Sox, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas isn't currently on the 40-man roster, and he hasn't made much of a case to stick with the team with his play. Across 41 plate appearances in the Cactus League, he's struck out 29.3 percent of the time and has only two extra-base hits. Even so, he could be on the right side of the competition, as Sheets has one minor-league option remaining. |
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| Feb 14 2024 | Moustakas signed a minor-league contract with the White Sox on Wednesday and received an invitation to major-league spring training. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After a solid start to the season with the Rockies in 2023, Moustakas' production fell sharply upon being traded to the Angels in late June. He slashed just .236/.256/.371 across 250 plate appearances with the Halos. The 35-year-old Moustakas will have a chance to make the White Sox's Opening Day roster, but he would likely be limited to a reserve role with the big-league club. |
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| Sep 29 2023 | Moustakas is out of the lineup Friday versus the Athletics. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Michael Stefanic will start at third base and Brandon Drury will serve as the Angels' designated hitter with left-hander Ken Waldichuk toeing the slab for Oakland. Moustakas has posted a weak .542 OPS against southpaws this season. |
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| Sep 26 2023 | Moustakas isn't in the Angels' lineup Tuesday against the Rangers, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas will sit Tuesday after an 0-for-4 performance in Monday's series opener. Michael Stefanic will move to third base while David Fletcher starts at second and bats ninth. |
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| Sep 24 2023 | The Angels reinstated Moustakas (forearm) from the 10-day injured list Sunday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas landed on the IL with a strained left forearm Sept. 15, and he'll return from injury just in time to replace C.J. Cron (back), who went on the injured list Sunday. Moustakas was 9-for-35 with three RBI and a run scored since Sept. 1 before getting injured. |
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| Sep 15 2023 | The Angels placed Moustakas on the 10-day injured list Friday with a left forearm extensor strain. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: This could be a season-ending injury for the veteran infielder given where it lands on the baseball calendar. Kyren Paris has been brought back from Triple-A Salt Lake in a corresponding roster move ahead of Friday's series opener against the Tigers. |
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| Sep 13 2023 | Moustakas (wrist) is absent from the lineup for Wednesday's game in Seattle, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas had to leave Tuesday's game versus the Mariners due to left wrist soreness, so it's no surprise he's sitting out Wednesday's afternoon affair, especially with an off day looming Thursday. Eduardo Escobar is at third base in the series finale. |
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| Sep 12 2023 | Moustakas was removed from Tuesday's game against Seattle due to left wrist soreness. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Angels didn't provide details on how long Moustakas might be out for, but he will nonetheless join a long list of Angels that are currently battling some sort of injury. Fantasy managers should consider Moustakas day-to-day going forward. |
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| Sep 8 2023 | Moustakas isn't in the Angels' lineup Friday against the Guardians, Erica Weston of Bally Sports West reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With left-hander Logan Allen on the mound for Cleveland, the left-handed bat of Moustakas will stay put in the Halos' dugout to start Friday's game. Eduardo Escobar will man the hot corner instead and bat third. |
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| Sep 3 2023 | Moustakas is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Athletics, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas will join fellow left-handed hitters Nolan Schanuel and Trey Cabbage on the bench while the Athletics bring southpaw Kyle Muller to the hill for the series finale. Eduardo Escobar will replace Moustakas at third base and bat fifth. |
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| Aug 30 2023 | Moustakas is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Phillies, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With lefty Cristopher Sanchez taking the hill for the Phillies, the lefty-hitting Moustakas will retreat to the bench. Eduardo Escobar will step in as the hot corner in place of Moustakas. |
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| Aug 27 2023 | Moustakas is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Mets, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: As usual, the lefty-hitting Moustakas will duck out of the starting nine while the Mets bring a southpaw (David Peterson) to the hill. Eduardo Escobar will spell Moustakas at third base and bat cleanup. |
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| Aug 23 2023 | Moustakas is not in the lineup for the first half of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Reds. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Brandon Drury will play first base with Eduardo Escobar at third as the Angels take on left-hander Andrew Abbott in the opener of the twin bill. Moustakas has batted just .224/.258/.210 in 62 plate appearances versus lefties this year. |
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| Aug 22 2023 | Moustakas went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Tuesday's loss to Cincinnati. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas was one of three Angels to hit a solo homer off Graham Ashcraft, with Moustakas' coming as part of a back-to-back effort with Brandon Drury in the second frame. Over his last six games, Moustakas is 7-for-23 (.304) with three runs scored and two RBI. |
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| Aug 15 2023 | Moustakas is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game versus the Rangers, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas started the previous 11 games and will receive a day off after he posted an .852 OPS with six extra-base hits and 11 RBI during that stretch. Eduardo Escobar is starting at the hot corner while C.J. Cron (back) has returned to first base. |
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| Aug 9 2023 | Moustakas went 2-for-4 with a three-run home run and a double in Wednesday's 4-1 win over the Giants. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas has multiple hits in five of his eight games in August, going 11-for-32 (.344) in that span. He's added two homers, four doubles and 10 RBI. The infielder is hitting .285 since he joined the Angels in a trade from the Rockies. Overall, he's at a .278/.337/.469 slash line with 11 homers, 40 RBI, 39 runs scored and 14 doubles through 81 contests. He's yet to attempt a stolen base this season. |
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| Aug 4 2023 | Moustakas went 2-for-5 with a three-run home run and an additional run scored in Friday's 9-7 loss to the Mariners. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas had gone 11 games without a homer, though he hit a productive .318 with four doubles in that span. The infielder has reached double-digit homers for the first time since 2019. He's slashing .270/.336/.451 with 34 RBI, 37 runs scored and 11 doubles over 76 contests between the Rockies and the Angels this season. Moustakas should continue to see a strong-side platoon role at a minimum, with his success cutting into Eduardo Escobar's playing time at third base. |
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| Aug 2 2023 | Moustakas is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against Atlanta, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas looks to be getting some routine maintenance as the Halos close out their series in Atlanta with a day game after a night game. Eduardo Escobar will check in at third base for Moustakas, who is slashing .255/.296/.431 with five home runs and 13 RBI in 27 games since joining the Angels in late June. |
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| Jul 26 2023 | Moustakas went 2-for-5 with a double, two RBI and a run scored in Tuesday's win over Detroit. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas opened the scoring with a two-run double in the first inning, extending his hitting streak to four games -- he's gone 5-for-17 with two doubles and a home run over that span. Overall, the veteran infielder is slashing a respectable .258/.333/.447 with nine homers, 30 RBI and 31 runs scored across 216 plate appearances between Los Angeles and Colorado. Moustakas should continue to see regular playing time between first and third base while Brandon Drury (shoulder) and Anthony Rendon (shin) are sidelined. |
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| Jul 21 2023 | Moustakas went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run in Friday's 8-5 win over the Pirates. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas put the Angels ahead with his fourth-inning blast, and they held the lead the rest of the way. The infielder has found a bit of consistency, hitting safely in seven of his last eight games. He's gone just 8-for-33 (.242) in that span, but four of those hits have been homers. For the season, he's up to nine long balls, 28 RBI, 29 runs scored and a .254/.335/.446 slash line through 64 contests. |
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| Jul 19 2023 | Moustakas is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Yankees. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Eduardo Escobar will cover first base and Luis Rengifo is at third as the Angels take on left-hander Carlos Rodon. The left-handed-hitting Moustakas has slashed just .257/.316/.371 this year versus southpaws. |
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| Jul 17 2023 | Moustakas went 1-for-4 with a solo home run and a walk Sunday in a loss to the Astros. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas put the Angels on the board and tied the game in the second inning with a 415-foot blast to center field. It was the veteran slugger's second homer in as many days and his fourth in 14 games since joining the Halos on June 24. Moustakas is hitting just .240 with his new team, though, and has struck out at a troublesome 33.3 percent rate. |
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| Jul 15 2023 | Moustakas went 1-for-5 with a three-run home run in Saturday's 13-12 extra-inning win over the Astros. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas' seventh-inning blasted tied the game at 9-9, erasing a six-run deficit. He's hit three homers in 13 games with the Angels after swatting just four in 47 contests with the Rockies to begin the year. The infielder is slashing .261/.341/.435 with 24 RBI, 27 runs scored and seven doubles over 185 plate appearances overall, primarily serving in a strong-side platoon role. |
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| Jul 3 2023 | Moustakas is not in the lineup for Monday's game versus the Padres, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Red-hot left-hander Blake Snell is taking the ball for the Padres, so Moustakas will take a seat. Hunter Renfroe will get a start at first base Monday, with Luis Rengifo handling right field. |
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| Jul 1 2023 | Moustakas isn't in the Angels' lineup Saturday against the Diamondbacks, Sarah Valenzuela of the Los Angeles Times reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas is 4-for-17 with a home run and two RBI through five games since joining the Angels, and he'll get a day off Saturday. Hunter Renfroe will make a rare start at first base in Moustakas' absence, allowing Mickey Moniak to start in right field and bat in the leadoff spot. |
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| Jun 30 2023 | Moustakas went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Thursday's 9-7 loss to the White Sox. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas gave Anaheim a 2-1 lead with a solo shot off Lance Lynn in the second inning, his fifth homer of the season and first since joining the Angels. The 34-year-old infielder is now 4-for-13 (.308) in four games since he was traded from the Rockies. Overall, he's slashing a respectable .273/.364/.445 with 19 RBI and 22 runs scored across 151 plate appearances this season. Moustakas could continue to see regular at-bats with Gio Urshela (pelvis) out for the season and Anthony Rendon (wrist) still working his way back. |
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| Jun 24 2023 | Mosutakas was acquired by the Angels on Saturday for right-handed pitcher Connor Van Scoyoc, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas was signed to a minor-league contract by the Rockies and made the Opening Day roster, and the veteran infielder has hit .270/.360/.435 over 115 at-bats in 47 games with four homers and 17 RBI. The 34-year-old should see time at first base with the Halos and play mostly against right-handed pitching while hitting in the mid-to-bottom part of the lineup. |
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| Jun 23 2023 | Moustakas isn't in the Rockies' lineup Friday against the Angels, Patrick Lyons of TheDNVR.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Angels will send southpaw Patrick Sandoval to the mound Friday, meaning Moustakas will retreat to the dugout. Elehuris Montero will start at first base instead and bat eighth. |
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| Jun 21 2023 | Moustakas is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Reds. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lefty-hitting Moustakas had started at first base in three of the Rockies' last four games, but he'll head to the bench Wednesday while Cincinnati brings a southpaw (Andrew Abbott) to the hill. Elehuris Montero will replace Moustakas at first base. |
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| Jun 17 2023 | Moustakas went 2-for-4 with a solo home run Saturday against Atlanta. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas made only his second start in the last eight games, with Elehuris Montero instead taking over primary duties at first base. He did manage to take Bryce Elder deep in the fifth inning for his fourth homer of the season and second in his last 15 at-bats. Even with that production, Moustakas appears destined for a bench role and could be in jeopardy of losing his roster spot once C.J. Cron (back) is able to return. |
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| Jun 9 2023 | Moustakas went 2-for-3 with a two-run home run, an additional run scored and a walk in Friday's 9-6 loss to the Padres. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas kept things interesting with his eighth-inning blast, but the Rockies' offense stalled out. The infielder has gone 5-for-11 over his last four games, a short burst of hitting that could help him claw back some playing time at the corner infield spots. Moustakas is up to a .258/.345/.419 slash line with three homers, 15 RBI, 17 runs scored and six doubles through 37 contests overall. |
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| May 28 2023 | Moustakas is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Mets, Patrick Lyons of TheDNVR.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas finds himself on the bench for a fourth consecutive game and looks as though he'll remain relegated to a reserve role even while C.J. Cron (back) is without a definitive timeline to return from the 10-day injured list. Nolan Jones will receive his third straight at first base and appears set to serve as Cron's primary replacement. |
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| May 22 2023 | Moustakas is not in the starting lineup Monday versus the Marlins. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas will take a seat after he went 3-for-7 with a run scored and an RBI while starting two games during the Rockies' three-game series with Texas. Michael Toglia will take over at first base and bat eighth in the series opener with Miami. |
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| May 17 2023 | Moustakas is not in the starting lineup against Cincinnati on Wednesday, Suzie Hunter of TheDNVR.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas is expected to handle the majority of reps at first base with C.J. Cron (back) on the injured list, but the veteran infielder will take a seat for the series finale against the Reds on Wednesday. Michael Toglia will get the start at first and hit seventh. |
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| May 15 2023 | Moustakas will start at first base and bat cleanup in Monday's game against the Reds. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With C.J. Cron (back) headed to the 10-day injured list, Moustakas could see a good number of starts at first base versus right-handed pitching in the coming weeks. The 34-year-old has managed a .688 OPS with one home run in his first 24 games this season. |
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| Mar 25 2023 | Moustakas was informed that he's made the Opening Day roster for the Rockies on Saturday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas signed as a non-roster invitee near the beginning of March, and the veteran infielder has hit .367/.387/.700 with two home runs in 31 plate appearances in the Cactus League. He'll likely get playing time at third base and designated hitter for the Rockies to begin the year, but fantasy players should take a wait-and-see approach with Moustakas given his struggles over the past few campaigns. Colorado will need to remove someone from the 40-man roster -- or add someone to the 60-day injured list -- in order to add him to the major-league roster. |
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| Mar 12 2023 | Moustakas has gone 3-for-6 with a home run in Cactus League action this spring. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas signed a minor-league deal with the Rockies on March 5 and had been ramping up by participating in live batting practice. He's since been in the lineup twice, with one appearance coming at designated hitter and the other third base. If Moustakas can remain healthy, he should have a chance to make the team out of spring training, though he'll have to surpass at least Elehuris Montero in order to have a regular spot in the lineup. |
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| Mar 8 2023 | Moustakas took live batting practice Wednesday, MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas signed a minor-league deal with the Rockies on Sunday and has yet to appear in game action. However, he's participated in fielding drills and is now ramping up with the bat. After the injury to Brendan Rodgers (shoulder), it's possible that Moustakas will wind up on Colorado's Opening Day roster. |
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| Mar 5 2023 | Moustakas (calf) said Sunday that he's fully healthy, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas joined the Rockies on a minor-league contract Sunday morning, and the expectation is that he can help cover for the loss of Brendan Rodgers (shoulder) on the Colorado infield. He appeared in only 78 games for the Reds last season due to a range of different injuries. It was a calf strain that officially shut him down in August. |
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| Jan 5 2023 | Moustakas (calf) was released by the Reds on Thursday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 34-year-old was designated for assignment by the Reds ahead of Christmas, and he'll now hit the open market after he passed through waivers unclaimed. Moustakas missed the last six weeks of 2022 with a calf injury and finished the campaign with a .214/.295/.345 slash line in 78 contests. |
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| Dec 22 2022 | Moustakas (calf) was designated for assignment by the Reds on Thursday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 34-year-old missed the final six weeks of last season with a calf injury, and he won't be returning to the Reds in 2023. Cincinnati still owes Moustakas $22 million -- $18 million for his 2023 salary and a $4 million buyout for 2024 -- but the team decided it was time to move on after he posted a .212/.289/.356 slash line over the past two years. Given the remaining contract, Moustakas is likely to go unclaimed on waivers and should hit free agency. |
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| Dec 17 2022 | Moustakas (calf) doesn't appear to have a major role with the Reds for 2023. When asked about Moustakas and his role at a recent fan event, Reds GM Nick Krall said: "He's on our roster," Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Reds were willing to eat Shogo Akiyama's contract last season when they determined that Akiyama no longer had a role with the team, and that might be the same path they take with Moustakas this season. |
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| Sep 1 2022 | The Reds transferred Moustakas (calf) from the 10-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Thursday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The transaction officially ends Moustakas' season while clearing a spot on the 40-man roster for infield prospect Spencer Steer, whose contract was selected from Triple-A Louisville in a corresponding move. With Moustakas on the shelf, Donovan Solano should be locked into a full-time role at first base the rest of the way, allowing the Reds to rotate a number of players through the designated hitter spot. Moustakas ends his third season in Cincinnati with a .214/.295/.345 slash line across 285 plate appearances, marking the second straight year he'll finish with an OPS under .700. The 34-year-old is under contract for $18 million in 2023. |
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| Aug 27 2022 | Moustakas was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left calf strain Saturday, retroactive to Aug. 24. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas missed the last three games due to his calf injury and will ultimately require a trip to the injured list. However, he'll be eligible to return in early September since the move was backdated to Wednesday. Colin Moran's contract was selected Saturday, and he should have a chance to carve out playing time while Moustakas and Matt Reynolds (hip) are sidelined. |
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| Aug 26 2022 | Moustakas (calf) remains on the bench for Friday's game against the Nationals. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas will sit for the third straight game, with the Reds having little incentive to rush the oft-injured veteran at the tail end of a lost season. Donovan Solano will make another start at first base in his absence. |
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| Aug 25 2022 | Moustakas (calf) isn't starting Thursday against the Phillies. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas continues to deal with a left calf injury and will be out of the lineup for a second consecutive game. Donovan Solano will shift to first base while Kyle Farmer serves as the designated hitter Thursday. |
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| Aug 24 2022 | Moustakas (calf) isn't starting Wednesday against the Phillies. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas exited Tuesday's loss to Philadelphia due to a left calf injury and will be held out of the lineup a day later. It's not yet clear whether he'll be available off the bench, but Donovan Solano will start at first base and bat cleanup. |
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| Aug 23 2022 | Moustakas was removed from Tuesday's loss to the Phillies with a left calf injury, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 33-year-old returned from a left calf strain last week, and he may have aggravated the injury Tuesday after going 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a run scored. Manager David Bell said Moustakas was feeling good after the contest, so it's possible the veteran is only dealing with a cramp. |
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| Aug 21 2022 | Moustakas went 2-for-5 with one RBI and one run scored in Saturday's win over the Pirates. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas recorded an RBI single in the ninth off lefty reliever Eric Stout to augment the Reds' lead to five. The third baseman has struggled mightily, slashing .056/.150/.056 in 18 at-bats over the seven games prior to his stint on the 10-day IL (calf). Despite the hitter-friendly Great American Ballpark, the 33-year-old has performed better on the road with a .671 OPS in 128 at-bats compared to a .554 OPS in 111 at-bats at home. |
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| Aug 19 2022 | Moustakas (calf) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Friday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas will return to the Reds after missing the minimum 10 days while nursing a calf strain. The 33-year-old has struggled to a .120 average with a solo homer and two runs scored over 25 at-bats in 10 games since the All-Star break. |
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| Aug 14 2022 | Moustakas (calf), according to Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer, is "determined" to return to action Friday when first eligible. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas landed on the injured list last week, but he is hoping to return to action after missing only the minimum 10 days. The Reds figure to provide another update on Moustakas' status in the coming days. |
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| Aug 9 2022 | The Reds placed Moustakas on the 10-day injured list Tuesday with a left calf strain. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas was one of the three Reds that was either scratched from the lineup or lifted early in Monday's 5-1 loss to the Mets with an injury, and though Kyle Farmer (neck) and Jonathan India (hamstring) are back in action Tuesday, Moustakas wasn't as fortunate. He'll now be sidelined until at least Aug. 19 due to the calf issue, paving the way for Donovan Solano to take over as the Reds' primary designated hitter. |
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| Aug 8 2022 | Moustakas left Monday's game against the Mets due to a left calf injury, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas was spotted hobbling on the base paths early in the contest, and he was removed shortly after. The severity of the injury is unknown at this time. |
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| Aug 5 2022 | Moustakas will sit Friday against the Brewers. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas finds himself on the bench for the third time in four games. All of his absences have come against lefties like Friday's starter Eric Lauer. Donovan Solano will be the designated hitter in his place. |
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| Aug 2 2022 | Moustakas is on the bench Tuesday against the Marlins. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With a lefty (Braxton Garrett) on the mound for Miami once again, Moustakas remains on the bench. The 33-year-old has gone just 2-for-15 with a home run and six strikeouts in six games after the All-Star break. Donovan Solano is the designated hitter Tuesday. |
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| Aug 1 2022 | Moustakas is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Marlins, according to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Southpaw Jesus Luzardo will open on the mound for the Marlins, so Moustakas and his .513 OPS against lefties will open the game on the bench. Donovan Solano will enter the lineup in place of Moustakas. |
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| Jul 28 2022 | Moustakas is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Marlins. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Reds appear to be moving Moustakas to a strict strong-side platoon player these days, as he'll be on the bench for the third time in four games while Cincinnati has faced left-handed starting pitchers in each of those occasions. Joey Votto will get a day out of the field to handle Moustakas' usual spot in the lineup at designated hitter. |
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| Jul 27 2022 | Moustakas isn't in the lineup Wednesday against the Marlins. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and two strikeouts during Tuesday's loss to Cincinnati, and he'll be out of the lineup for the second time in the last three games. Donovan Solano is serving as the designated hitter and batting sixth. |
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| Jul 25 2022 | Moustakas is not in the starting lineup for Monday's series opener versus the Marlins. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas will take a seat after he went 1-for-3 with a walk and run scored in Sunday's win over the Cardinals. Jonathan India will take over at designated hitter while Donovan Solano slots in at second base and bats sixth against Miami. |
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| Jul 23 2022 | Moustakas isn't in the lineup Saturday against the Cardinals. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Although Moustakas was reinstated from the COVID-19 injured list Monday, he'll be out of the lineup for a second consecutive game following the All-Star break. Donovan Solano is serving as the designated hitter and batting sixth. |
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| Jul 22 2022 | Moustakas isn't starting Friday against the Cardinals. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas was reinstated from the COVID-19 injured list Monday but won't be in the lineup for the Reds' first game following the All-Star break. Donovan Solano will serve as the designated hitter and bat eighth. |
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| Jul 18 2022 | Moustakas was activated from the COVID-19-related injured list Monday, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas will be ready to go following the All-Star break after he was activated from the COVID list Monday. The 33-year-old has produced a .210 batting average with five homers, 20 RBI, 24 runs and two stolen bases over 205 at-bats in 63 games this season. |
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| Jul 14 2022 | The Reds placed Moustakas on the COVID-19-related injured list Thursday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas becomes the third Reds player to land on the COVID-19-related IL, joining catcher Aramis Garcia and outfielder Albert Almora. With the Yankees bringing lefty Nestor Cortes to the hill Thursday, the lefty-hitting Moustakas was already scheduled to sit out the Reds' final game in New York, but Moustakas' move to the IL now puts him at risk of missing the Reds' entire three-game series in St. Louis this weekend. Infielder/outfielder Max Schrock was called up from Triple-A Louisville to replace Moustakas on the active roster. |
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| Jul 13 2022 | Moustakas went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in the loss to the Yankees on Wednesday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas took Luis Severino deep for a solo shot in the top of the second inning, giving the Reds a 3-0 lead. The homer was his fifth of the year and second in three games. Additionally, the long ball filled the middle slot of a back-to-back-to-back home run stretch with Kyle Farmer and Stuart Fairchild. Moustakas has struggled to hit for average this year, batting .210 with five homers, 11 doubles, 20 RBI, 23 runs and two stolen bases over 205 at-bats in 63 games this season. |
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| Jul 8 2022 | Moustakas is out of the lineup for Friday's game versus the Rays. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas went 2-for-7 with two doubles and a walk during Thursday's twin bill, but he'll take a seat Friday with southpaw Shane McClanahan pitching for Tampa Bay. Donovan Solano will bat fifth as the designated hitter. |
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| Jul 6 2022 | Moustakas isn't starting Wednesday against the Mets. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas is getting a breather after he went 1-for-12 with an RBI and eight strikeouts over the last four games. Jonathan India is serving as the designated hitter while Matt Reynolds starts at second base. |
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| Jul 1 2022 | Moustakas is not in the starting lineup for Friday's series opener versus Atlanta. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas will get a day off after he went 1-for-4 with an RBI in his return to the lineup Thursday following undisclosed injury. Brandon Drury will slide into the designated hitter spot while Donovan Solano will start at third base and bat sixth against Atlanta. |
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| Jun 30 2022 | Moustakas (undisclosed) is batting sixth as the designated hitter Thursday against the Cubs, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas sat out the past three games while nursing a minor injury, but he's back in the lineup for Thursday's series finale in Chicago. The 34-year-old has a .303/.351/.394 slash line across his past 10 contests. |
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| Jun 29 2022 | Moustakas isn't starting Wednesday against the Cubs. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas is out of the lineup for a third consecutive game, but his absence Wednesday is likely due to the fact that left-hander Justin Steele is on the mound for the Cubs. Brandon Drury will serve as the designated hitter while Donovan Solano starts at third base. |
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| Jun 28 2022 | Moustakas will sit Tuesday against the Cubs. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas finds himself on the bench for the second game in a row, both of which have come against righties. His .221/.321/.325 line on the season hardly suggests he deserves a regular role. Donovan Solano will be the designated hitter on this occasion. |
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| Jun 26 2022 | Moustakas is not in the lineup for Sunday's game at San Francisco, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas went 3-for-7 with two doubles, an RBI and three runs across the first two games of the series, but he'll take a seat Sunday despite the fact righty Anthony DeSclafani is pitching for the Giants. Max Schrock will bat leadoff as the designated hitter. |
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| Jun 23 2022 | Moustakas is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Dodgers. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lefty-hitting Moustakas will hit the bench for the second game in a row with the Dodgers bringing a lefty (Clayton Kershaw) to the mound. Jonathan India will fill Moustakas' usual spot as the Reds' designated hitter while Matt Reynolds enters the lineup at second base. |
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| Jun 22 2022 | Moustakas isn't starting Wednesday against the Dodgers. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas started in the last seven games and hit .280 with a double, three RBI, two runs and a stolen base. However, he'll get a breather while Brandon Drury serves as the designated hitter with Donovan Solano starting at third base. |
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| Jun 14 2022 | Moustakas went 2-for-4 with a double and a stolen base in Tuesday's 5-3 extra-innings win over the Diamondbacks. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas has gone 3-for-8 in two games since returning from the COVID-19-related injured list. He was lifted for pinch runner Matt Reynolds in the 10th inning Tuesday, though that appears to be a tactical decision. Through 42 contests, Moustakas is slashing .210/.317/.319 with three home runs, 12 RBI, 17 runs scored, two stolen bases and six doubles. He should continue to play regularly at third base or as the designated hitter. |
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| Jun 13 2022 | Moustakas was activated off the COVID-19 injured list Monday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas wound up spending just one week on the COVID-19 injured list. While he's looked good at times this season, he'd managed just three hits in the 14 games prior to his absence, so the Reds will be hoping for much more upon his return. Colin Moran was optioned to accommodate his return. |
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| Jun 10 2022 | Moustakas (illness) could return for Monday's game against the Diamondbacks, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas has been on the COVID-19 injured list since Monday, but he'll have a chance to return to game action after missing just a week. Even if he isn't ready to play in time for Monday's series opener in Arizona, it seems likely that the 33-year-old will be back in action sometime next week. |
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| Jun 6 2022 | The Reds placed Moustakas on the injured list Monday without a designation, implying that his absence is COVID-19-related. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's unclear whether Moustakas tested positive for the virus or was placed on the IL as a precaution, but he'll be unable to join the Reds until he's deemed asymptomatic. TJ Friedl was recalled from Triple-A Louisville to fill Moustakas' spot on the roster. |
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| Jun 5 2022 | Moustakas is not in Sunday's lineup against the Nationals. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas gets occasional off days against lefties, and that will be the case in this one with Patrick Corbin on the hill for Washington. Tommy Pham slots in at designated hitter while Albert Almora and Aristides Aquino patrol the outfield corners. |
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| May 28 2022 | Moustakas will sit Saturday against the Giants. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Saturday's starter Alex Wood is the third consecutive southpaw the Reds have faced, with Moustakas sitting in two of those three contests. Brandon Drury will start at the hot corner on this occasion. |
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| May 26 2022 | Moustakas is not in Thursday's lineup against the Cubs. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He has sat against two of the last five southpaws the Reds have faced, so Moustakas isn't quite in a full platoon, but he will get his rest days against same-handed pitching. Moustakas is hitting .232/.346/.435 with three home runs in 20 games this month. |
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| May 22 2022 | Moustakas is out of the lineup for Sunday's game in Toronto. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Toronto is bringing lefty Yusei Kikuchi to the hill for the series finale, so the lefty-hitting Moustakas will retreat to the bench as the Reds stock up on extra right-handed bats. Tyler Stephenson will get a day off behind the plate to fill in as the designated hitter in place of Moustakas, who went 8-for-36 with two home runs, four walks, eight runs and four RBI while starting in each of the Reds' last 10 games. |
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| May 13 2022 | Moustakas went 2-for-5 with a pair of solo homers in Friday's 8-2 win over the Pirates. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The multi-homer game was Moustakas' first since September of 2020. He gave the Reds the lead with a solo shot off Mitch Keller in the top of the fourth inning and later capped the scoring with another homer off Heath Hembree in the seventh. He's now hitting .347 with three homers in 14 games since returning from a biceps injury in late April. |
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| May 10 2022 | The Reds reinstated Moustakas from the COVID-19-related injured list Tuesday, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas was placed on the IL on Monday, but he'll be eligible to rejoin the Reds a day later after he either tested out of MLB's COVID-19 protocols or shed any symptoms that may have been related to the virus. Given the brevity of his absence, Moustakas should immediately settle back into an everyday role in the corner infield. |
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| May 9 2022 | Moustakas was placed on the COVID-19 injured list for an unspecified reason Monday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Reds didn't provide an injury designation for the 33-year-old's placement on the IL and designated their subsequent call-up as a replacement player, so it's likely that Moustakas is on the COVID-19 IL. A timetable for his return depends on whether he's tested positive for the virus, but he'll be eligible to rejoin the Reds as soon as he clears the league's health and safety protocols. The Reds have several players on the injured list, so Matt Reynolds and Alejo Lopez will likely see an uptick in playing time while Moustakas is sidelined. |
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| May 3 2022 | Moustakas went 2-for-4 with a double, a home run and two RBI in Tuesday's loss to the Brewers. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Facing one of his former clubs, Moustakas showed a little life at the plate. His two extra-base hits Tuesday were his first two extra-base hits of the season. His plate skills and hand speed seem to be declining rapidly, but at least while he's on this Reds squad, his playing time should be secure. |
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| Apr 19 2022 | Moustakas was placed on the 10-day injured list Tuesday with a right biceps strain. The transaction is retroactive to Monday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manager David Bell said Moustakas was expected to start Tuesday after missing Monday's game with the injury, but the third baseman will instead make his way to the injured list. It's unclear exactly how long the 33-year-old is expected to be sidelined, though he'll be eligible to be reinstated April 28. Colin Moran should see more time at third base during his absence. |
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| Apr 18 2022 | Moustakas isn't starting Monday's game against San Diego, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas was initially listed in the starting lineup, but after the Reds moved Tyler Naquin (undisclosed) to the injured list, the new lineup did not include the veteran third baseman. It's unclear at this time why Moustakas was scratched from the starting nine, per Mark Sheldon of MLB.com. |
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| Apr 10 2022 | Moustakas is not in Sunday's lineup against Atlanta. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas started each of the team's first three games of the campaign, and he collected one hit in 10 plate appearances. Colin Moran will draw his first start of the season in Moustakas' absence, playing third base while hitting seventh. |
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| Mar 28 2022 | Moustakas (shoulder) will bat third and play third base Monday against the Cubs. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas missed time with a shoulder issue last week after hurting himself on a diving attempt in the field, but he's escaped without serious injury. He returned as the designated hitter Sunday and will be a full participant one day later. |
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| Mar 27 2022 | Moustakas (shoulder) is batting second as the designated hitter in Sunday's Cactus League game against the Rockies, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas had been held out of the lineup since Tuesday, when he injured his left shoulder making a diving attempt in the field. The 33-year-old's return to the lineup is a good sign for his Opening Day availability, but the coast may not be fully clear until he's back playing defense. |
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| Mar 26 2022 | Moustakas (shoulder) isn't starting Saturday's game against San Francisco. Moustakas said that his shoulder is better, however, and he should return to action on Sunday, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Reds were hopeful that Moustakas would be able to return to game action as soon as Saturday, but he'll remain out of the lineup for at least one more matchup. In spite of his continued absence, it wouldn't be surprising to see the 33-year-old available for Opening Day. |
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| Mar 23 2022 | Moustakas (shoulder) didn't practice Wednesday, but the Reds are confident that he will be fine, and could return to game action as soon as Saturday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manager David Bell is taking extra precautions with Moustakas, who missed a considerable portion of the season last year with an injury that lasted longer than he or the Reds expected. "(I) don't want to push him," Bell said. "I already took him out of the lineup for (Thursday) and we'll shoot for Saturday. I haven't heard any indication why it would be any longer than that." |
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| Mar 16 2022 | Moustakas will likely get the lion's share of playing time at third base for the Reds following the trade of Eugenio Suárez to the Mariners, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. "Obviously, Mike has earned that," Reds manager David Bell said. "We know what kind of player he is. You lose Geno - huge loss - and you have Mike Moustakas to kind of step right in. He was already factoring in there anyway." | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas had three different injuries last season, missing 85 games. He'll no longer have to scramble to play out of position, though it's possible he'll still see some time at DH. |
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| Feb 16 2022 | Moustakas is a good candidate to be the Reds' designated hitter with the NL adopting the DH in 2022, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With Jonathan India firmly ensconced at second base, Moustakas doesn't have a full-time position right now, and even though he's on the left-handed hitting side of a potential third base platoon, he's a lesser defender. Moreover, he's been injury-prone throughout his career, including his tenure with the Reds. Adding the DH helps Moustakas out tremendously. |
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| Sep 28 2021 | Moustakas (foot) has been ruled out for the remainder of the season, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas landed on the 10-day IL with right foot plantar fasciitis last week and would have been eligible to return during the final series of the regular season, but manager David Bell said Tuesday that none of the Reds on the injured list will return this year. The 33-year-old appeared in just 62 games while battling injuries in 2021, and he slashed .208/.282/.372 with six home runs, 22 RBI and 21 runs. |
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| Sep 22 2021 | Moustakas was placed on the 10-day injured list with right foot plantar fasciitis Wednesday, retroactive to Sept. 21. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas has been out of the lineup in each of the last four games, and he's apparently been dealing with the same foot issue that sidelined him for just under three months earlier in the campaign. Eugenio Suarez is in line to serve as the Reds' primary third baseman in his absence, and it's not yet clear whether Moustakas will be able to return prior to the end of the regular season. Moustakas had slashed a weak .177/.225/.313 in 34 games since coming off the 60-day IL in early August, so the Reds likely won't be counting on him to handle an everyday role if he makes it back for the final series of the season. |
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| Sep 21 2021 | Moustakas will sit Tuesday against the Pirates. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas has occupied the large side of a platoon at third base since returning from a heel injury in early August, but his off day here comes against righty Mitch Keller. His .208/.282/.372 season slash line arguably doesn't deserve even a platoon role, though Eugenio Suarez, who starts at the hot corner in his absence, is hitting just .179/.268/.390. |
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| Sep 20 2021 | Moustakas will be on the bench Monday against the Pirates. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Reds continue with their plan of strictly platooning Moustakas, as he'll sit against lefty Dillon Peters, just as he's done against every other southpaw the team has faced since he returned from the injured list in early August. He's certainly not making a case for a larger role, as he's hit just .179/.228/.316 since his return even while being protected against same-sided pitching. Eugenio Suarez will take over at third base. |
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| Sep 14 2021 | Moustakas will sit Tuesday against the Pirates. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas hasn't started against a lefty since his return from the injured list in early August. That trend continues here against Dillon Peters, with Eugenio Suarez starting at third base. |
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| Sep 12 2021 | Moustakas will sit Sunday against the Cardinals. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas hasn't started against a single southpaw since returning from a heel injury in early August. That trend will continue against J.A. Happ, with Asdrubal Cabrera taking over at third base. |
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| Sep 10 2021 | Moustakas will sit against lefty Jon Lester and the Cardinals on Friday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Reds have stuck to their plan of platooning Moustakas and Eugenio Suarez at the hot corner, as Moustakas hasn't made a single start against a southpaw since returning from a heel injury in early August. Suarez starts at the position Friday, but Moustakas should return to the lineup against righty Miles Mikolas on Saturday. |
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| Sep 6 2021 | Moustakas isn't starting Monday's game against the Cubs, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas will be on the bench for the fourth time in the last five games since left-hander Justin Steele is starting for the Cubs. Eugenio Suarez will start at the hot corner and bat fourth. |
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| Sep 4 2021 | Moustakas is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Tigers. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Matthew Boyd, Saturday's starter for Detroit, is the third straight lefty the Reds have faced, and Moustakas has been on the bench against all three. Eugenio Suarez will remain at the hot corner and in the five hole. Moustakas and Suarez appear primed to continue operating in a strict platoon. |
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| Sep 3 2021 | Moustakas is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Tigers, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: An 0-for-3, two-strikeout effort Wednesday afternoon has Moustakas' average at .161 with two doubles, two home runs and four RBI in his last 10 games. Eugenio Suarez gets the start at third base and bats fifth. |
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| Sep 1 2021 | Moustakas is out of the lineup for the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader with the Cardinals. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After a two-game absence due to a right hip injury, Moustakas made his return to the lineup for the first game of the doubleheader and went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts in the Reds' 5-4 loss. Moustakas isn't believed to have experienced a setback in Game 1; his absence for the nightcap is likely just matchup-related with southpaw J.A. Happ on the mound for St. Louis. Eugenio Suarez will step in at third base for the lefty-hitting Moustakas. |
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| Aug 31 2021 | Moustakas (hip) is batting fifth and playing third base Tuesday against the Cardinals. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran exited Saturday's game with right hip tightness and didn't start the next two days, although he did appear as a pinch hitter Monday. Moustakas has hit .151 with two doubles, two home runs and four RBI in his last nine starts, striking out 30.6 percent of the time during that span. |
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| Aug 30 2021 | Mousakas (hip) won't start Monday's game against the Cardinals. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas left Saturday's game against the Marlins with a tight right hip and didn't appear in Sunday's contest, though it's unclear if that's the reason he remains out Monday. He's been platooning with Eugenio Suarez at third base, so he was always likely to sit Monday against lefty Jon Lester. Whether or not Moustakas will return Tuesday against righty Miles Mikolas remains to be seen. |
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| Aug 28 2021 | Moustakas was removed from Saturday's game against the Marlins with right hip tightness, and he won't be in the lineup for Sunday's series finale, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas was pulled from Saturday's contest after striking out during the second inning, and he'll be held out of the starting nine for at least one game. Lefty Jesus Luzardo is poised to start Sunday for Miami, so Moustakas may not have started regardless of the injury. However, there's a chance the 32-year-old slugger will be available off the bench. |
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| Aug 26 2021 | Moustakas will sit against lefty Brett Anderson and the Brewers on Thursday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Reds have largely stuck to a platoon between Moustakas and Eugenio Suarez at third base since the former's return from a heel injury in early August. As expected, it will be Suarez handling the hot corner against a southpaw here. |
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| Aug 22 2021 | Moustakas went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and two strikeouts in Sunday's 3-1 win over Miami. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The infielder's skid extended to 0-for-24 before his fifth-inning solo shot in Sunday's contest. Moustakas has had a brutal season with five homers, 16 RBI, 18 runs scored and eight doubles while slashing .206/.309/.389 through 149 plate appearances. While he has a 12.1 percent walk rate and a 22.1 percent strikeout rate this year, he hasn't been able to make enough contact in 13 games since he returned from a heel injury. Moustakas is currently in a platoon with the similarly struggling Eugenio Suarez at third base. |
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| Aug 21 2021 | Moustakas is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Marlins. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas is in the midst of an 0-for-23 skid and has hit a lowly .111 in 12 games since returning from injury. Eugenio Suarez is starting at third base Saturday, and he figures to receive more playing time until Moustakas gets his bat going. |
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| Aug 16 2021 | Moustakas will sit against southpaw Justin Steele and the Cubs on Monday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas has now been on the bench six times in 11 games since he returned from a heel injury in early August, though all but one of his days off have come against lefties. Eugenio Suarez will start at third base in his absence. |
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| Aug 14 2021 | Moustakas is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Phillies, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The infielder has started almost exclusively against right-handed pitching since returning from the injured list, and that trend continues Saturday with southpaw Matt Moore on the hill for Philadelphia. Eugenio Suarez is playing third base and batting sixth. |
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| Aug 12 2021 | Moustakas will sit against lefty Kyle Muller in Atlanta on Thursday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas and Eugenio Suarez are expected to platoon at third base down the stretch, a plan the Reds have largely stuck to since Moustakas returned from a heel injury in early August. He's started against all but one righty over that stretch but hasn't started against a single southpaw. Suarez will handle the hot corner in his absence. |
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| Aug 10 2021 | Moustakas will remain on the bench Tuesday against Atlanta. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Reds remain committed to platooning Moustakas and Eugenio Suarez at the hot corner. Suarez will get the start against lefty Drew Smyly on Tuesday, but Moustakas should return to the lineup Wednesday with righty Touki Toussaint lined up to start for Atlanta. |
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| Aug 9 2021 | Moustakas will sit against Cleveland on Monday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas and Eugenio Suarez are expected to platoon at third base down the stretch. The Reds deviated from that plan Sunday, starting Suarez at the hot corner even with righty Bryse Wilson on the mound for the Pirates, but that was presumably because they didn't want Moustakas starting three straight games immediately after returning from a long absence. Lefty Sam Hentges will be on the mound for Cleveland on Monday, so Moustakas will again sit in favor of Suarez. |
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| Aug 8 2021 | Moustakas is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Pirates. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas returned from the 60-day injured list with a bang earlier this weekend, going 3-for-7 with three doubles, two walks, two runs and two RBI between his starts Friday and Saturday. Eugenio Suarez will get the start at third base Sunday in what likely amounts to a maintenance day for Moustakas, who should operate as the Reds' primary option at the hot corner moving forward. |
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| Aug 7 2021 | Moustakas went 3-for-4 with three doubles, two runs scored and two RBI in Friday's 10-0 win over the Pirates. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: There was no rust whatsoever on the 32-year-old's bat as he saw his first action since May 18. Moustakas' return from a heel injury will give the Reds' offense a jolt for the stretch run, but with Jonathan India having locked down the job at second base while he was sidelined, Moose will have to split time at third base with Eugenio Suarez. |
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| Aug 6 2021 | Moustakas (heel) was activated off the 60-day injured list Friday and will bat fifth and play third base against the Pirates. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: A heel contusion had kept Moustakas on the sidelines since mid-May, but he's finally ready to go after going 5-for-14 with a homer over four rehab appearances. The 32-year-old hit .241/.337/.437 in 28 games prior to suffering the injury, with his 105 wRC+ representing a small step back from the 109 wRC+ he produced last season. He's expected to fill the large side of a platoon with Eugenio Suarez down the stretch. |
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| Aug 5 2021 | Manager David Bell said Thursday that Moustakas' (heel) time at Triple-A Louisville "may have come to an end," Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas has recorded hits in each of his five rehab appearances, and he's gone 6-for-17 with a home run, a double, three runs, a walk and a strikeout. The 32-year-old's bruised right heel has kept him sidelined since mid-May, but he's on track to return from the 60-day injured list during the Reds' weekend series against the Pirates. |
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| Jul 30 2021 | Moustakas (heel) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville on Friday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: A bruised right heel has kept Moustakas on the shelf since mid-May. The length of his absence means he'll likely need more than a few games of minor-league action before he returns to the active roster. The Reds are clearly happy with his recent progress, however, as reports from as recently as Thursday indicated that he wouldn't begin a rehab assignment until next week. |
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| Jul 29 2021 | Moustakas (heel) could begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Louisville early next week, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas has been on the injured list for over two months due to a right heel contusion. The 32-year-old began a rehab assignment in mid-June, but he was shut down after he experienced some soreness during a game. He's been able to take grounders recently, and he should return to game action in the coming days. While manager David Bell didn't reveal what day Moustakas' rehab assignment would begin, he could rejoin the Reds at some point late next week or next weekend. |
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| Jul 19 2021 | Moustakas (heel) was on the field taking grounders ahead of Monday's game against the Mets, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas has now missed over two months with a heel injury. Progress has been quite slow, as he began a rehab stint more than a month ago before being quickly shut down again. He's back to trending in the right direction, though the timeline for his next steps is still not clear. |
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| Jun 27 2021 | Moustakas (heel) is still dealing with pain from his injured heel, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Reds are hopeful that Moustakas can begin a rehab assignment around the All-Star break. "I think they're just really difficult injuries to get over," manager David Bell said. "I know they're painful, too. (Moustakas) doesn't talk about it, but other people do. I know it's a tough injury to have." |
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| Jun 19 2021 | Moustakas (heel) was moved to the 60-day injured list Saturday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas has already been out for a month with a heel injury. He appeared to be closing in on a return before suffering a setback during a rehab game Tuesday. He'll now be out until just after the All-Star break at the earliest, with the Reds yet to provide a concrete timeline. The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster for the team to select Josh Osich's contract. |
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| Jun 17 2021 | Manager David Bell said Thursday that Moustakas (foot) will be back in a walking boot for about a week before he's re-evaluated, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas returned to Cincinnati on Wednesday after he experienced a setback in Tuesday's rehab game with Triple-A Louisville, and his rehab assignment will officially be shut down for at least a week. The 32-year-old reportedly didn't tear his plantar fasciitis, but it's not yet clear when he'll be able to return to game action following the setback. Kyle Farmer should continue to see increased playing time in his absence. |
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| Jun 16 2021 | Moustakas (heel) has returned to Cincinnati after he experienced some soreness in Tuesday's rehab game with Triple-A Louisville, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Reds were hopeful that Moustakas could be reinstated from the injured list during their upcoming road trip in San Diego, but manager David Bell says that's now unlikely following the infielder's setback, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports. It's not yet clear when Moustakas will be able to return to game action, but Kyle Farmer and Mike Freeman could continue to see increased playing time during the weekend series against the Padres. |
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| Jun 14 2021 | Moustakas (heel) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday and could be activated during the four-game series at San Diego, which begins Thursday, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 32-year-old has been sidelined by a bruised right heel since May 18, but he's on the cusp of his return after a nearly monthlong absence. Moustakas is only expected to require a few games in the minors to get back up to speed, assuming he avoids any setbacks. |
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| Jun 12 2021 | Moustakas (heel) has a good chance to return during the Reds' upcoming road trip, which runs from June 14 through 22, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas has already missed nearly a month with a bruised right heel. He ran the bases and took grounders Friday and is expected to begin a rehab assignment soon, at which point his exact return date should become more clear. |
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| Jun 11 2021 | Moustakas (heel) was running the bases and taking grounders at third base Friday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manager David Bell said last weekend the 32-year-old was about a week away from a rehab assignment, though there's been no additional indication the infielder is set to begin said assignment. Moustakas has been sidelined since May 18 due to a bruised right heel, so he shouldn't need significant time in the minors before being activated. |
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| Jun 6 2021 | Manager David Bell said Sunday that Moustakas (heel) is about a week away from starting a rehab assignment, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas landed on the 10-day injured list May 20 with a bruised heel. The club was hoping he would be able to return after the minimum 10 days, but he's taken a bit longer to progress. Given Bell's update, the infielder should be on track to return to the Reds' lineup by mid-to-late June, assuming he doesn't hit a snag in his recovery. |
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| May 31 2021 | Moustakas (heel) was running in the outfield ahead of Monday's game against the Phillies, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas has been on the injured list since May 20 due to a right heel contusion. The team was initially hopeful that the third baseman wouldn't need to spend more than the minimum of 10 days on the IL, but he's now missed more time than that and isn't starting Monday. It's not yet clear when Moustakas will be cleared to return to game action. |
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| May 20 2021 | The Reds hope Moustakas (heel) won't need to spend more than the minimum 10 days on the injured list, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas left Friday's game against the Rockies with a bruised heel and remained out of the lineup since then, though he did appear twice off the bench, most recently on Tuesday. That means his move to the injured list can only be backdated by one day, but it looks as though he has a good chance to return when first eligible May 29 against the Cubs. |
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| May 19 2021 | Moustakas (heel) isn't starting Wednesday's game against the Giants. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas will be out of the lineup for a fifth straight contest as he continues to deal with a heel injury, but he's served as a pinch hitter in each of the last two games. He could be available off the bench once again Wednesday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. Eugenio Suarez will shift to third base while Kyle Farmer starts at shortstop. |
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| May 18 2021 | Moustakas (heel) remains out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Giants. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He'll take a seat for the fourth straight game while he manages a heel injury. Moustakas was able to make an appearance off the bench as a pinch hitter in Monday's 6-3 loss, a sign that the Reds anticipate he won't require a stint on the injured list. |
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| May 17 2021 | Moustakas (heel) is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Giants. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He'll be out of the lineup for the third day in a row due to the heel injury, which has disrupted a solid stretch for Moustakas, who was slashing .318/.385/.455 over his previous seven starts. However, Moustakas will be available off the bench Monday, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports. Kyle Farmer will fill in at first base, the position that Moustakas has been playing since Joey Votto (thumb) was placed on the 10-day injured list May 7. |
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| May 16 2021 | Moustakas (heel) is out of the lineup Sunday against the Rockies. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 32-year-old will miss his second straight game after suffering a heel contusion Friday. Nick Senzel (heel) will shift to third base in Moustakas' absence while Jonathan India starts at the keystone and Kyle Farmer works at first base. |
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| May 15 2021 | Moustakas (heel) will not start Saturday's game against Colorado. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas has suffered a pair of injuries in the last two days. He left Thursday's game with a shoulder issue but returned to the lineup Friday, only to exit early again due to a heel contusion. Neither issue appears particularly worrisome, but Moustakas will get at least one day to rest and recover. Alex Blandino will take over at first base. |
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| May 14 2021 | Moustakas left Friday's game against the Rockies with a heel contusion, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. "I don't know if he got stepped on or he jammed it into the base," manager David Bell said. "He did have it examined after the game, but everything was negative." | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas appeared to be walking gingerly around first base early on in the game and was ultimately lifted before the bottom of the fifth inning. Fortunately, it does not sound like a serious injury. That being said, Moustakas just had a different injury scare Thursday (shoulder), so it would not be a surprise if the Reds played it safe and held him out Saturday even if he's feeling better. |
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| May 13 2021 | Moustakas suffered a shoulder injury Thursday against the Rockies but will be back in the lineup Friday, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas exited in the fifth inning with the injury, though there was no concern about his status moving forward. He should be ready to return to the middle of the Reds' lineup to complete the team's weekend season at Coors Field. |
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| May 12 2021 | Moustakas went 2-for-3 with a home run, two walks and an additional run scored during Wednesday's win at Pittsburgh. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 32-year-old clubbed a solo homer during the second inning and also came around to score during the 10th frame on Eugenio Suarez's bases-clearing double. Moustakas has a .235/.330/.444 slash line with four home runs, five doubles, 12 RBI and 15 runs in 24 games this season. |
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| May 10 2021 | Moustakas will start at first base and bat cleanup Monday against the Pirates. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manager David Bell appears to have settled on Moustakas as the primary replacement at first base for Joey Votto (thumb). Moustakas will be picking up his third start at the position in as many games, and with Votto likely to remain sidelined for all of May, Moustakas should quickly gain eligibility at first base in most fantasy leagues. Moustakas already carries eligibility at third base (19 starts in 2021) and second base (31 starts in 2020) in the majority of formats. |
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| May 3 2021 | Moustakas went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, a double, and an additional RBI in Sunday's 13-12 win over the Cubs in 10 innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas supplied one of five Reds long balls on the day and reached base three times in total after also being struck by a pitch. The 32-year-old improved his slash line to .250/.353/.500 after the big day, and he should continue to pile up counting stats while occupying a spot in the heart of a Reds lineup that has been one of the majors' stronger units this season. |
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| Apr 27 2021 | Moustakas (illness) was activated from the injured list prior to Tuesday's game against the Dodgers. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: This was the earliest Moustakas was eligible to come off the IL. He will start at third base and bat cleanup against righty Walker Buehler. |
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| Apr 25 2021 | Moustakas (illness) was taking reps at third base prior to the team's game Sunday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas was reportedly starting to feel better as the team began its weekend series in St. Louis. Manager David Bell had noted that Moustakas could return sometime during the upcoming series against the Dodgers, which begins Monday. His increased activity suggests that remains a possibility. |
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| Apr 23 2021 | Moustakas (illness) is feeling better Friday and is expected to ramp up his activity over the weekend, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas was placed on the 10-day injured list due to a non-COVID illness Tuesday, but the issue doesn't appear to be a major concern. If he continues to feel good after participating in baseball activities this weekend, manager David Bell said that Moustakas should return sometime during the Reds' upcoming series against the Dodgers. |
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| Apr 20 2021 | Moustakas was placed on the 10-day injured list with a non-COVID illness Tuesday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas had been out of action since Wednesday with the issue, though he was initially listed as part of the Reds' lineup for Tuesday's game against the Diamondbacks. The Reds can backdate the transaction by three days, but he'll still be out until at least next Tuesday. Alex Blandino will replace him on the active roster, though it's Kyle Farmer who will replace him in Tuesday's lineup. |
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| Apr 18 2021 | Moustakas (illness) is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against Cleveland. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He'll be on the bench for a third straight game while he continues to recover from a non-COVID-19-related illness. With an off day on tap Monday, the Reds are presumably hopeful Moustakas will be ready to return to the lineup for Tuesday's series opener versus the Diamondbacks. |
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| Apr 17 2021 | Moustakas (illness) isn't starting Saturday's game against Cleveland. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas was a late scratch Friday due to a non-COVID-related illness, but manager David Bell thought that the 32-year-old would be able to return Saturday. However, Kyle Farmer will take his place at the hot corner, batting eighth. |
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| Apr 16 2021 | Moustakas (illness) is expected to return to the lineup for Saturday's game against Cleveland, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas was a late scratch Friday due to a non-COVID-related illness. However, the issue apparently isn't overly serious, as manager David Bell is optimistic that Moustakas will be available Saturday. Through 12 games this year, Moustakas has slashed .289/.404/.553 with two home runs and five RBI. |
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| Apr 13 2021 | Moustakas went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run and two strikeouts in Tuesday's loss to the Giants. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: His homer off Kevin Gausman in the first inning was his second of the year. Moustakas has been overshadowed on the Reds by Nick Castellanos, newcomer Jonathan India and even Tyler Naquin, but Moustakas is quietly batting .286 with a .952 OPS through 11 games. |
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| Apr 5 2021 | Moustakas went 2-for-3 with a solo homer, a double, a walk and two runs scored in Monday's 5-3 win over Pittsburgh. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas' solo homer in the fifth inning was his first long ball of the season and tied the game up at 2-2. Through four games, he's drawn five walks and knocked three extra-base hits. |
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| Mar 15 2021 | Moustakas will start at third base for Tuesday's spring training game against the Rockies, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports. This is being done in conjunction with moving Eugenio Suarez over to shortstop. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: This would move Moustakas back to his original and presumably better defensive position, while giving a chance to Jonathan India to play at second base, giving the Reds an alternative to Kyle Farmer or Dee Strange-Gordon at shortstop. Giving Moustakas a third position of eligibility in-season along with first base and second base would also come in handy. |
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| Feb 25 2021 | Moustakas reported to spring training fully healthy after having a season marred by multiple issues, including a quadriceps bruise, a foot contusion and a false-positive COVID test, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. "It definitely factored into it. I'm not going to be one to sit here and make excuses for my performance on the field," Moustakas said. "If I'm on the field, that means in my mind that I'm 100 percent ready to go. Last year, I didn't play as well as I wanted to play and I think that goes from offensively, top to bottom. We didn't do as well as we wanted to do offensively." | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas was one of many Reds players who struggled to hit for average, posting a .230/.31/.468 line in 44 games. On the bright side, he had a .914 OPS in September, suggesting that better times could be ahead. |
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| Sep 25 2020 | Moustakas went 2-for-4 with two home runs and three RBI in Friday's 7-2 win over the Twins. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas was brought in to be a leader on this team, and while he's had an uneven couple of months around a stint on the IL with a quad injury, he came up huge Friday to lift the Reds to their first playoff berth since 2013. He's getting hot at the right time -- Moustakas is now 9-for-23 with five doubles and three homers in his last six games. |
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| Sep 21 2020 | Moustakas went 2-for-3 with a three-run home run, double and walk in Monday's 6-3 win over the Brewers. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The infielder's three-run shot off Drew Rasmussen in the eighth ended up being the difference maker for Cincinnati. It marked Moustakas's eighth homer and brought him to 23 RBI on the campaign. |
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| Sep 14 2020 | Moustakas went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run in Game 2 of Monday's doubleheader against the Pirates. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas came up big in the fifth inning, putting his team in the lead with a three-run blast to center field. The veteran third baseman has slugged five home runs and sits with 17 RBI to go with a .220/.331/.410 slash line over 34 contests this season. |
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| Sep 13 2020 | Moustakas (foot) is starting at first base and batting fifth Sunday against the Cardinals, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He suffered a bruised foot Thursday and missed the next two games, but he is ready to get back in there for the series finale. Moustakas is hitting .240 with two home runs, seven strikeouts and four walks in 25 at-bats this month. |
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| Sep 12 2020 | Moustakas (foot) isn't in Saturday's lineup against the Cardinals. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas will miss his second consecutive game after leaving Thursday's game with a foot injury. He underwent an X-ray on Friday that came back negative, so it's unlikely that he'll face a significant absence. |
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| Sep 11 2020 | Moustakas' X-rays on his foot came back negative Friday, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas left Thursday's game against the Cubs after getting hit in the foot by a pitch and is not in the lineup Friday against the Cardinals. Given that he's avoided a fracture, however, it's likely that he'll be able to return to the lineup before too long. |
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| Sep 10 2020 | Moustakas left Thursday's game against the Cubs with a foot contusion, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The injury occurred when the infielder was hit by a pitch on his foot in the fourth inning. It's yet to be determined if Moustakas will miss time beyond Thursday. |
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| Sep 9 2020 | Moustakas went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run in Wednesday's 3-0 win over the Cubs. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas' long ball came off Cubs starter Yu Darvish in the first inning, and that was the only scoring for either team. The 31-year-old Moustakas has hit safely in five of his last six games, going 6-for-19 (.316) with two homers, four RBI and two runs scored in that span. He's slashing .236/.337/.416 with four homers, 14 RBI and seven runs scored in 29 contests overall. |
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| Sep 5 2020 | Moustakas went 2-for-3 with a solo home run in the second game of Friday's doubleheader against the Pirates. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: While Moustakas did not start in the matinee, he did have a pinch-hit double off the bench in Game 1, so he was 3-for-4 for the day. The homer was especially good to see, as Moustakas had gone a whopping 21 games without a long ball and hit only two doubles during that stretch. Perhaps he's starting to feel like he has his legs under him again after his season was derailed early on by a quadriceps injury. |
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| Sep 4 2020 | Moustakas is out of the lineup for Game 1 of Friday's doubleheader against the Pirates. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas started the past 12 games but will take a seat for Friday's matinee after going 8-for-40 with 13 strikeouts during that stretch. Kyle Farmer will start at the keystone for the Reds in Game 1. |
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| Sep 2 2020 | Moustakas went 0-for-3 with a walk Tuesday in the Reds' 16-2 loss to the Cardinals. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas hit a home run in two of his first three starts of the season, but his power production has disappeared since then. Dating back to Aug. 1, Moustakas has churned out only one extra-base hit (a double) over a 19-game stretch. The extended power drought hasn't resulted in Moustakas falling in the batting order, as he'll slot in fifth in the lineup for Wednesday's series finale. |
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| Aug 22 2020 | Moustakas isn't in the lineup Saturday against the Cardinals. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas is 2-for-9 with two RBI and one run over four games since returning from a quad injury, but he'll get a day off against left-hander Kwang-Hyun Kim. Kyle Farmer will start at second base Saturday. |
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| Aug 19 2020 | Moustakas (quadriceps) is starting at designated hitter and batting fifth in Game 1 of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Royals. He is also planning to play the field in the nightcap, John Fay of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's encouraging that Moustakas may start both games of the twin bill after being sidelined with a quad strain. This will be a homecoming of sorts, as he will be playing in Kansas City, his home city for the early phase of his career. |
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| Aug 18 2020 | Moustakas (quadriceps) is expected to be activated from the 10-day injured list Wednesday, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas worked out at the Reds' alternate training site Monday, and it apparently went well since he's expected to return in time for the Reds' doubleheader against the Royals on Wednesday. The team's layoff gave the 31-year-old some extra time to recover from his bruised quadriceps. Moustakas slashed .238/.333/.524 with two home runs and six RBI over his first seven games of 2020. |
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| Aug 11 2020 | Moustakas (quadriceps) has yet to run or face live pitching as of Tuesday, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas has been out for a week with a bruised quadriceps, though he previously hoped to be able to return Tuesday. He's since been placed on the injured list, as he's behind that more optimistic schedule, but he expects to be able to return when first eligible Sunday. |
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| Aug 9 2020 | Moustakas (quadriceps) was placed on the 10-day injured list Sunday, retroactive to Aug. 6. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Reds previously hoped the 31-year-old would be able to return to action Tuesday, but he apparently requires additional time to recover from the left quad bruise. Moustakas will be eligible to be activated Aug. 16 against the Pirates. Kyle Farmer and Christian Colon should continue to fill in at the keystone for Cincinnati. |
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| Aug 7 2020 | Moustakas (quadriceps) won't return to the lineup before Tuesday's game against the Royals, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas left Tuesday's game against Cleveland with a bruised left quadriceps and hasn't played since. Manager David Bell said Friday that he's considered out, rather than day-to-day, so he's unlikely to appear at any point in the weekend series against the Brewers. |
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| Aug 6 2020 | Moustakas (quad) is not in the starting lineup Thursday against the Indians. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas will remain sidelined for a second straight game as he continues to nurse a bruised left quad. Kyle Farmer is starting at second base in this one, while Moustakas should be considered day-to-day ahead of Friday's series opener against the Brewers. |
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| Aug 5 2020 | Moustakas (quadriceps) is not starting Wednesday's game against Cleveland. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After dealing with a forearm injury, Moustakas returned to the lineup Monday but exited Tuesday's contest with a bruised left quad. The injury is apparently serious enough to keep him out of the lineup again as Josh VanMeter will take over at second base and bat seventh. |
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| Aug 4 2020 | Moustakas left Tuesday's game with a bruised left quad, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: We'll await further word on how serious the injury is and how Moustakas suffered it. Kyle Farmer replaced him in the game. |
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| Aug 3 2020 | Moustakas (forearm) is in the lineup for Monday's game against Cleveland, batting third. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas was held out of the second game of Sunday's doubleheader against the Tigers after being hit by a pitch during Game 1. However, the issue was muscular and not particularly serious. The 31-year-old has gone 5-for-16 with two home runs and six RBI over his first five games this season. |
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| Aug 2 2020 | Reds manager David Bell, speaking after Sunday's doubleheader, said that the Reds believe that Moustakas's arm injury is muscular in nature, John Fay of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. "He got hit good in the arm. I do believe it is muscular. Temporarily that tightens up. It was impossible to do anything. The good news is if it's not near a bone, it will be a shorter recovery." | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Reds are home on Monday for two games against Cleveland, then travel up to Cleveland for two more before hitting a three-game series in Milwaukee in a very important week. Hopefully we'll have more clarity on his status before Monday's rosters lock. |
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| Jul 29 2020 | Moustakas went 1-for-2 with two walks, a home run, two RBI and two runs scored Wednesday against the Cubs. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas was cleared to return after being absent from the Reds' lineup for the past three games due to an illness. He quickly produced at the plate, taking Kyle Hendricks deep in his second at-bat of the game for a two-run home run. It was Moustakas' second homer of the year, and he has now reached base in seven of his 12 plate appearances. |
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| Jul 28 2020 | Teammate Nick Castellanos said after Tuesday's game that Moustakas is testing negative for COVID-19 but can't play until at least Thursday, John Fay of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Sunday after waking up not feeling well, but he was apparently only showing similar symptoms to coronavirus and has tested negative. It's unclear if the Reds expect the 31-year-old to be ready to play Thursday, but that's apparently the front end of his return timeline. |
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| Jul 26 2020 | Moustakas (illness) has been placed on the injured list. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He woke up under the weather and was therefore scratched from Sunday's lineup. The fact that the Reds did not specify which injured list Moustakas was placed on suggests it was probably the COVID-19 injured list, although we do not have official confirmation. Josh VanMeter should act as the primary second baseman in the short term. |
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| Jul 24 2020 | Moustakas went 3-for-4 with a home run and four RBI in the Reds' 7-1 win over the Tigers on Friday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas drove in a run in his very first plate appearance (on a hit-by-pitch) and later put one "out in Adam Dunn territory," as the Reds' broadcasters put it, for his first home run in a Reds uniform. Moustakas also made a couple very nice plays at second base. Batting fifth in this lineup is an extremely advantageous spot for run production and he should be in that spot nearly every day. |
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| Jul 17 2020 | Moustakas (groin) is starting at second base and batting third in Friday's intrasquad game. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran infielder missed the past two days of intrasquad action due to some groin tightness, but his quick return to the field indicates it was a minor concern. Moustakas had an .845 OPS and 35 home runs for the Brewers last season, and he's set to start at the keystone for the Reds after signing a four-year, $64 million deal in December. |
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| Jul 16 2020 | Moustakas missed Wednesday's intrasquad scrimmage due to a tight groin, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas is also expected to sit out Thursday, though the injury isn't considered serious and he likely would have played if it were the regular season. Assuming he's healthy, Moustakas is expected to serve as Cincinnati's primary second baseman during the shortened campaign. |
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| Jul 14 2020 | The Reds have been pleased with Moustakas's defense at second base so far, John Fay of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. "He's made all the plays," manager David Bell said. "He has great hands. He has a strong arm, which you can get away without having a really strong arm at second base. But it does help, especially with the way teams play defense now. A lot of times, he'll be in a nontraditional position." | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bell elaborated that Moustakas's conditioning has improved considerably since spring training in March, and that's helped his range. It's not that second base is alien to Moustakas, but it's clearly not his top position. The Reds have made some defensive concessions to improve their hitting, between adding Moustakas at second base and either Nick Castellanos or Jesse Winker playing in the outfield, with the other at DH. |
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| Mar 4 2020 | Moustakas (personal) will lead off and man second base in Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Cubs, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas will check back into the Reds' spring lineup for the first time since Feb. 26 after he was away from camp for a few days following the birth of his child over the weekend. With Opening Day still three weeks away, Moustakas has plenty of time to get his normal spring load of at-bats in before he begins his first season as a member of the Reds. Assuming Eugenio Suarez's shoulder injury doesn't prove to be a long-term concern, Moustakas is expected to be a mainstay at second base throughout the season. |
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| Feb 28 2020 | Moustakas left camp Friday because his wife is about to give birth, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas will presumably miss a few games to be with his wife and newborn child, but his preparation for the upcoming season shouldn't be significantly impacted. He lines up as the Reds' starting second baseman this season, though he could return to his typical position of third base if Eugenio Suarez isn't recovered from his shoulder injury by Opening Day. |
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| Feb 2 2020 | If Eugenio Suarez (shoulder) has to miss the beginning of the season, Moustakas could move back over to his original third base slot to start the year, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Reds have said that Nick Senzel is not a candidate to shift to third base, being in the process of recovering from his own shoulder injury. If Moustakas goes to third base, either Senzel could play second base, or the Reds could go with a platoon involving the likes of Josh VanMeter, Kyle Farmer and/or Alex Blandino. |
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| Dec 2 2019 | Moustakas agreed to a four-year, $64 million deal with the Reds on Monday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Reds will get the slugger's age-31 through age-34 seasons, though he hasn't shown any sign of decline so far. He's hit .259/.319/.498 over the last three seasons, averaging 33.7 homers per year over that stretch. He'll get to enjoy another hitter-friendly home park after hitting 35 homers for the Brewers last season. After starting 40 games at second base in 2019, he appears to be in line to remain at the position this season, with Eugenio Suarez occupying the hot corner. |
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| Nov 1 2019 | Moustakas declined his mutual option for 2020 and will become a free agent. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: This move was expected, especially after Moustakas slugged 35 homers and drove in 87 runs over 143 games last season for the Brewers. There will likely be a high demand for the veteran third baseman on the open market. |
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| Sep 28 2019 | Moustakas (elbow) went 1-for-4 with a double in Saturday's 3-2 loss to the Rockies. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas missed two games with the elbow injury, but he played the whole game at third base Saturday. It's the fourth time in nine years Moustakas has reached 30 doubles in a season. He's added 35 homers, 87 RBI and 80 runs scored across 142 games this year. |
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| Sep 27 2019 | Moustakas isn't in Friday's lineup against Colorado due to a sore right elbow, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was announced prior to Friday's series opener that the third baseman is nursing an elbow issue, which is why he's sitting for the second straight day. He'll be considered day-to-day moving forward but will be available off the bench if needed. |
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| Sep 26 2019 | Moustakas is not in Thursday's lineup against the Reds. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Brewers are also resting veterans Ryan Braun and Lorenzo Cain after clinching a playoff spot Wednesday. Travis Shaw will start at third base and bat sixth. |
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| Sep 14 2019 | Moustakas went 2-for-3 with a walk and a two-run homer in Saturday's win over the Cardinals. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas tied the game with a two-run shot off Jack Flaherty in the fourth inning, his 27th homer of the year. He's now gone 6-for-13 with three homers in four games since returning from a wrist injury. |
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| Sep 11 2019 | Moustakas went 3-for-4 with two home runs, five RBI and a walk in Wednesday's 7-5 win over the Marlins. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas returned to the starting nine after missing most of the last couple weeks with the wrist injury and blasted two homers, including a two-run shot in the ninth inning to break a 5-5 tie. The veteran infielder will play a pivotal role down the stretch for the Brewers, especially with Christian Yelich (kneecap) going down for the season Tuesday. |
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| Sep 10 2019 | Moustakas (wrist) stands a "good chance" to return to the lineup Wednesday against the Marlins, Sophia Minnaert of FOX Sports Wisconsin reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It had been previously reported that Moustakas "could" return Wednesday, but it now sounds like he's probable based on manager Craig Counsell's comments prior to Tuesday's game. Moustakas was held out of the lineup from Aug. 27-Sept. 1 and only lasted one start before renewed soreness put him back on the shelf. As of Friday, he was said to still be in "significant pain," but Moustakas has been able to play defense in recent days and will be available to pinch hit Tuesday. |
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| Sep 9 2019 | Moustakas (wrist) will take batting practice Monday, Sophia Minnaert of Fox Sports Wisconsin reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas has been available for defense over the last few days, but he hasn't received a plate appearance since last Monday as he deals with a bruised wrist. It's not clear exactly when he'll be back in the lineup, but he appears to be moving in the right direction. |
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| Sep 7 2019 | Manager Craig Counsell said Moustakas (wrist) still can't swing a bat, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas came off the bench and played an inning at third base Saturday, but he was pulled for a pinch hitter once he was scheduled to bat. Counsell said Friday that the veteran third baseman is in "significant pain" and is "not making progress," so it seems unlikely he'll return to action Sunday if the team wasn't comfortable with him hitting a day earlier. Travis Shaw and Hernan Perez should continue splitting time at the hot corner in his place. |
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| Sep 6 2019 | Moustakas (wrist) is not in Friday's lineup against the Cubs. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He has had five at-bats since taking a grounder off his left wrist back on Aug. 26. It is unclear when he will be ready to rejoin the starting nine. Hernan Perez is starting at third base and hitting sixth. |
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| Sep 5 2019 | Moustakas (wrist) is not in Thursday's lineup against the Cubs. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He took a grounder off his left wrist back on Aug. 26 and the issue has continued to linger, despite the fact he has played in a couple games since then. According to Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, he's still too sore to grip a bat and recently received an injection to help with the healing. Hernan Perez starts at third base and will hit sixth. |
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| Sep 3 2019 | Moustakas was removed from Monday's game against the Astros in the ninth inning after experiencing pain in his left wrist, which is why he's not starting Tuesday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas was cleared to enter Monday's starting lineup, though he was unable to make it through the entire game. He'll be considered day-to-day until another update on his status is provided. |
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| Sep 2 2019 | Moustakas (wrist) will start at third base and bat cleanup Monday against the Astros. | |
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| Sep 1 2019 | Moustakas (wrist) is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cubs. | |
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| Aug 31 2019 | Moustakas (wrist) is not in the lineup Saturday against the Cubs. | |
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| Aug 30 2019 | Moustakas (wrist) remains sidelined Friday against the Cubs. | |
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| Aug 28 2019 | Manager Craig Counsell said he expects Moustakas (wrist) to play this weekend in | Chicago, though he noted the infielder may not be ready for Friday's series opener, |
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| Aug 27 2019 | Moustakas (wrist) isn't in the starting lineup for Tuesday's game against St. Louis. | |
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| Aug 26 2019 | X-rays on Moustakas' left wrist came back negative, though he's unlikely to play | Tuesday against the Cardinals, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports. |
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| Aug 22 2019 | Moustakas went 1-for-1 with a three-run home run and walked in his other three plate | appearances Wednesday in the Brewers' 5-3 win over the Cardinals. |
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| Aug 20 2019 | Moustakas is not in Tuesday's lineup against the Cardinals. | |
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| Aug 19 2019 | Moustakas went 3-for-4 with two home runs, a double, a walk and five RBI in Sunday's | 16-8 loss to the Nationals. |
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| Aug 14 2019 | Moustakas went 1-for-5 with a double in Tuesday's 7-5 loss to the Twins. | |
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| Jul 28 2019 | Moustakas is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cubs. | |
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| Jul 28 2019 | Moustakas is out of the lineup<\/a> for Sunday's game against the Cubs. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jul 24 2019 | Moustakas is out of the lineup<\/a> for Wednesday's game against the Reds. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jul 21 2019 | Moustakas went 1-for-4 with a walk and a three-run home run in Saturday's 8-3 win over the Diamondbacks. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jul 17 2019 | Moustakas is not in the lineup<\/a> Wednesday against the Braves. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jul 17 2019 | Moustakas went 2-for-5 with a double and an RBI in Tuesday's victory over the Braves. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jul 6 2019 | Moustakas went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk in a 12-2 loss to the Pirates on Saturday. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jul 6 2019 | Moustakas went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and walk during a 12-2 loss against the Pirates on Saturday. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jul 2 2019 | Moustakas went 1-for-5 with a two-run home run Tuesday against the Reds. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jun 26 2019 | Moustakas went 1-for-4 with a home run in Wednesday's loss to the Mariners. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jun 22 2019 | Moustakas went 1-for-2 with a solo home run and three walks in an 11-7 loss to the Reds on Friday. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jun 22 2019 | Moustakas went 1-for-2 with a solo home run and three walks Friday in the Brewers' 11-7 loss to the Reds. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jun 20 2019 | Moustakas (hand) is starting at second base and hitting cleanup<\/a> Thursday against the Reds. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jun 19 2019 | Manager Craig Counsell said Moustakas, who is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Padres due to a left hand contusion, will \"for sure\" return to action this weekend against the Reds, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jun 19 2019 | Moustakas, who exited Tuesday's game against the Padres with a left hand contusion, will not be in the lineup for Wednesday's series finale, Sophia Minnaert of FSN Wisconsin<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jun 18 2019 | Moustakas was removed from Tuesday's game in San Diego after being hit by a pitch on the left hand, Sophia Minnaert of Fox Sports Wisconsin<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jun 13 2019 | Moustakas went 2-for-5 and hit a go-ahead two-run home run in the 13th inning of Wednesday's 14-inning victory over the Astros. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jun 9 2019 | Moustakas went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Sunday's win over the Pirates. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jun 8 2019 | Moustakas went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and a walk during a 5-3 victory against the Pirates on Saturday. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jun 6 2019 | Moustakas went 2-for-4 with two solo home runs in Thursday's victory over the Marlins. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jun 4 2019 | Moustakas (hand) returns to the lineup<\/a> Tuesday against the Marlins, batting cleanup and playing second base. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jun 2 2019 | Moustakas (hand) is not in the lineup<\/a> for Sunday's game versus the Pirates. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jun 1 2019 | Moustakas was confirmed to be dealing with a right hand bruise after X-rays came back negative Saturday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jun 1 2019 | Moustakas was removed from Saturday's game<\/a> in Pittsburgh with a bruised right hand. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| May 30 2019 | Moustakas went 4-for-6 with two home runs, four RBI and two runs scored during Thursday's 11-5 win over the Pirates. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| May 26 2019 | Moustakas was ejected in the top of the seventh inning of Sunday's game against the Phillies, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| May 25 2019 | Moustakas went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in a 7-2 loss to the Phillies on Saturday. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| May 22 2019 | Moustakas went 3-for-5 with a solo home run and three runs in an 11-9 victory against the Reds on Wednesday. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| May 18 2019 | Moustakas went 1-for-5 with a run and stolen base in a 4-3 loss to the Braves on Saturday. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| May 17 2019 | Moustakas is not in the lineup for Friday's series opener in Atlanta, David O'Brien of The Athletic<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| May 16 2019 | Moustakas will start at third base and bat cleanup<\/a> Thursday against the Phillies. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| May 8 2019 | Moustakas went 2-for-5 with a two-run home run in a 7-3 victory against the Nationals on Wednesday. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jul 24 2018 | Moustakas went 1-for-4 with a two-run homer in Tuesday's win over the Tigers. | Moustakas got the scoring started early in this one, cranking his 20th home run of the season in the first inning. He's hitting just .169 over 59 at-bats in July to drop his average on the season down to .247, but the 29-year-old remains on track to top 30 homers for the second consecutive year. |
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| Jul 23 2018 | Moustakas is not in the lineup against the Tigers on Monday, Maria Torres of the Kansas City Star reports. | Moustakas will head to the bench after going 1-for-9 with two runs scored during a three-game set versus Minnesota this past weekend. Hunter Dozier will make an appearance at the hot corner while Salvador Perez gets a start at first base for the series opener against southpaw Francisco Liriano. |
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| Jul 11 2018 | Moustakas went 3-for-5 with a pair of solo home runs and three runs scored in Wednesday's loss to the Twins. | Moustakas' first blast gave the Royals a two-run lead in the third inning, and then he later launched his second of the night and 19th of the year with Kansas City trailing by four in the ninth. Even after the three-hit day, the 28-year-old is hitting just .206 in July but with 58 RBI he's on track to top last year's career-best 85. |
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| Jul 6 2018 | Moustakas (back) will start at third base and bat third against the Red Sox on Friday, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports. | Moustakas missed Tuesday and Wednesday's games due to back spasms but makes his return to the lineup following Thursday's off day. The 29-year-old has struggled with a .210/.273/.370 slash line with only eight extra-base hits since the start of June. |
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| Jul 6 2018 | Moustakas went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in the Royals' 10-5 defeat to the Red Sox on Friday. | Moustakas was back in the lineup after missing Kansas City's previous two games with back spasms, and he appears to be back to full health, as he was able to account for two of his team's five runs with an eighth-inning blast off Brandon Workman. He's been in a slump lately, but the 29-year-old is now up to 17 homers to put him on pace for 32 on the season, so Moustakas is on track to provide similar power returns to last year when he launched 34 long balls. |
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| Jul 4 2018 | Moustakas (back) is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against Cleveland, Maria Torres of the Kansas City Star reports. | Manager Ned Yost will give Moustakas another day off after being scratched from Tuesday's lineup with back spasms. With a scheduled day off for Kansas City on Thursday, Moustakas will receive a little additional rest. In his place, Hunter Dozier is set to start at the hot corner. |
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| Jul 3 2018 | Moustakas was scratched from Tuesday's lineup with back spasms, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports. | Moustakas was slated to start at third base and bat third for the Royals, per usual, but will instead nurse the injury. The severity of the issue is unclear at this point, and the 29-year-old should be considered day-to-day for the time being. Alcides Escobar will shift to third base with Adalberto Mondesi entering the lineup at shortstop. |
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| Jun 30 2018 | Moustakas went 2-for-4 with a three-run home run Saturday against the Mariners. | Moustakas was one of the few bright spots for the Royals' offense Saturday, as he recorded his 16th home run of the season by taking Felix Hernandez deep in the first inning. After getting off to scorching start to the season, Moustakas has cooled considerably in May and June, though he could be finding his groove again, recording three home runs in his past eight games. |
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| Jun 27 2018 | Moustakas went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 5-4 win over the Brewers. | He went yard to lead off the seventh inning, kicking off a four-run rally that broke open a 1-1 tie. Moustakas has endured a brutal June, hitting .190 (16-for-84) on the month, but he now has 15 homers on the year and is still on pace for his second straight 30-HR campaign. |
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| Jun 25 2018 | Moustakas is not in the lineup Monday against the Angels, 610 Sports Radio reports. | Moustakas will sit for just the third time this season. Alcides Escobar will slide over to third base Monday, with Adalberto Mondesi starting at shortstop. |
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| Jun 16 2018 | Moustakas went 1-for-3 with a double, a walk and three RBI in a loss to the Astros on Friday. | Moustakas accounted for all the Royals' run production Friday, slashing a two-run double -- his 17th two-bagger of the year -- off Charlie Morton in the third inning and later walking with the bases loaded in the fifth. Moustakas is hitting .259/.315/.477 with 13 home runs and 33 runs scored, and his 45 RBI rank third among all MLB third basemen. |
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| May 30 2018 | Moustakas went 2-for-5 with a double, a home run and four RBI in Wednesday's 11-8 win over the Twins. | All his production came in the first two innings off Fernando Romero, as Moustakas poked a two-run double in the first and then launched his 12th homer of the year in the second to help chase the rookie from the game. While the 29-year-old is hitting only .244 (19-for-78) over his last 20 games, six of his last seven hits (three doubles, two homers) have gone for extra bases. |
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| May 27 2018 | Moustakas is out of the lineup Sunday against the Rangers. | With the two teams getting together for a day game in the series finale and Texas bringing a lefty to the hill in Cole Hamels, Royals manager Ned Yost decided it was an opportune time to give the lefty-hitting Moustakas his second off day of the season. Moustakas has been the Royals' top hitter in 2018 but saw his production tail off over the last five games, during which he went 2-for-19 (.105 average). |
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| May 11 2018 | Moustakas was 3-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored in Friday's 10-9 victory over Cleveland. | Moustakas hit an RBI double during the Royals' three-run sixth inning to help overcome a 9-4 deficit. The 29-year-old has continued his strong start to the season and is slashing .301/.335/.569 with 10 home runs and 29 RBI in 153 at-bats. |
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| May 8 2018 | Moustakas went 3-for-6 with two home runs and five RBI in Tuesday's 15-7 win over Baltimore. | Moustakas -- and the Royals overall -- pounded the ball in the first inning, as he hit a 410-foot blast to right field and later in the inning had a two-run single. The 29-year-old also hit a two-run home run in the fifth inning, bringing his season total to 10 homers. Moustakas has eight RBI over the past two games and a .300/.333/.586 slash line in 140 at-bats for the year. |
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| May 6 2018 | Moustakas went 1-for-3 with a double, run scored and three RBI on Sunday against the Tigers. | Moustakas played a park in all four of the Royals' runs Sunday, his first big performance in several games. After getting off to a quick start to the season, Moustakas hasn't homered since April 27 and has only two extra-base hits in that span. He continues to hit for a high average and is now showing signs of getting his powerful bat back in form. |
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| May 2 2018 | Moustakas (forearm) is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Red Sox, Maria Torres of The Kansas City Star reports. | The Royals will keep Moustakas on the bench for the second straight game while he continues to recover from being hit in the forearm by a pitch Monday, but a trip to the disabled list doesn't seem to be in the cards for the 29-year-old. Moustakas was healthy enough to ground out in a pinch-hitting appearance the 10th inning of the Royals' 7-6 win Tuesday, suggesting a return to the lineup is likely imminent. |
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| May 2 2018 | Updating a previous report, Moustakas (forearm) has been added to the Kansas City lineup for Wednesday's game in Boston, according to Maria Torres of The Kansas City Star. He'll start at first base and bat third. | It initially looked like Moustakas would be on the bench for the second straight day while he nursed a bruised right forearm, but the Royals evidently had a late change of heart after getting a chance to evaluate the 29-year-old earlier in the morning. The Royals scratched Lucas Duda from the lineup in order to make room for Moustakas, who will make his first career start on the opposite end of the diamond. Even though he was rested in Tuesday's contest, Moustakas still came on to pinch hit in the 10th inning, suggesting the Royals aren't concerned about the injury interrupting his hot start at the plate this season. |
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| May 1 2018 | Moustakas (forearm) is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Red Sox, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports. | Moustakas left Monday's series opener after getting hit on the forearm by a pitch, but fortunately X-rays on the injured area came back clean. He'll remain out for Tuesday to heal a bit more however, allowing Cheslor Cuthbert to log a start at third base in his place. |
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| May 1 2018 | Moustakas (forearm) was withheld from Tuesday's lineup as a precautionary measure, Rustin Dodd of The Athletic Kansas City reports. | With the left-handed Chris Sale starting for the Red Sox, the Royals decided to give Moustakas another day to rest after being hit by a pitch Monday. Moustakas will likely return to the lineup in the near future, although the Royals could err on the side of caution and have him sit out one more day as they're scheduled to face another southpaw in Drew Pomeranz on Wednesday. |
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| Apr 30 2018 | Moustakas didn't suffer any structural damage to his forearm after being hit by a pitch Monday night, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports. | X-rays on Moustakas' forearm came back clean and the Royals are considering him day-to-day. Should they hold him out of the lineup as a precautionary measure for Tuesday's game against the Red Sox, look for Cheslor Cuthbert to start at third base. |
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| Apr 30 2018 | Moustakas left Monday's game against the Red Sox in the second inning after being hit by a pitch, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports. | Upon Moustakas' departure, Abraham Almonte entered the game and replaced Moustakas as designated hitter. Consider Moustakas day-to-day for now, although additional information regarding the severity of the injury and his availability should be known soon. |
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| Apr 30 2018 | Moustakas was diagnosed with a bruised right forearm following his departure from Monday's game against the Red Sox, Rustin Dodd of The Athletic Kansas City reports. | Moustakas will receive X-rays on his forearm to determine the severity of the injury. Consider him day-to-day until further notice, although Cheslor Cuthbert would likely spend time at third base if Moustakas has to miss a game or two. |
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| Apr 27 2018 | Moustakas went 2-for-6 with a solo home run and two runs in the Royals' 7-4 defeat to the White Sox on Friday. | Moustakas kept rolling with this first-inning solo blast off Reynalo Lopez bringing his slash line up to .311/.336/.621 with eight home runs on the season. So far he's picked up right where he left off coming off last year's career-best campaign that saw him launch 38 home runs and put up a .835 OPS. |
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| Apr 22 2018 | Moustakas went 1-for-5 with a three-run home run in Sunday's victory over the Tigers. | Moustakas continued to to deliver at the plate Sunday as he extended his hit streak to 14 games and mashed his sixth home run of the year. Moustakas' RBI total is now at 17 and he's struck out in just 13.6 percent of his plate appearances thus far. |
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| Apr 14 2018 | Moustakas went 1-for-4 with a solo home run Saturday against the Angels. | Moustakas hit his third home run of the season in the eighth inning against Blake Parker on Saturday. He also extended his hitting-streak to seven games, which includes three multi-hit games, six runs scored, seven RBI and five extra-base hits. He hasn't been affected by an otherwise sluggish Royals offense and should continue to bat third in the lineup. |
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| Apr 10 2018 | Moustakas went 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI Tuesday against the Mariners. | Moustakas homered for the second consecutive night and now has two home runs on the season. After signing late into spring training, it's possible that Moustakas' bat is just rounding into form now and he appears to be locked in for the time being. He should be a nice power source as the weather warms up coming off a career-best 2017 season. |
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| Apr 10 2018 | Moustakas went 3-for-5 with a homer, three RBI and two runs in the Royals' 10-0 rout of the Mariners on Monday. | Moustakas got a two-run double in the first, singled in the second and then slugged his first homer of the year in the eighth. That was more than enough for Royals starter Jakob Junis, who was masterful in seven innings of one-hit ball. Moustakas is off to a decent start, going 9-for-32 (.281) with four extra-base hits, five RBI and five runs in eight games. The 29-year-old set career bests last year in several categories, including home runs (38), RBI (85) and slugging percentage (.521), and he's a strong bet to continue producing in those areas. |
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| Apr 2 2018 | Moustakas went 0-for-4 with a strikeout in Monday's loss to the Tigers. | Moustakas entered the game having gone 3-for-8 (.375) with three runs scored over the Royals' first two outings. Although he struggled in this instance, the 29-year-old third baseman has shown his power in the season's early stages, as two of his three hits have been for extra bases. |
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| Mar 12 2018 | Royals manager Ned Yost suggested Sunday that Moustakas could take some reps at first base during spring training, Rustin Dodd of The Athletic Kansas City reports. | Unless Lucas Duda, who will likely handle the strong side of a platoon at first base if not a full-time role, misses extensive time with an injury, Moustakas shouldn't be expected to make enough starts across the diamond to gain eligibility at another position. Instead, Moustakas remains in line to serve as the Royals' everyday third baseman in 2018, with Yost more likely to deploy the slugger at designated hitter than first base when the 29-year-old receives a break from the hot corner. |
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| Mar 8 2018 | Moustakas agreed to a one-year, $5.5 million deal with the Royals on Thursday, Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports reports. | The surprisingly discounted deal reportedly contains a mutual $15 million option for 2019 while also being fairly incentive-laden in 2018. Moustakas' return to Kansas City is a near worst-case scenario for fantasy purposes, as the rebuilding Royals currently project to roll out one of the worst Opening Day lineups in the league. The 29-year-old should slot in as the team's everyday third baseman and will hit in the heart of the order, but fantasy owners should temper their expectations when it comes to Moustakas repeating his 38-homer campaign from 2017. |
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| Mar 8 2018 | Moustakas agreed to a one-year, $6.5 million deal with the Royals on Thursday, Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports reports. | The surprisingly discounted deal reportedly contains a mutual $15 million option for 2019 while also being fairly incentive-laden in 2018. Moustakas' return to Kansas City is a near worst-case scenario for fantasy purposes, as the rebuilding Royals currently project to roll out one of the worst Opening Day lineups in the league. The 29-year-old should slot in as the team's everyday third baseman and will hit in the heart of the order, but fantasy owners should temper their expectations when it comes to Moustakas repeating his 38-homer campaign from 2017. |
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| Mar 7 2018 | Moustakas' agent, Scott Boras, recently suggested that his client could wait to sign with a team until after the first-year player draft in June, when draft-pick compensation would no longer be attached to the third baseman, Sam Mellinger of The Kansas City Star reports. "The teams are coming, and Moose is going to be playing baseball," Boras said, while expressing his frustration with free agents like Moustakas being "weighed down" by increasing draft-pick compensation under the current collective bargaining agreement. "But I don't control time, and I don't control competitiveness. The question is when do those teams want to commit to winning, and of course I think he'll be playing, yes." | Coming off a career-high 38-homer campaign, Moustakas is the clear top bat still available via free agency, but some combination of his lofty salary demands, a lack of contending clubs in need of a major upgrade at third base and the draft-pick compensation any team would have to surrender to Kansas City in order to sign him has resulted in a cool market for the 29-year-old. Moustakas has kept himself prepared for the upcoming season by fielding grounders and taking swings as part of a simulated spring training in California, but there's been no indication that Boras is gaining any serious momentum in negotiations with teams. The uncertainty regarding when and with whom Moustakas will sign had already dropped his acquisition cost in both fantasy auctions and drafts, and that may only plunge further if Boras is serious about holding Moustakas out until later in the summer, when more suitable offers are likely to be presented. There's a precedent for Boras free agents waiting deep into the season before reaching deals with teams, as Stephen Drew and Kendrys Morales both remained unsigned until late May and early June, respectively, during the 2014 campaign. |
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| Nov 16 2017 | Moustakas declined the Royals' qualifying offer and became a free agent Thursday, Bill Shaikin of The Los Angeles Times reports. | Although it was expected that Moustakas would reject Kansas City's offer, the news was made official just ahead of Thursday's deadline. The third baseman will look for a large multi-year offer after slashing .272/.314/.521 with 38 home runs and 85 RBI last season. |
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| Nov 7 2017 | The Royals made a qualifying offer to Moustakas prior to Monday's deadline, the Kansas City Star reports. | It's expected that Moustakas will turn down the $17.4 million offer for 2018 and ink a multi-year deal with winter. Whether he, Eric Hosmer, or Lorenzo Cain ended up returning to Kansas City on a long-term deal is very much up in the air at this point. The Royals will receive a pick after the end of the first round of the 2018 first-year player draft if Moustakas inks a deal with another club worth $50 million or more , while they'll receive a compensatory pick after the second round if the new contract is worth less than $50 million. |
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| Sep 30 2017 | Moustakas recorded three base hits in his four at-bats in Friday's 2-1 win over the Diamondbacks. | With only three home runs in 82 at-bats in September, Moustakas' power production has dipped down the stretch, but it's still been enough for him to establish a new franchise record with 38 long balls on the campaign. The third baseman is at least helping fantasy owners down the stretch in the batting-average department, with his three hits Friday bringing his mark up to .324 over his last 10 contests. |
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| Sep 28 2017 | Moustakas is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Tigers, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports. | Moustakas heads to the bench in favor of Cheslor Cuthbert as manager Ned Yost begins the process of giving some regulars the day off following the Royals' elimination from playoff contention. Over the course of the season, Moustakas has slashed .271/.314/.523 with a franchise-record 38 home runs to go along with 85 RBI. |
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| Sep 26 2017 | Moustakas is expected sit Thursday's game against the Tigers, Josh Vernier of 610 Sports reports. | With the Royals out of the playoff picture, manager Ned Yost will afford a few of his starters a day off as the season winds down. It will be Moustakas' final day off of 2017, as he's expected to start all three games against the Diamondbacks over the weekend. The 29-year-old has enjoyed a breakout season in which he's hit .271/.312/.526 with 38 homers in 143 games. |
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| Sep 21 2017 | Moustakas went 3-for-4 with a double, his 37th homer and a pair of runs scored against the Blue Jays on Wednesday. | After seeing his 2016 cut short by injury, Moustakas has largely been making up for lost time this year, but he'd actually gone 15 games (plus another two spent entirely on the bench) without going yard before breaking that skid Wednesday. In fact, he's homered just thrice over the course of a slump that's consumed his last 33 contests; still, that can be chalked up to bad luck more than a bad approach, so fantasy owners shouldn't be considering benching the powerful third baseman. |
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| Sep 17 2017 | Moustakas is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Indians. | Moustakas has had a tough time at the dish lately. Over the last seven games he's gone just 2-for-21 (.095) and struck out five times, bringing his batting average down to .271 from .277 in that stretch. He'll sit out Sunday while Cheslor Cuthbert starts at the hot corner. |
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| Sep 12 2017 | Moustakas is out of Tuesday's lineup against the White Sox, 601 Sports Radio Kansas City reports. | He is hitting just .221/.303/.338 with one home run over his last 68 at-bats, and will sit for the second time in the last five games. Cheslor Cuthbert starts at third base and will hit ninth against righty Dylan Covey. |
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| Sep 12 2017 | Manager Ned Yost attributed Moustakas' (knee) absence from Tuesday's lineup as nothing more than a scheduled rest day, The Associated Press reports. | Moose has been dealing with right knee irritation, and that was obvious Monday when the third baseman made a couple of errant throws to first base while pushing off his plant leg. His efforts at the plate have been underwhelming in recent weeks, too, further indicating something's not right. The playoffs are still on the radar for Kansas City, so Moustakas will surely push through the ailment, at least until the post season is out of reach. |
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| Sep 8 2017 | Moustakas is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Twins, 610 Sports Radio - KC reports. | Moustakas will receive a day off to rest his knee, which was irritated during Wednesday's game, and forced the 29-year-old to DH during Thursday's affair. It seems likely that Moustakas will return to the lineup Saturday, as the Royals continue to battle the Twins during a huge series with both teams holding onto wild-card aspirations. In his place, Ramon Torres will make a second straight start at third base. |
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| Sep 7 2017 | Moustakas (knee) is in the lineup at DH for Thursday's game against Minnesota, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports. | Moustakas was removed from Wednesday's game with right knee irritation, and gets a day off from the field while spending the series opener in the DH spot. Since the calendar turned to September, Moustakas has gone 8-for-20 (.400 average) with one home run and three RBI. |
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| Sep 6 2017 | Manager Ned Yost said Moustakas, who exited Wednesday's game with right knee irritation, may serve as the designated hitter for Thursday's game against the Twins, Rustin Dodd of The Kansas City Star reports. | Yost called the ailment "old news" and said it was just about managing the pain, which likely means more starts at DH with an occasional day off. While it sounds like Moustakas might have to deal with some on and off knee pain down the stretch, it doesn't sound like it will force him to miss much, if any, time. |
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| Sep 6 2017 | Moustakas exited Wednesday's game against the Tigers due to right knee irritation, Rustin Dodd of The Kansas City Star reports. | Moustakas was 2-for-3 before Ramon Torres took over for him in the seventh inning. He missed a few games at the end of August with a knee issue, but it's unclear if the two are related at this point. The good news is the Royals deemed the exit precautionary, so Moustakas may not have to miss much, if any, time due to the ailment. He'll be considered day-to-day for now; more should be known about his status once he is reevaluated Thursday. |
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| Sep 2 2017 | Moustakas cracked a three-run home run for his lone hit in the Royals' win over the Twins on Friday. | "Moose" has been mired in a deep slump as of late, as he holds a lowly .205 batting average since his previous homer on August 15. His 36 longballs and .857 OPS on the season are certainly nothing to scoff at, but Moustakas' recent dry spell is a tough pill to swallow at this point in the season, especially given that he hadn't notched an extra-base hit for an entire week prior to Friday night. |
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| Aug 26 2017 | Moustakas (knee) is batting sixth and serving as the designated hitter Saturday against the Indians, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports. | Moustakas is back in action after sitting out the last two games with a knee ailment. He'll look to continue his breakout campaign, as he's hitting .281/.317/.558 with 35 homers and 77 RBI in 116 games this season. |
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| Aug 25 2017 | Moustakas (knee) is out of the lineup again Friday, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports. | Moustakas will be out of the starting nine for the second consecutive contest while dealing with a knee injury. Although he isn't dealing with any inflammation or structural damage, the third baseman felt a "little pop" during Wednesday's game. Moustakas was able to make an appearance as a pinch hitter during Thursday's loss to Colorado, and he should be considered day-to-day moving forward. |
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| Aug 24 2017 | Moustakas is not in the Royals' lineup Thursday against the Rockies, 610 Sports Radio KC reports. | Moose Tacos are not on the menu for the matinee clash, with the less flavorful Cheslor Cuthbert manning the hot corner instead. Moustakas will have to wait to build on his remarkable season, in which he's churned out 35 home runs and 77 RBI to go along with a career-best .282/.317/.559 slash. |
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| Aug 24 2017 | Moustakas felt a "little pop" in his knee Wednesday, but he doesn't have structural damage or inflammation and is expected to play Friday, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports. | This is a more concrete reason for him taking a Thursday seat, but it doesn't appear to be anything serious. Moustakas gives way to Cheslor Cuthbert on Thursday but should be back in the lineup Friday unless complications arise. |
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| Aug 11 2017 | Moustakas went 2-for-4 with a pair of solo home runs, pushing his total to 34 round-trippers on the year, in Friday's loss to the White Sox. | Moustakas now has the third-most homers for a single season in Royals history. With three more bombs, the third baseman will pass Gary Gaetti (35 in 1995) and Steve Balboni (36 in 1985) for the franchise record. Among AL hitters, Moustakas has the second-most home runs, and ranks in the league's top-10 for RBI (75) and slugging percentage (.568). |
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| Aug 8 2017 | Moustakas has been battling a sore knee since being hit by a pitch that cleared the benches on July 26 vs. the White Sox, Rustin Dodd of The Kansas City Star reports. | Based on his current streak (8-for-18 with two homers, four RBI and four runs over his last five games), Moustakas doesn't appear to be hindered much. However, the third baseman has looked uncomfortable at times recently, most noticeably while running the bases. Manager Ned Yost said Moustakas suffered a deep bruise in his hip that required draining, causing stiffness in the slugger's knee that may be lingering. Fantasy owners have no reason to sit the All-Star as of now, but it's certainly a situation worth monitoring. |
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| Aug 7 2017 | Moustakas went 1-for-4 with a solo home run during Monday's loss to St. Louis. | This was Moustakas' 32nd homer of the year and seventh through his past 16 games. The slugger is up to an impressive 73 RBI and 57 runs with a .276/.307/.588 slash line for the season, and Moustakas has finally fulfilled the potential that made him the second overall selection in the 2007 draft. |
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| Aug 6 2017 | Moustakas went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer in Sunday's loss to the Mariners. | Moustakas' eighth-inning long ball pulled his team back within one run after falling behind by seven through two innings, but that's as close as it would get in this 8-7 loss. His 31 home runs are just five behind Mike Stanton for the league lead, as the third baseman has already obliterated his 2015 career high of 22 and is also just 10 RBI short of his career-best 82 from that season. |
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| Jul 30 2017 | Moustakas is out of the lineup Sunday against the Red Sox, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports. | Manager Ned Yost will move two of his lefty-hitting regulars, Moustakas and Brandon Moss, to the bench for the series finale with southpaw Drew Pomeranz toeing the rubber for the Red Sox. Though he's been the Royals' top power hitter and is rapidly closing in on the franchise record of 36 home runs in a single season, Moustakas hasn't produced particularly well against lefty pitching this season, with his .752 OPS representing a 159-point drop from his mark against righties. |
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| Jul 28 2017 | Moustakas went 1-for-4 with a three-run homer Friday against the Red Sox. | Moustakas smashed his 30th homer of the season to break open a close game, helping to lead the Royals to a road win. The 28-year-old continues to mash, as he's provided fantasy owners with a .568 slugging percentage, a number he's never come close to approaching during his career. He'll continue to be one of the very best fantasy options at the hot corner. |
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| Jul 24 2017 | Moustakas went 1-for-4 with a solo home run and two RBI during Monday's win over Detroit. | Moustakas has now hit four homers through his past four outings and sports an active seven-game hitting streak. He's put it all together this season with a .277/.307/.568 slash line and is showing no signs of slowing down. |
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| Jul 22 2017 | Moustaskas went 2-for-4 with a pair of solo home runs in Saturday's comeback victory over the White Sox. | With all the talk surrounding Aaron Judge and his 31 home runs, you'd be hard-pressed to find many casual fans that know which AL player is ranked second behind the Yankees' rookie. Moustakas' two-homer night, and third blast in his last two games, puts him just three shots back of Judge on the season, and third overall in MLB. The third baseman's 62 RBI are 10th best in the AL, and his .566 slugging percentage ranks fifth through 87 games. Now in his seventh MLB campaign, Moustakas is having a breakout season that makes him a must-start across all formats. |
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| Jul 20 2017 | Moustakas went 3-for-4 with three RBI and a run during Thursday's win over Detroit. | Dating back to before the All-Star break, Moustakas had just two RBI through his previous eight games, so this was a nice outburst at the dish. He's raised his game to another level in 2017 and checks out as a high-end fantasy asset with 25 homers, 59 RBI, 46 runs and a .275/.305/.544 slash line. |
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| Jul 9 2017 | Moustakas is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Dodgers, Rustin Dodd of The Kansas City Star reports. | Manager Ned Yost will give Moustakas the day off before he heads to Miami to participate in the Home Run Derby and All-Star Game over the next couple of days. Ramon Torres will take over at the hot corner, batting second. |
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| Jul 7 2017 | Moustakas made the AL All-Star team after winning the event's final vote. | Moustakas beat out Xander Bogaerts, Didi Gregorius, Elvis Andrus and Logan Morrison to capture the final vote for the second time in his career (2015). The 28-year-old is hitting .275/.309/.570 with 25 home runs this season, a career high, and was already slated to take part in the Home Run Derby. Moustaskas will need to pack for an extra night, though, as he prepares for his big weekend under the spotlight. |
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| Jul 6 2017 | Moustakas went 3-for-5 with a two-run home run and two runs scored during Wednesday's win over Seattle. | Moustakas is scorching hot with six bombs, eight RBI and nine runs through his past eight games, and he's also up to an impressive .275/.309/.570 slash line for the season. The third baseman is already at a career-best 25 homers and is piecing together a high-end fantasy showing. After flashing tremendous upside for half a decade, the 28-year-old Moustakas has taken his game to the next level in 2017. |
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| Jul 4 2017 | Moustakas went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run, his 24th of the season, in Tuesday's win over Seattle. | The third baseman continues making a strong case for the final All-Star Game vote. Moustakas ranks third in the AL for home runs, and his .559 slugging percentage is seventh-best in the league. Over his last seven games, Moustakas has eight hits (four long balls), six RBI and seven runs. The 28-year-old is now on pace to challenge 50 homers and 100 RBI this season. |
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| Jul 2 2017 | Moustakas is out of the lineup Sunday against the Twins. | Moustakas receives the afternooon off one day after he slugging his team-leading 22nd homer of the season in Game 1 of a doubleheader. It's likely that Moustakas will be back in the lineup Monday against the Mariners to take aim at extending his hitting streak to seven games, but he'll take a seat in favor of Ramon Torres in the series finale. |
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| Jul 1 2017 | Moustakas went 1-for-5 with a solo homer Saturday against the Twins. | Moustakas left the yard for the 22nd time this season off Jose Berrios in a home loss. He's tied his career-high in homers and his .551 slugging percentage is easily the best of his career, making him a great fantasy value this season. |
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| Jun 25 2017 | Moustakas is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Blue Jays, 610 Sports Radio reports. | Moustakas has started each of the Royals' 21 games in June, so manager Ned Yost has decided to give the slugging third baseman the day off. Cheslor Cuthbert will draw the start in his stead. |
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| Jun 14 2017 | Moustakas went 1-for-3 with a solo home run, a walk and two RBI in Wednesday's win over the Giants. | Moustakas hammered a 3-2 offering from Johnny Cueto 406 feet to right field in the second inning to put the Royals on the board. With 18 long balls on the year, only Aaron Judge has more in the American League. Moustakas' BB/K is at a career-low level, but he is poised to set career-highs in home runs and RBI. His .565 slugging percentage ranks him second among third baseman in the American League. |
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| Jun 11 2017 | Moustakas went 2-for-4 with a pair of home runs and three RBI in Sunday's win over the Padres. | He's up to 17 home runs through 56 games, putting the third baseman on pace for a whopping 44 blasts this season (his career high of 22 was set in 2015). Moustakas also has a shot to drive in 100 runs for the first time in his seven MLB seasons, and his current .271/.310/.528 slash line is solidly ahead of his .249/.304/.414 career mark. |
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| Jun 7 2017 | Moustakas had a huge game against the Astros on Tuesday, going 4-for-5 with a double, a homer, three RBI and two runs. | His 15th long ball of the year ended the game in the bottom of the ninth and put a cap on a brilliant day for Moustakas, who's hit safely in six straight games, going 11-for-24 with two homers and three doubles in that span. His batting average is now up to a respectable .275, which complements his power output quite nicely. If Moustakas finds his way to a new team with a better lineup prior to the trade deadline, his fantasy value could really take off. |
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| Jun 5 2017 | The Royals are ready to field offers for Moustakas as the summer's trade deadline comes into focus, Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe reports. | It was only a matter of time before the team folded its hand in 2017. With a rebuild in store, Moustakas holds solid trade value for the flailing club. His .255 batting average may not be appealing, but the third baseman has stroked his way to a career-high .510 slugging percentage through 49 games. Packing up and moving out of the Royals' lackluster lineup would likely improve Moustakas' fantasy value. |
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| Jun 3 2017 | Moustakas went 2-for-5 with two RBI and two runs Saturday against Cleveland. | Through 48 games, Moustakas' 14 home runs and .513 slugging percentage lead the team, while his 29 RBI ranks second-best among Royals. He's tied for the club lead with 26 runs, too. On the flip side, the 28-year-old's 17-percent strikeout rate is his worst since 2012 -- not to mention a killer in leagues that penalize whiffs. |
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| May 31 2017 | Moustakas is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Tigers, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports. | After providing three homers in a four-game stretch, Moustakas has hit a rough patch over the last three contests, recording one hit in 11 at-bats. He wouldn't stand a great chance at getting back on track Wednesday with lefty Matt Boyd on the mound, so Moustakas will hit the bench in favor of Cheslor Cuthbert. |
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| May 27 2017 | Moustakas went 3-for-4 with a solo home run and a walk in Saturday's 5-2 over Cleveland | Moustakas slugged the first pitch he saw from Indians reliever Shawn Armstrong to center field for his 13th home run of the season. That makes three long balls in the last four games and 12 RBI in the past two weeks for the Royals third baseman. |
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| May 26 2017 | Moustakas went 2-for-5 with a solo home run in Friday's 6-4 win over Cleveland. | His homer to right center in the fifth inning tied the game for the Royals. Moustakas is now slashing .249/.282/.503 on the season, and has been the victim of some considerable bad luck with a .240 BABIP. His power stroke is working on the campaign, as he now has 12 home runs to go along with 25 RBI. |
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| May 19 2017 | Moustakas is not in the lineup Friday against the Twins, Joel Goldberg of Fox Sports Kansas City reports. | After starting the past nine games for Kansas City, Moustakas will get the night off with southpaw Hector Santiago taking the hill for Minnesota. Cheslor Cuthbert will pick up a start at the hot corner in his stead. |
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| May 14 2017 | Moustakas went 1-for-5 with a three-run home run and an additional RBI in Sunday's victory over Baltimore. | The third baseman's blast, his ninth of the year, led the Royals to a five-run fourth inning. Moustakas' four RBI were a season high and propelled his team to a come-from-behind victory that finished off a three-game sweep of the O's. He's off to a fine start -- especially when taking into account the Royals' anemic offense -- slashing .250/.282/.493 with 18 RBI and 19 runs through 34 games. |
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| May 9 2017 | Moustakas went 2-for-6 with his eighth homer and two RBI in Tuesday's win over the Rays. | He'd been patently awful over his last nine games, going 6-for-37 (.162) with no homers and nine strikeouts. Moustakas tends to be a streaky hitter, so this could be the start of a powerful stretch from him. The 28-year-old's counting stats have been rather disappointing, but it won't take that much of a rally for him to pull them back in line with expectations. |
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| May 8 2017 | Moustakas is not in the lineup Monday against the Rays, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. | Moustakas will head to the bench as Cheslor Cuthbert gets the start at third base in his stead. Although he hasn't connected on a long-ball yet in April, Moustakas is leading the Royals with seven homers this year and will look to surpass his career-high of 22 homers set back in 2015. |
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| May 2 2017 | Moustakas is out of the lineup Tuesday against the White Sox, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. | Moustakas will have the night off as the Royals are starting Cheslor Cuthbert at third base. Moustakas should return to action Wednesday when Kansas City takes on Chicago. |
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| May 1 2017 | Through the season's opening month, Moustakas is hitting .271/.303/.553 with seven home runs 11 RBI and 12 runs over 89 plate appearances. | Moustakas' seven bombs are tied for most among MLB third baseman. His batting average and OPS rank third and fourth, respectively, among those at his position in the AL. His strikeout rate is up from previous years, but for the second consecutive campaign, Moustakas is near the 40 percent mark for hard contact. The 28-year-old has also shown a greater tendency to put the ball in the air, and if that sticks around, Moustakas could certainly challenge his career high home run tally (22) from 2015. |
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| Apr 26 2017 | Moustakas went 2-for-5 with a double and a solo home run in Tuesday's 10-5 loss to the White Sox. | The 28-year-old has been one of the few bright spots in the Royals' lineup so far in 2017, and Moustakas is now slashing .296/.333/.634 through 19 games with seven homers, 11 RBI and 12 runs scored. |
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| Apr 21 2017 | Moustakas is not in the lineup Friday against the Rangers, Joel Goldberg of FOX Sports Kansas City reports. | The 29-year-old is producing one of his best seasons of his career at the plate, but he'll head to the bench for a night off with southpaw Cole Hamels taking the ball for Texas. Cheslor Cuthbert will man the hot corner in his stead. |
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| Apr 20 2017 | Moustakas went 2-for-4 with an RBI in Wednesday's 2-0 victory over the A's. | The third baseman plated his seventh RBI of the year with a fifth-inning infield single off Madison Bumgarner that broke a scoreless tie. Moustakas' third multi-hit effort of the season helped boost his average to .300 and extended his on-base streak to seven games. He's off to a strong start in 2017, and if still available, the 28-year-old should be picked off waivers in most formats. |
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| Apr 16 2017 | Moustakas is out of the lineup Sunday against the Angels. | Moustakas has started six games in a row, so it was likely time for a routine maintenance day. Cheslor Cuthbert will man the hot corner in his stead. |
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| Apr 9 2017 | Moustakas went 2-for-5 with a solo home run in Sunday's loss to Houston. | Moustakas' sixth-inning blast was his third through the team's first six games this year. Unfortunately for the third baseman, all three of his homers have been solo shots. Owners can't really complain, though, considering he's off to a blazing start. Moustakas is 8-for-23 (.348) while hitting safely in every game so far, including Saturday's contest in which he singled in his only at-bat as a pinch hitter. |
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| Apr 8 2017 | Moustakas is not in the lineup Saturday against Houston. | After starting the first four games of the season, Moustakas will take a seat Saturday as the Royals go with Cheslor Cuthbert at third base. Moustakas is 5-for-17 with two solo home runs thus far in 2017. |
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| Apr 4 2017 | Moustakas went 1-for-4 with a solo homer in Monday's 7-1 loss to the Royals. | Moustakas staked the Royals to a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning with a 365-foot blast off Ervin Santana, but the Kansas City offense managed just one hit the rest of the game. Though Moustakas profiles as one of the better sources of power on the roster, manager Ned Yost chose to deploy him in the two hole Monday, which could limit the third baseman's RBI opportunities if he remains a fixture in that spot in the batting order for the long haul. |
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| Mar 23 2017 | Moustakas went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 6-2 win over the Padres in Cactus League play. | With four homers already this spring, Moustakas looks to have retained the power he displayed early last season before suffering a torn ACL, but he's displayed little in the way of plate discipline. He's struck out in a quarter of his at-bats and has walked just three times, resulting in an uninspiring .250 on-base percentage. Moustakas' career .303 mark in that category carries more weight than his spring number, but it nonetheless illustrates the lesser value he carries in OBP leagues. |
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| Mar 4 2017 | Moustakas (knee) is expected to make his Cactus League debut at third base on Tuesday, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports. | Moustakas, who underwent ACL surgery last July, has been eased back into team workouts this spring and now will finally get his shot on the field. He appeared in just 27 games last season, hitting seven home runs before suffering his season-ending injury. Manager Ned Yost has reiterated that Moustakas will be completely ready by Opening Day, and Tuesday seems to be a major step in that process. |
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| Feb 21 2017 | Moustakas (knee) has been participating in spring training workouts. | Heading into spring training, Moustakas said that he felt as though he was nearing full health after tearing his ACL early in the 2016 campaign. He'd indicated that the club was going to gradually ease him back over the course of their early workouts, but all signs point to the 28-year-old third baseman being ready for action once Opening Day rolls around. |
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| Jan 27 2017 | Moustakas said Friday that his knee is "almost 100 percent," Rustin Dodd of the Kansas City Star reports. | Now nearly eight months removed from undergoing surgery to repair a torn ACL, Moustakas seems confident that he's close to a full recovery. However, he did acknowledge that he will likely be put on a slower schedule than is normal during spring training. Moustakas was walking more, striking out less and hitting for more power than ever before (.260 ISO, up from .186 in 2015) before going down with the injury. |
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| Dec 5 2016 | Royals manager Ned Yost said that Moustakas (knee) will be "100 percent ready to go" when the season starts as he continues to rehab a torn ACL, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports. | The knee injury was preceded by a thumb ailment, and Moustakas was on the field for just 27 games in 2016. One particularly encouraging sign last season was that he sustained the power increase he showed in 2015 (.470 SLG, 22 homers) with seven long balls and a .500 slugging percentage in his 113 plate appearances. A detailed timetable for Moustakas' return hasn't been revealed, but he's on track for Opening Day, which suggests that he'll likely be able to accumulate spring training at-bats in Arizona in March. |
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| Jun 14 2016 | Moustakas (knee) was transferred to the 60-day DL on Tuesday, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports. | Moustakas has already been ruled out for the remainder of 2016 after undergoing surgery to repair his torn ACL, so the move was purely a procedural one. Tyler Olson, who was claimed off waivers by the Royals earlier Tuesday, will fill in on the 40-man roster in a corresponding move and report to Triple-A Omaha. |
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| Jun 2 2016 | Moustakas (knee) underwent surgery to repair his torn ACL on Thursday and he is expected to be ready for the start of the 2017 season, Joel Goldberg of Fox Sports Kansas City reports. | Moustakas was ruled out for the season in late May after what was initially diagnosed as a knee contusion turned out to be a torn ACL. In his absence, the Royals have been turning to a mix of Chelsor Cuthbert and Whit Merrifield to take Moustakas' place at third base. Fortunately, Moustakas' surgery Thursday was deemed a success by Dr. James Andrews, so he figures to begin rehab in the near future with the goal of being ready for Opening Day in 2017. |
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| May 26 2016 | Moustakas has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a torn ACL, Rustin Rodd of the Kansas City Star reports. | The Royals will turn to Cheslor Cuthbert and Whit Merrifield in the short term, but they might be forced to seek for a trade in the long run. Moustakas' loss is a big one for Kansas City, as the third baseman was expected to be a key part of the Royals' offense, and he hit .240 with seven homers in 104 at-bats. Outfielder Brett Eibner was recalled from Triple-A as a corresponding roster move. |
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| May 25 2016 | Moustakas (knee) is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against Minnesota, and according to MLB.com's Jeffrey Flanagan, he will be examined by team doctors Thursday in Kansas City. | Per Flanagan, Moustakas was able to take some swings Wednesday, but he reported some discomfort when he tried to move laterally. He'll get the day off yet again Wednesday while Chelsor Cuthbert makes another start at the hot corner, batting seventh in the order. Thursday's visit with team doctors ought to provide a clearer picture for when Moustakas can be expected to return. |
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| May 23 2016 | Moustakas is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Twins, Joel Goldberg of Fox Sports Kansas City reports. | Moustakas will get the day off after going 0-for-7 in his first two starts back following his stint on the 15-day DL with a thumb injury. Whit Merrifield will get the start in his place but Moustakas should be back in the lineup next game barring further injury. |
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| May 23 2016 | Moustakas is day-to-day with a knee contusion, Rustin Dodd of The Kansas City Star reports. | Mosutakas was just activated from the DL after suffering from a thumb injury, and could now miss a couple games with a knee contusion. While the knee contusion is likely much less serious, the banged-up third baseman will try to get fully healthy so he can return to the everyday lineup. |
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| May 21 2016 | Moustakas (thumb) is back in the lineup Saturday, batting second and playing third base. | The Royals will get their regular third baseman back Saturday after Moustakas missed the minimum 15 days on the DL due to a fractured thumb. His return will effectively negate Cheslor Cuthbert's role on the active roster for the time being. No corresponding move has been made following Moustakas' activation. |
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| May 20 2016 | Moustakas (thumb) is on track to rejoin the Royals on Saturday, MLB.com's Jeffrey Flanagan reports. | Moustakas went 2-for-8 with an RBI over his first two rehab games with Double-A Northwest Arkansas, and it appears he will play another game with the Double-A squad Friday night. If all goes well, he will likely be called up Saturday and resume his role as the Royals' regular third baseman. |
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| May 18 2016 | Moustakas (thumb) is beginning a rehab assignment with Double-A Northwest Arkansas on Wednesday. | He is in the lineup for the Naturals on Wednesday, and remains on track to join the Royals this weekend if everything goes well during his rehab assignment. Cheslor Cuthbert will continue to see starts at the hot corner over the coming days, but his time as a regular appears to be winding down. |
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| May 17 2016 | Moustakas (thumb) could rejoin the Royals on Saturday, MLB.com's Jeffrey Flanagan reports. | Moustakas was handed a 2-to-3 week return timetable when he landed on the disabled list earlier this month, and it looks like there is a good chance he will return around the lower end of that estimate. Moustakas could head out on a rehab assignment before being activated from the DL, but even if he does, it does not figure to be a long stint with one of the Royals' minor league affiliates. |
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| May 16 2016 | Moustakas (thumb) took batting practice inside the batting cages Monday, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports. | Moustakas isn't expected to be back until the end of the month, but he's progressing very well through his recovery process. He just resumed baseball activities Friday, so he's really moving quickly through his rehab. He may need to test his thumb in some rehab games before returning to the Royals, but any information on that should come relatively soon, especially if he continues through his recovery fairly quickly. |
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| May 13 2016 | Moustakas (thumb) was able to take dry swings and play catch Thursday, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports. | Thursday marked a big step in the right direction for Moustakas as he was able to resume baseball activities for the first time since being placed on the disabled list with a fractured thumb. His initial timetable as of May 7 was a 2-to-3 week absence, and the fact that he's already playing catch and taking dry swings suggests that he's on track to return in that time frame. The next step in the recovery process for Moustakas will likely be taking live batting practice. |
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| May 7 2016 | Moustakas (thumb) was placed on the 15-day DL on Saturday, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports. | Moustakas missed two games early in the week with a swollen thumb, but he returned to action Wednesday, going 0-for-3 at the plate. The third baseman was then scratched from the lineup Friday, and he'll now hit the DL with the thumb issue apparently requiring more than a few days off to heal. To fill Moustakas' spot on the roster, Kansas City recalled infielder Cheslor Cuthbert from Triple-A. Both he and Christian Colon figure to handle third base duties so long as Moustakas remains out. |
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| May 7 2016 | Moustakas (thumb) is expected to miss roughly 2-to-3 weeks, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports. | Moustakas hit the DL earlier Saturday after it was revealed that he sustained a fracture to his thumb. Considering the timetable, it doesn't look to be overly severe, but Moustakas, who initially hoped to play through the injury, could still remain out until close to the end of the month. |
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| May 6 2016 | Moustakas (thumb) has been scratched from Friday's lineup, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports. | He was able to return Wednesday after sitting a couple days with a swollen thumb, but apparently the thumb is still an issue. Christian Colon will take over at third base in Moustakas' absence as Omar Infante mans the keystone. Moustakas currently leads Royals regulars in both home runs (7) and slugging (.536). |
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| May 4 2016 | Moustakas (thumb) went 0-for-3 in his return to the lineup Wednesday. | In a game that became very lopsided, Moustakas departed early in favor of Christian Colon. He'll get another day off Thursday before the Royals begin a weekend series in Cleveland on Friday evening. |
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| May 4 2016 | Moustakas (thumb) is back in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Nationals. | After missing two straight games due to a swollen thumb, Moustakas will reclaim his usual spot at third base Wednesday and bat second in the order against Washington's Stephen Strasburg. Wednesday marks the first time Moustakas has faced Strasburg, but he has had some success against righties this season, belting six of his seven home runs against them. |
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| May 3 2016 | Moustakas is not in Tuesday's lineup due to a swollen thumb, Rustin Dodd of The Kansas City Star reports. | Moustakas' injury is only minor, according to manager Ned Yost, and there is a chance he could play Tuesday if needed even though he will not start. Moustakas should have a chance to return to action Wednesday, but he faces a quick turnaround with the Royals playing an early afternoon affair. |
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| May 3 2016 | Moustakas is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Nationals, Josh Vernier of 610 Sports Radio reports. | It's a bit surprising, as this will be the second day in a row Moustakas takes a seat, and Tuesday's matchup comes against the right-handed Tanner Roark. There's no indication as of now that anything is wrong though, and Christian Colon will once again draw the start at the hot corner in his stead. |
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| May 2 2016 | Moustakas is not in the starting lineup against the Nationals on Monday, 610 AM in Kansas City reports. | With a tough lefty on the mound in Washington's Gio Gonzalez, Moustakas will take a seat while Christian Colon draws into the lineup to play third base and bat eighth for manager Ned Yost. |
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| Apr 22 2016 | Moustakas stayed hot Friday versus Baltimore, going 3-for-4 with a home run, two doubles and three RBI. | Moose has come to life during his current five-game hitting streak, during which he has raked at a .450 clip with three home runs and five RBI. He finally broke out as a fantasy force in 2015 and seems headed in that direction once again after struggling to begin the season. |
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| Apr 16 2016 | Moustakas (hamstring) will return to the Royals' lineup in Saturday's matchup with the Athletics. | Moustakas got the night off Friday to rest a sore hamstring that has been bothering him. The rest appears to have payed off as he is feeling well enough to return to the Royals' lineup Saturday. He will bat second in the order. |
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| Apr 15 2016 | Moustakas is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the A's. | It's unclear at this point as to why Moustakas, who has played in every game this season, is out of the lineup for Friday's series opener against Oakland. It's possible that manager Ned Yost is simply limiting wear and tear on his cornerstone infielder, or that he merely wanted to get Christian Colon some playing time. It is worth noting, however, that Colon came on to replace Moustakas late in Thursday's contest with Houston. More information on Moustakas' status figures to be made available later Friday. |
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| Apr 15 2016 | Manager Ned Yost announced that Moustakas will get the night off Friday due to a sore hamstring, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reprots. | The Royals will have a different look than usual Friday with Moustakas being replaced at third base by Christian Colon, who will bat eighth in the order. Colon entered Thursday's game as a pinch-runner for Moustakas, but it wasn't immediately apparent that Moustakas was dealing with a hamstring injury. Friday's night off for Moustakas is likely a precautionary measure to keep him fresh and avoid pushing him too quickly after tweaking his hamstring, so look for him to draw back into the order later in this weekend's series. |
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| Apr 14 2016 | Moustakas went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and a walk in Thursday's win over Houston. | Moustakas has now reached base safely in all but two games this season and he's up to three home runs in his last six contests. He's firmly entrenched as the Royals' No.2 hitter, and although Alcides Escobar's early season slump is limiting Moustakas' RBI chances, his ability to get on base in front of the likes of Lorenzo Cain and Eric Hosmer ought to give the Moose plenty of opportunities to come around to score moving forward. |
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| Apr 9 2016 | Moustakas went 2-for-3 with a double and a walk in Friday's 4-3 victory over the Twins. | The 27-year-old broke through with his first two hits of the season after an 0-for-8 start in his first two games. Moustakas is expected to fill an important offensive role near the top of the lineup after a breakout 2015 that saw him set career highs in virtually every offensive category. |
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| Apr 5 2016 | Moustakas will bat second against the Mets on Tuesday, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports. | It appears as though the two-hole will be Moustakas' primary spot in the batting order, as expected. Moustakas went 0-for-4 with a strikeout in Sunday's opener, but he reached on an error in the first inning and came around to score the Royals' first run of the season. The 27-year-old went 18-for-54 (.333 average) with five doubles, three home runs and a 3:7 BB:K during Cactus League play. |
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| Feb 28 2016 | Moustakas is the likely candidate to hit second in the Royals' lineup, Rustin Dodd of The Kansas City Star reports. | Moustakas also started last season in the two-hole, but he promptly tumbled down the lineup when the Royals acquired Ben Zobrist. Alex Gordon has an argument for hitting second this year thanks to a higher on-base percentage, but it looks like the third baseman's stronger power stats and still-respectable OBP will give him an edge. If he does hold on to that spot, he'll continue hitting ahead of Lorenzo Cain, Eric Hosmer, and Kendrys Morales, which can do good things to a player's run output. |
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| Feb 11 2016 | Moustakas agreed to a two-year, $14.3 million contract with the Royals on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports. | An impressive 2015 campaign from the 26-year-old Moustakas earned him a significant pay bump for the final two years of arbitration. After setting career highs in most offensive categories, his place in the batting order remains a bit unclear heading into the 2016 season. He began 2015 batting second in the order, but the mid-season acquisition of Ben Zobrist resulted in Moustakas being pushed down to sixth. With Zobrist no longer in the picture, it wouldn't be surprising he hits near the top again. |
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| Oct 2 2015 | Moustakas went 2-for-5 with a double, two RBI and a run scored in a win over the White Sox on Thursday. | The two-hit effort brought Moustakas to a modest four-game hit streak and he appears to be getting hot at the right time. Over his last seven games, Moustakas has 10 hits, including two home runs and four doubles. |
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| Sep 30 2015 | Moustakas went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in a 5-3 win over the White Sox on Wednesday. | The home run came off lefty Jose Quintana and that's a feat in itself for the moose. That's been the big change for Moustakas this season, as he has annually struggled against southpaws. This year however, he is batting .264 against lefties with a .456 SLG. |
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| Sep 25 2015 | Moustakas is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Indians. | The Royals are sitting most of their regulars, as is common the day after a division-clinching win. Cheslor Cuthbert is slated to man third base and bat sixth against right-hander Carlos Carrasco. |
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| Sep 24 2015 | Moustakas found his way on base all five times up Thursday, going 3-for-3 with a double, a homer, two walks, three RBI and two runs against the Mariners. | Moustakas has been demonstrating by far the best on-base skills of his career this season, as his .347 OBP is nearly 50 full points higher than any of his previous fill-season marks. The power production's been inconsistent, but hey, the guy's got 21 homers and 76 RBI; that'll play. |
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| Sep 19 2015 | Moustakas was 2-for-5 with a solo home run in Saturday's 6-5 loss to the Tigers. | The third baseman has now hit safely in five of the last six games and Saturday marked his third multi-hit outing of September. Saturday's round-tripper also tied Moustakas' career-high in homers, which he set back in 2012. |
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| Sep 16 2015 | Moustakas went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in a 5-1 loss to the Indians on Wednesday. | Moustakas was in a bit of a slump after the All-Star break, but he's been hot as of late. Over his last 22 games, Moustakas has eight homers with 28 RBI. It's been a breakout season for Moustakas and if it weren't for the incredible depth at third base in baseball right now, his great season would be much more publicized. |
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| Sep 12 2015 | Moustakas had a monster game Saturday, going 3-for-5 with two home runs, three runs scored and nine RBI. | He continues to put on an impressive second-half power display, and Moustakas now has 11 home runs and 40 RBI in just 49 games since the All-Star break. |
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| Sep 6 2015 | Moustakas (hamstring) is back in the lineup Sunday against the White Sox, Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star reports. | Moustakas didn't start any of the Royals' previous four games, but his pinch-hit appearance in Saturday's contest seemed to suggest his injury wasn't particularly severe. After checking in with the training staff Sunday morning, Moustakas was given the go ahead to slot back in at third base, and he should be ready for regular duties moving forward. He'll bat third in Sunday's lineup. |
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| Sep 5 2015 | Moustakas (hamstring) is not in the lineup Saturday, Andy McCullough of the KC Star reports. | As expected, Moustakas will sit out for the fourth straight game. The team said Friday that he's targeting a Sunday return, so Cheslor Cuthbert will get another start at third base Saturday. |
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| Sep 4 2015 | Moustakas (hamstring) is likely to return to action Sunday, MLB.com's Jeffrey Flanagan reports. | He will miss his third straight game Friday as he recovers from a hamstring issue. Cheslor Cuthbert will get the start at third base Friday and possibly Saturday as well, but owners should get Moustakas back in a couple days. |
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| Sep 4 2015 | Moustakas (hamstring) is not in the lineup Friday, Josh Vernier of Sports Radio 610 reports. | The Royals continue to play it safe as Moustakas nurses a strained hamstring. Cheslor Cuthbert will get the start at third base, but Moustakas is expected to be available as a pinch hitter, if need be. |
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| Sep 2 2015 | Moustakas (hamstring) is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Tigers. | Moustakas will sit out for the second straight day with his sore hamstring, and he could be held out again Thursday with the Royals facing Tigers left-hander Matt Boyd. Be sure to check the Royals' lineup Thursday if you are considering starting Moustakas. |
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| Sep 2 2015 | Moustakas (hamstring) is expected to be out of the lineup Thursday, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports. | Moustakas' hamstring strain has been deemed mild, but the Royals seem to want to get out ahead of the issue, as they are expected to take precaution and hold him out for a third straight game. He will, however, be available to pinch hit. |
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| Sep 1 2015 | Moustakas is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Tigers, according to Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star. | Moustakas is just 10-for-53 (.189) in his career against Tigers starter Justin Verlander, so he will sit out Tuesday with Verlander on the mound for the opponent. Ben Zobrist will get the start at third base Tuesday night. |
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| Sep 1 2015 | Moustakas is dealing with a mild hamstring strain, which is keeping him out of Tuesday's lineup, Joel Goldberg of FSKC reports. | Ben Zobrist is starting at third base in Moustakas' place, but manager Ned Yost indicated that Moustakas could play, if need be. With the Royals holding a comfortable cushion in the AL Central, they'll hold him out Tuesday, and he could miss another day or two if discomfort persists. |
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| Aug 27 2015 | Moustakas went 3-for-4 with a double, two RBI and a run in Thursday's win over Baltimore. | He's been on fire lately, hitting safely in eight consecutive games. Over that stretch, Moustakas has racked up four homers and four doubles, and he's raised his average 13 points to .283 along the way. At age 26, he continues to put together his finest season in the majors so far. |
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| Aug 23 2015 | Moustakas went 3-for-4 with two doubles, a home run and four RBI in Sunday's victory over the Red Sox. | Moustakas provided the Royals with a go-ahead two-run double in the top of the ninth inning, and nearly earned another RBI before Kendrys Morales was thrown out at the plate. Nonetheless, he ended up with a season-best single-game RBI total. Moustakas had gone just 11-for-58 (.190) at the plate in the month of August before Sunday, so perhaps this offensive explosion will help him break out of the funk. |
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| Aug 21 2015 | Moustakas is not in the lineup Friday against Boston, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports. | Ben Zobrist will get the nod at third base Friday, as the Royals shake things up a bit to give Moustakas the day off. Omar Infante will enter the lineup to make the start at second base. |
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| Aug 20 2015 | Moustakas went 1-for-4 with his 12th homer of the year Thursday in Boston. | Unfortunately, the fifth-inning homer accounted for the only run the Royals managed in the 4-1 loss. A white-hot April had Moustakas owners hoping that he was going to realize his old top-prospect potential, but it hasn't been in the cards -- in fact, other than the occasional long ball, he's been simply awful in July and August, with a composite .186 average, five homers and 14 RBI in 40 games. |
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| Aug 9 2015 | Moustakas is out of the lineup Sunday against the White Sox, Josh Vernier of 610 AM Sports Radio reports. | Moustakas returned from a knee injury earlier this week, and after starting each of the last five games, manager Ned Yost likely decided it was for the best that the third baseman pick up a rest. After opening the season red hot, Moustakas' production has unsurprisingly tailed off since the All-Star break. Over 74 at-bats in the second half, Moustakas has recorded only 14 hits, good for a .189 batting average. |
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| Aug 4 2015 | Moustakas (knee) is in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Tigers, Royals VP of Comm. and Broadcasting Mike Swanson reports. | Moustakas will return to action after sitting out Sunday's game with a sore knee. He will man the hot corner Tuesday as he usually does and hit sixth against Tigers starter Justin Verlander. |
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| Aug 2 2015 | Moustakas remains out of the lineup Sunday against the Blue Jays. | Moustakas will rest in favor of Cheslor Cuthbert for the second straight game, although no word of an injury has yet surfaced. |
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| Aug 2 2015 | Updating a previous report, Moustakas is resting Sunday due to a sore knee, Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star reports. | Moustakas will give way to Cheslor Cuthbert at the hot corner for the second straight contest, although he did enter the game as a late replacement in Saturday's showdown. He was hit with a pitch in that contest, however, and with a team day off Monday, manager Ned Yost will give him an extra day to rest the ailing knee. |
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| Aug 1 2015 | Moustakas is out of the lineup for Saturday's game against the Blue Jays, Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star reports, | Moustakas is likely receiving some rest, which will hopefully help him work out of a rough slump in the middle of what has been a breakout year for him. In the month of July, the 26-year-old hit just .188/.271/.306. His .178 BABIP and decent enough 10:7 K/BB ratio implies that wasn't entirely his fault though. |
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| Jul 27 2015 | Moustakas is back in the lineup Monday, batting second and playing third base against the Indians. | After a day off Sunday against the lefty Dallas Keuchel, Moustakas returns to the lineup batting second and playing third base. The All-Star third baseman is hitting for a .296/.357/.442 slash line this season. |
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| Jul 26 2015 | Moustakas is not in the lineup Sunday against the Astros, Josh Vernier of 610 Sports Radio Kansas City reports. | Moustakas will sit alongside fellow regular Eric Hosmer, as manager Ned Yost will try to rid his lineup of lefty bats against tough southpaw Dallas Keuchel. Cheslor Cuthbert will man the hot corner in his stead. |
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| Jul 24 2015 | Manager Ned Yost said Friday that Moustakas will likely receive the day off on Sunday. | Yost indicated that both Moustakas and Eric Hosmer could both be getting the day off for Sunday's series finale with Houston. The potential off-day is not set in stone at this point, but Chelsor Cuthbert would likely fill in at the hot corner if Moustakas is rested for Sunday's tilt. |
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| Jul 24 2015 | Manager Ned Yost said Friday that Moustaka will likely receive the day off on Sunday. | Yost indicated that both Moustakas and Eric Hosmer could both be getting the day off for Sunday's series finale with Houston. The potential off-day is not set in stone at this point, but Chelsor Cuthbert would likely fill in at the hot corner if Moustakas is rested for Sunday's tilt. |
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| Jul 17 2015 | Moustakas is out of the lineup for Game 2 of Friday's doubleheader against the White Sox, Joel Goldberg of FOX Sports Kansas City reports. | He homered off Jeff Samardzija in the matinee -- his eighth of the year -- but will sit in favor of Dusty Coleman in Game 2 with lefty John Danks due up for the opposition. Moustakas is batting .237/.288/./351 against left-handed pitching this season. |
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| Jul 10 2015 | Moustakas (personal) has been reinstated from the family emergency list and will rejoin the Royals on Friday, Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star reports. | Moustakas was placed on the family emergency list Monday, but it appears he'll make his return Friday. The Royals optioned Chelsor Cuthbert to Triple-A Omaha to clear space for Moustakas. |
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| Jul 9 2015 | Moustakas remains on the bereavement list and is therefore not in the lineup Thursday, 610 Sports Radio's Josh Vernier reports. | He has been on the bereavement list for the minimum number of days, so at this point he should be considered day-to-day. Cheslor Cuthbert will get the start at third base again Thursday. |
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| Jul 6 2015 | Moustakas was placed on the bereavement/family emergency list Monday. | Moustakas was pulled from Sunday's game against the Twins to attend to a family emergency, and he'll now miss at least three games while on the bereavement list. 3B Cheslor Cuthbert was recalled from Triple-A Omaha for the corresponding transaction. |
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| Jul 5 2015 | Moustakas exited Sunday's game due to a family emergency, Matthew DeFranks of Sports Radio 810 reports. | Moustakas was pinch hit for in the sixth inning of Sunday's game, indicating something was up. It's unclear what the reasoning was behind his departure, but the team may release more details at some point in the future. |
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| Jun 21 2015 | Moustakas is not in the lineup Sunday against the Red Sox, Josh Vernier of 610 Sports Kansas City reports. | Moustakas doesn't always sit against left-handers, but with southpaw Wade Miley set to take the hill Sunday afternoon, the timing was right for a routine day off. Christian Colon will take over at the hot corner. |
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| Jun 17 2015 | Moustakas hit his sixth home run in Tuesday's win over the Brewers as part of a 3-for-5 game. | Moustakas is hitting a robust .326/.382/.469. He didn't strike out in five at-bats Tuesday and has eight games without a strikeout in his past 10. His 11.1 percent strikeout rate is a career low and the driver behind his .320 average. |
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| Jun 13 2015 | Moustakas is out of Saturday's lineup against the Cardinals, Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star reports. | It's Moustakas' first day off in June and likely nothing of worry while Christian Colon mans the hot corner Saturday. Moustakas has continued his unexpected season throughout June, hitting .325/.357/.350 so far this month. He could use more power (just one extra-base hit in June), but the Royals will probably take it as they near the break. |
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| May 31 2015 | Moustakas is out of the lineup Sunday against the Cubs, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports. | Moustakas will receive the day off Sunday after Saturday's game was rained out, resulting in the left-handed Tsuyoshi Wada pitching a day later instead. Christian Colon will start at third base in his place, batting ninth for the Royals. |
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| May 30 2015 | Moustakas is not in the lineup Saturday against the Cubs, Matthew DeFranks of FOX Sports Kansas City reports. | Both Moustakas and Eric Hosmer are sitting with left-hander Tsuyoshi Wada on the bump for the Cubs. Moustakas has been much better against left-handed pitching this season (.288/.342/.439) and it appears he will continue to bat second no matter the handedness of the opposing pitcher. |
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| May 26 2015 | Moustakas went 2-for-4 at the plate in Tuesday's loss to the Yankees. | Moustakas, who currently leads AL third baseman in All-Star voting, provided half of the Royals' four total hits Tuesday night on his way to his sixth multi-hit game of the month. After a dreadfully slow start to 2014, the 26-year-old now owns a .867 OPS through 166 at-bats this season. |
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| May 24 2015 | Moustakas (collarbone) will return to the lineup Sunday against the Cardinals, Matthew DeFranks of FOX Sports Kansas City reports. | Manager Ned Yost seemed to express skepticism that Moustakas would be ready to play Sunday after exiting Saturday's game with a left clavicle contusion, but appears the bruise won't impact his ability to hit or throw. Moustakas will slot back into his familiar No. 2 spot in the order, where he's helped take the Royals' offense up another level thanks to his .335 batting average and .388 on-base percentage on the season. |
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| May 23 2015 | Moustakas left Saturday's game with a left clavicle contusion, Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star reports. | The injury occurred when a groundball at third base caught Moustakas near the collarbone area. Christian Colon came into the game and would be in line to start at the hot corner if Moustakas were forced to miss additional time. |
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| May 23 2015 | Royals manager Ned Yost said Moustakas was "pretty sore" and may not play Sunday, according to Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star. | Moustakas was hit by a groundball at third base and left the game with a bruised clavicle. Yost did not say anything definitive about Moustakas's availability, but if he does miss time, Christian Colon would be in position to fill his spot. |
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| May 11 2015 | Moustakas (personal) is back in the lineup Monday, Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. | Moustakas missed the Royals' weekend series with Detroit due to a family emergency, but he rejoined the team Monday afternoon and is back in the lineup batting second and manning his usual third base spot. As a result, Christian Colon will return to a bench role. |
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| May 10 2015 | Manager Ned Yost said that Moustakas (personal) would "probably" rejoin the Royals on Monday, Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star reports. | Moustakas missed the entire three-game weekend series against the Tigers to attend to a family emergency. Assuming he indeed returns to team Monday ahead of the series against the Rangers, Moustakas should immediately reclaim a starting role at third base to go along with the No. 2 spot in the Royals' lineup. The 26-year-old has opened the season on a tear, batting .327 with three homers, 10 RBI, and 21 runs scored. |
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| May 8 2015 | Moustakas was placed on the bereavement list Friday to deal with a family emergency, the Kansas City Star's Andy McCullough reports. | He will be eligible to return Monday, and in the meantime the Royals will deploy Christian Colon or Orlando Calixte at third base. This is a bummer for his owners as Moustakas was one of the better surprises in baseball as he has finally figured out how to attack defensive shifts. However, hopefully he is able to return to the team well-rested early next week. |
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| Apr 27 2015 | Moustakas' strong start continued on Monday, going 4-for-5 with an RBI and two runs scored. | Moustakas has been hitting the cover off the ball in April, sporting a .342 average while hitting out of the two-hole. The career .239 hitter also has three home runs and 16 runs scored to his credit this season. |
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| Apr 22 2015 | Moustakas went 3-for-5 with a homer and three RBI in the Royals' loss to Minnesota on Tuesday. | With the multi-hit effort, Moustakas is now hitting .327 with three homers on the season. He's also cut back on his strikeouts early on (4:5 BB:K over 55 at-bats), flashing a line that resembles that of an elite bat (.327/.413/.545) through 14 games. It will be interesting to see if he can maintain the improved strikeout rate, but for now he should continue to reap the benefits of hitting second in the order for manager Ned Yost. |
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| Apr 16 2015 | Moustakas went 2-for-4 with the Royals' only run scored in Wednesday's loss to the Twins. | Moustakas has received the move to the two-spot in the order well, hitting safely in seven of his first eight games and posting a 1.121 OPS over that span. Of course, that pace may be unsustainable, but he appears to have turned it around at the plate since posting a career-low .212 batting average in 2014. |
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| Apr 5 2015 | Moustakas will bat second in the Royals' order on Opening Day, Matthew DeFranks of FOX Sports Kansas City reports. | Moustakas has been tearing the cover off the baseball this spring to the tune of a .911 OPS, and that was enough to move him up in the batting order after hitting near the bottom for the majority of last season. If he can continue to build off the momentum generated from last year's postseason run, Moustakas could once again be fantasy-relevant in mixed formats. |
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| Mar 31 2015 | Moustakas went 1-for-3 with a grand slam home run in Monday's Cactus League game against the Rangers. | Moustakas continues to ride the momentum he generated last postseason, collecting two long balls and an .852 OPS over 50 spring at-bats. If he can carry this into the regular season, the 26-year-old could represent an excellent bounceback candidate in 2015. Following a career-low .632 OPS last season, the price tag for Moustakas will surely be low on draft day. |
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| Feb 3 2015 | Moustakas and the Royals avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $2.64 million deal. | Moustakas was a key part of the Royals' run to the World Series, but he struggled in 140 regular season games, hitting just .212 with 15 home runs and a .632 OPS. The 26-year-old will return for another season as the starting third baseman, but he'll likely need to display marked improvement for the organization to commit to him long-term. |
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| Oct 2 2014 | Moustakas homered leading off the 11th inning Thursday to give the Royals a 3-2 victory against the Angels in Game 1 of the ALDS. | Moustakas hit the first extra-inning homer in postseason history for the Royals. Moustakas, who hit 15 homers this season, had not gone deep since Aug. 25. |
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| Sep 17 2014 | Moustakas is out of the lineup Wednesday against the White Sox. | The Royals will go with a right-handed heavy lineup to counter lefty Chris Sale, who is on the mound for the White Sox. Moustakas is just 4-for-20 with seven strikeouts in his career against Sale. |
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| Sep 15 2014 | Moustakas is out of the lineup Monday against the White Sox. | Moustakas will get the day off with left-hander John Danks taking the mound for Chicago. The Royals will go with Jayson Nix at third base in his place. |
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| Sep 2 2014 | Moustakas is out of the lineup Tuesday versus the Rangers, Josh Vernier of 610 Sports Radio Kansas City reports. | Moustakas has reached base in five consecutive games, batting .222 (4-for-18) with one RBI, one run, and two walks versus one strikeout. In his place, Christian Colon is covering third base and batting ninth in the order. |
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| Aug 25 2014 | Moustakas provided all of the offense for the Royals Monday, launching a solo home run off of Michael Pineda. | The home run was Moustakas' 15th of the season, and the third baseman has now hit safely in six straight games. Moustakas has had a rough go of things this season, but has managed to raise his average to .208 thanks to his recent strong play. |
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| Aug 20 2014 | Moustakas is not in the lineup Wednesday, the Kansas City Star's Andy McCullough reports. | Moustakas has five hits in his last five starts, but doesn't have an extra-base hit since Aug. 9, and has only three extra-base hits this month. Christian Colon will get the start at third. |
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| Aug 13 2014 | Moustakas is not in the lineup Wednesday versus the A's, Fox Sports reports. | It looks to be a scheduled day off for Moustakas, who has started all but one game since July 22. While he's struck out only three times in 37 August at-bats, Moustakas is hitting only .216 on the month and a paltry .199 on the season (317 at-bats). Christian Colon gets the nod at third base Wednesday. |
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| Aug 7 2014 | Moustakas went 2-for-4 Wednesday versus the Diamondbacks with four RBI and his 14th home run of the year. | Making consistent contact continues to be an issue for Moustakas. The lefty is still below the Mendoza line at .195 and his season numbers are only slightly trending upwards, but he does have 10 home runs since June 10. |
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| Aug 3 2014 | Moustakas is out of the lineup Sunday vs. the Athletics, Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star reports. | Sunday's absence notwithstanding, Moustakas seems to have reemerged as the team's everyday option at third base, with former platoon mate Danny Valencia now in Toronto. Moustakas enjoyed his most productive month of the season in July, batting only .233, but providing five homers, 13 RBI and 12 runs. |
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| Jul 29 2014 | Royals manager Ned Yost would not say that Moustakas is the team's everyday third baseman after Danny Valencia was traded to the Blue Jays on Monday, AM 610's Josh Vernier reports. | He's hitting .232 with nine home runs in 44 games since the start of June, and has started the last six games for the Royals, so it would appear that he is the starting third baseman going forward, but Yost's comments offer a little bit of doubt on the matter. Christian Colon is the only player behind Moose on the Royals' depth chart at third base, and it would seem wise to ignore Yost's comments until we see tangible evidence that Moustakas is not a full-time player going forward. |
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| Jul 23 2014 | Moustakas provided most of the offense for the Royals Tuesday in their 7-1 win over the White Sox, slugging two home runs while going 3-for-5 at the plate with three RBI and two runs scored. | This was a game Moustakas needed, considering prior to Tuesday's outburst he had just four hits in his last 27 at-bats. Moustakas now has 12 home runs on the year, but still carries a meager .198/.262/.391 slash line in 253 at-bats. |
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| Jul 11 2014 | Moustakas (illness) is back in the starting lineup Friday, Josh Vernier of 610 AM in Kansas City reports. | After a two-day break from the starting lineup, Moustakas is back at third base and batting sixth Friday night. |
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| Jul 10 2014 | Moustakas (illness) remains out of the Royals' lineup Thursday, Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star reports. | A stomach virus will keep Moustakas on the bench for a second straight day, but he likely would have sat anyway against lefty Drew Smyly. Danny Valencia will hold down the fort at third base until Moustakas is able to return. |
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| Jul 10 2014 | Moustakas "feels better" Thursday after a stomach virus kept him out of the lineup for two straight games, Josh Vernier of 610 Sports Radio Kansas City reports. | Moustakas was held out of Thursday's lineup, but likely would have sat anyway with lefty Drew Smyly on the mound for the Tigers. Based on this report, Moustakas should be feeling well enough to return to the lineup by Friday, when Detroit is scheduled to send right-hander Anibal Sanchez to the hill. |
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| Jul 9 2014 | Moustakas is out of Wednesday's lineup due to a stomach virus, the Kansas City Star's Andy McCullough reports. | This makes sense, as it would be surprising to sit Moustakas against right-hander Alex Cobb if he were healthy. Danny Valencia will make the start Wednesday, and Moustakas should be considered day-to-day. |
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| Jul 9 2014 | Moustakas isn't in the lineup Wednesday in Tampa Bay, Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star reports. | Moustakas' absence against a right-hander (Alex Cobb) is a bit surprising, but the hot corner will nonetheless be watched by Danny Valencia. In his last seven appearances, Moustakas has hit .333 (8-for-24) with two long balls, seven RBI, five runs, and three walks versus four strikeouts. |
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| Jul 6 2014 | Moustakas connected on his 10th homer of the season in Sunday's loss to the Indians. | Moustakas provided the Royals' lone offense on the afternoon, with opposing starter Corey Kluber yielding just four hits over 8.1 innings. The 25-year-old's batting average remains just a shade below .200, but he's begun to find some momentum at the plate over the past week. He's now enjoying a five-game hitting streak, supplying two homers and six RBI during that span. |
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| Jul 4 2014 | Moustakas was 2-for-4 with two runs scored, and belted a three-run home run in Kansas City's win over the Indians on Friday night. | He's hitting just .192 and is currently in a platoon at third base because of his monumental struggles against southpaws. However, given that average and the at bats he misses against lefties he has been pretty productive with nine home runs and 34 RBI. If he could ever produce enough against pitchers of either hand, he could fulfill the promise he came to the big leagues with. |
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| Jun 28 2014 | Moustakas is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Angels, Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star reports. | Danny Valencia will take over at the hot corner against left-hander Hector Santiago, against whom Moustakas is 0-for-9 in his career. Moustakas has now sat each of the last three times the Royals have faced a southpaw, so it seems the third-base situation will be a platoon for the time being. |
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| Jun 24 2014 | Moustakas is out of the Royals' lineup Tuesday against the Dodgers, Josh Vernier of 610 Sports Radio reports. | Moustakas will again remain on the pine with spectacular southpaw Clayton Kershaw on the mound. In his stead, Danny Valencia will cover the hot corner and bat seventh in the order. |
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| Jun 22 2014 | Moustakas is not in the lineup Sunday against the Mariners, Josh Vernier of 610 Sports Radio reports. | Moustakas has been holding down full-time duty since returning from Triple-A Omaha, but has only shown marginal improvement offensively, batting just .215/.282/.446 in June. With Danny Valencia returning from the disabled list Sunday, it looks like the Royals could be returning to a third-base platoon, as manager Ned Yost said Valencia would be the starter against most lefties. Facing primarily right-handed pitching shouldn't allow Moustakas' batting average to plunge much further, but a smaller share of the at-bats will hurt his counting stats nonetheless. |
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| Jun 2 2014 | Moustakas finished the day Monday 1-for-4 with a double and two RBI. | The Royals' third baseman is now 1-for-7 since being recalled from Triple-A. Moustakas has had a rough go of things this season, hitting just .152 through 132 Major League at bats in 2014. |
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| Jun 1 2014 | Moustakas has been recalled from Triple-A Omaha, Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star reports. | The stint in the minors turned out to be very short for Moustakas. After being sent down just over a week ago due to his extended struggles at the plate, the once highly touted third baseman batted .355 with a homer and three doubles over eight games for Triple-A Omaha. With Danny Valencia (hand) now on the DL, Moustakas figures to see plenty of time at the hot corner for the Royals. |
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| Jun 1 2014 | Moustakas will start at third base and bat eighth in the order Sunday against the Blue Jays. | Moustakas was effective at the plate during his brief stint in the minors, and will look to carry this momentum with him to the majors. He should see most reps at third base with Danny Valencia (hand) hitting the DL, although he could be occasionally spelled by Pedro Ciriaco. |
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| May 22 2014 | Moustakas was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Thursday. | Things seemed to be trending this way for a while, with Moustakas failing to get his average above .162 at any point this season and gradually losing out on playing time to Danny Valencia. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 amateur draft, Moustakas has hit .236/.290/.379 in 414 games at the major league level and might need a prolonged stretch in the minors to work things out. Jimmy Paredes was recalled to take Moustakas' place on the active roster. |
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| May 20 2014 | Moustakas is not in the starting lineup Tuesday, Josh Vernier of 610 AM in Kansas City reports. | Even with a right-hander on the mound for the White Sox on Tuesday night, Moustakas is on the bench while Danny Valencia gets the nod at third base for the Royals. |
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| May 15 2014 | Moustakas is not in the lineup Thursday against the Orioles, Josh Vernier of 610 Sports reports. | Moustakas had a much-needed breakthrough Wednesday against the Rockies, going 2-for-3 with three RBI, but he'll still remain in a platoon with Danny Valencia at third base. Valencia gets the start Thursday with lefty Wei-Yin Chen on the mound for the Orioles. |
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| May 14 2014 | Moustakas paced the Royals offense in Wednesday's win over the Rockies, doubling twice and driving in three runs. | Considering the rumblings surrounding Moustakas that he was at risk of getting demoted to Triple-A, he couldn't have picked a better time to carry the Royals to a victory. Manager Ned Yost will continue to slot Moustakas in the bottom third of the order until he brings his average up a bit more, but it looks like he's bought himself some time to figure things out. |
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| May 14 2014 | Manager Ned Yost and GM Dayton Moore stood by Moustakas on Tuesday as the team's starting third baseman, Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star reports. "I'm not doing it," Yost said, referring to removing Moustakas from his lineup. "Simple as that. I'm not really discussing it. He's going to stay here right now." | While the club probably will still look to shield Moustakas against certain left-handers, it appears he's going to be afforded the opportunity to work through his struggles. He'll receive the larger share of the at-bats in his third base platoon with Danny Valencia, but Moustakas' career-worst .536 OPS is becoming increasingly difficult to stomach for the Royals. If he doesn't start producing sooner or later, the patience of Moore and Yost may finally wear thin, leaving the team with no choice but to send him to the minors. |
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| May 11 2014 | Moustakas is out of the lineup Sunday against the Mariners, Josh Vernier of 610Sports.com reports. | Moustakas has picked up the last four starts at the hot corner for the Royals, but still hasn't been able to get going, batting just 1-for-13 during that time to sink his season average to .147. Danny Valencia gets the starting nod Sunday and lurks as a threat to steal at-bats from the struggling Moustakas. |
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| May 11 2014 | The Kansas City Star indicates that Moustakas could be a candidate for a stint in the minors. | While the report is speculative, the Royals may be looking to bolster their depleted bullpen in the coming days and with that in mind, the team is thought to be considering several options, including possibly sending Moustakas (currently batting .147) down. |
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| May 7 2014 | Moustakas went 0-for-3 with an RBI which came via a sacrifice fly Wednesday against San Diego. | On the heels of a report that he would likely be platooning with Danny Valencia, who on Wednesday got the start at second base, Moustakas did not do himself any favors at the dish, and now sports a futile .152/.225/.323 line on the year. He has to turn it around quickly as it appears Kansas City is running out of patience with him. |
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| May 1 2014 | Moustakas is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Blue Jays, according to Josh Vernier of 610 Sports Radio Kansas City reports. | Moustakas has not seen much time on the bench this season, but that's mainly because the Orioles have faced just two left-handers since April 7. Moustakas will sit out for just the fourth time all season Thursday, but for the third straight time against an opposing southpaw. There's a good chance he will be held out of a few more games in the near future, as the Royals are scheduled to face a left-hander in three of their next five contests. |
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| May 1 2014 | Moustakas may be in line for a platoon at third base with Danny Valencia according to manager Ned Yost, Josh Vernier of 610 Sports Radio Kansas City reports. | Moustakas is out of the lineup Thursday against lefty Mark Buehrle, and this may just be a typical pattern moving forward. Moustakas has started at third in 23 of 26 games for the Royals so far this season, but they have seen very little left-handed pitching, which could offer a potential explanation. Moustakas is hitting just .149 on the season, with a .091 average against lefties, which likely is factoring in to manager Ned Yost's decision. |
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| Apr 26 2014 | Moustakas is not in Saturday's lineup, mlb.com's Britt Ghiroli reports. | Up against O's lefty Wei-Yin Chen, the Royals will turn to Danny Valencia at the hot corner. Moustakas got off to a terrible start, but he does have four homers in his last 10 games, albeit with a .222 batting average over that span. While this isn't necessarily a platoon, Valencia is quite clearly a threat to cut into Moustakas' playing time against left-handed pitching. |
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| Apr 23 2014 | Moustakas went 1-for-5 with a three-run home run Tuesday night against the Indians. | Moustakas hit his third homer of the season Tuesday, all of which have come in the last seven games. This time, it came off a hanging breaking pitch from Cleveland fireballer Danny Salazar in the fourth inning. Despite the recent power numbers, Moustakas continues to battle back from a slow start, and is batting at a miserable clip of .138. |
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| Apr 18 2014 | Moustakas was 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in the Royals win over Minnesota on Friday night. | He is trying very hard to pull the horrible start behind him. He also homered on Wednesday and his average has crept up to a still ghastly .140 but there are signs of life in his bat now so a hot stretch could be something to look forward too soon. |
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| Apr 16 2014 | Moustakas was 1-for-2 with the go-ahead solo home run Wednesday night against the Astros. | After a rough start to the season, Moustakas was left out of the starting lineup Wednesday in favor of Danny Valencia, but definitely made his presence known with a pinch hit homer in the top of the 11th. Despite the big hit, Moustakas still sits on a .119 average to start the year. |
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| Apr 16 2014 | Moustakas is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Astros, Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star reports. | Moustakas is off to a miserable start this season, with just four hits in 40 at-bats, but to be fair, three of those hits have come in his last four games. With a left-hander in Dallas Keuchel on the mound for the Astros, however, it gives manager Ned Yost an excuse to sit Moustakas down. Danny Valencia will man third and bat sixth. |
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| Apr 12 2014 | Moustakas was 2-for-4 with a double in Friday night's loss to the Twins. | Moustakas recorded his first extra base hit of the season Friday, to go along with his first multi-hit game of the year. Coming in to Friday's contest, Moustakas had recorded just one hit over the Royals' previous eight games, so his performance at the plate proved to be one of the team's only bright spots of the evening. |
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| Apr 7 2014 | Moustakas was given the day off on Sunday in favor of Danny Valencia, the Kansas City Star reports. | Moustakas had played in every game this season prior to Sunday, so manager Ned Yost decided to rest the 25-year-old, who is hitless in 15 at-bats this year. The Royals were squaring off against the tough left-hander Chris Sale on Sunday, making it the perfect opportunity to rest Moustakas. The Royals' third baseman hopes to collect his first hit of 2014 Monday against the Twins, as he looks to improve upon the unimpressive .233 average that he posted in his 2013 campaign. |
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| Mar 21 2014 | Moustakas played six innings at second base during Thursday's Cactus League game against the Angels. He went 0-for-2 with one strikeout. | This has been quite a spring for Moustakas who is still batting .450 this spring and looking strong at the plate with his new approach. But now second base eligibility in the works? Maybe, though probably not. Fantasy owners will have to take a wait-and-see approach here as the move to second is to, according to Ned Yost, "set himself up as insurance for the team's middle infield." Obviously, added position eligibility would make Moustakas is more attractive fantasy option but this doesn't seem like something owners can rely on just yet. |
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| Mar 18 2014 | Moustakas is currently batting .486 with four doubles, four home runs, 15 RBI, eight runs scored and a stolen base over 35 Cactus League at-bats this spring. | Moustakas is currently the poster boy for the debate over how much credence you give to spring numbers. He showed 20-home run power in his rookie year but turned in an extremely disappointing sophomore campaign thanks to a spike in ground ball rate. He did improve his strikeout rate and made more contact, but the worm-killing ultimately hurt him and caused a major decrease in power. For the second consecutive offseason he has changed his approach at the plate and while it appears to be working right now, it's a matter of it sticking during the regular season. Given his power potential, it would be wise to be cautiously optimistic here. His performance last season is keeping his ADP down right now so it won't cost much to get him. If you are looking for a corner infielder to take a flier on, he is looking more and more like someone you want to have on your roster. |
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| Mar 3 2014 | Moustakas went 2-for-3, going deep twice, in Sunday's Cactus League bout with the Cubs. | After a terribly disappointing 2013 season which saw him manage a paltry .651 OPS and just a dozen homers, Moustakas has looked strong at the plate in the early part of spring training. The No. 2 overall pick of the 2007 MLB Draft is now 5-for-9 and has driven in six runs through the first four games. |
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| Jan 10 2014 | Moustakas will head into 2014 as the Royals' everyday third basemen, the Kansas City Star reports. | Moustakas had a poor 2013 campaign from an offensive standpoint, batting .233/.287/.364. This caused many to speculate that he may be part of a platoon in 2014, especially considering that the Royals traded for third basemen Danny Valencia this offseason, even though they already had a viable backup in utility man Emilio Bonifacio. Even though Valencia hits remarkably better against left-handed pitching, Moustakas "is our everyday third baseman," according to general manager Dayton Moore. Despite this affirmation, it's possible that the issue may be revisited if Moustakas gets off to another cold start. |
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| Sep 29 2013 | Moustakas is not in the lineup Sunday against the White Sox, the Kansas City Star reports. | Irving Falu will get the start at third base on the final day of the regular season. |
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| Sep 27 2013 | Moustakas is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the White Sox, the Kansas City Star reports. | Moustakas will take a seat as the Royals face a lefty in Chicago's Chris Sale. Veteran Jamey Carroll will start at third base and bat eighth. |
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| Sep 16 2013 | Moustakas is not in the Royals' lineup Monday against the Indians, the Kansas City Star reports. | Moustakas will once again sit against a southpaw, as the Indians are trotting out Scott Kazmir. Despite tallying hits in four of his last five outings, Moustakas is taking a seat in favor of Jamey Carroll, who is covering third base and batting eighth in the order. |
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| Sep 11 2013 | Moustakas is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Indians, according to Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star. | Moustakas, who has gone just 3-for-33 (.091) in nine games this month, will get the day off with the Royals taking on left-hander Scott Kazmir. Jamey Carroll will man the hot corner in Moustakas' place. |
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| Sep 6 2013 | Moustakas didn't start Thursday's game, but he had the hit of the night when he planted a walk-off solo home run in the right field seats to lead off the bottom of the 13th inning. It was his only hit in four trips to the plate. | Moustakas was just 2-for-19 in his previous five games so Jamey Carroll was given the start. But he entered as a pinch-hitter in the sixth when the Mariners made a pitching change, and though he extended that slump to 2-for-22, he still walked away the hero in this one. Overall, Moustakas has been a huge disappointment as he was unable to build off last year's 20-home run season at all. He's batting just .238 with 11 home runs and is already losing any potential appeal in keeper leagues. |
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| Sep 5 2013 | Moustakas is not in the Royals' lineup Thursday versus the Mariners, the Kansas City Star reports. | Since a three-game absence due to illness, Moustakas has found the going tough, hitting just .174 (4-for-23) with one RBI and one run scored over the last six outings. He'll give way to Jamey Carroll, who will handle the hot corner and bat ninth in the order. |
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| Sep 2 2013 | Moustakas went 1-for-3 with an RBI Monday as the Royals defeated the Mariners 3-1. | Moustakas is mired in a disappointing season, but has hit .299 since the All-Star break. Moustakas will look to continue his recent success over the next month and end the season on a high note. |
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| Aug 30 2013 | Moustakas was 2-for-4 in his return to the Royals lineup Friday night against Toronto. | He had missed the previous three games with strep throat, but was reportedly feeling much better prior to this game. He was removed for a pinch runner late in the game, but should be alright to get back in your lineup going forward. |
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| Aug 30 2013 | Moustakas (illness) is back in the Royals' lineup Friday at Toronto, the Kansas City Star reports. | After a three-game absence as he dealt with strep throat, Moustakas will return to action at third base and sixth in the order. He'll be looking to extend a nine outing streak of reaching base, which has bolstered his line on the year to a middling .241/.298/.371. |
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| Aug 29 2013 | Moustakas (illness) is feeling better, and should be ready to start Friday night against the Blue Jays, the Kansas City Star reports. | Strep throat has held Moustakas out of the Royals' lineup Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, but according to this report, he should be ready for action on Friday. After a slow start to the season, the Royals' third baseman has managed to get back on track of late, hitting .314/.368/.490 since the All-Star break. |
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| Aug 29 2013 | Moustakas (illness) will sit out for the third straight day Thursday, according to Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star. | Moustakas is still not 100 percent, so manager Ned Yost decided to hold him out again with the Royals playing Thursday afternoon. Emilio Bonifacio will get another start at third base in Moustakas' absence. |
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| Aug 28 2013 | Moustakas (illness) is out of the lineup again Wednesday but will be available in a pinch, Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports. | Dutton notes that Moustakas is dealing with a sore calf in addition to the strep throat that kept him out Tuesday. However, it doesn't sound the Royals are very concerned about either issue, as Moustakas will be in uniform for Wednesday's tilt. |
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| Aug 28 2013 | Moustakas (illness) is unlikely to play Thursday against the Twins, Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports. | While Moustakas will be available off the bench in a pinch Wednesday, he is not expected to return to the lineup Thursday. Manager Ned Yost plans to shield him from the afternoon heat, and give him one more day to get over the strep throat and calf ailment. |
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| Aug 27 2013 | Moustakas is out of the Royals' lineup Tuesday in Minnesota, the Kansas City Star reports. | Moustakas currently holds a four-game hitting streak in which he's batting .400 (6-for-15) with three RBI and three runs scored. In his stead, Emilio Bonifacio will move over to third base, while Chris Getz covers the keystone. |
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| Aug 27 2013 | Moustakas is not in the Royals' lineup Tuesday at Minnesota due to strep throat, the Kansas City Star reports. | As a result, Moustakas will miss a handful of games, which will put his four-game hitting streak on hold. Expect Emilio Bonifacio to cover the hot corner most days in his absence. |
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| Aug 23 2013 | Moustakas is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Nationals, the Kansas City Star reports. | Moustakas will sit out in favor of Jamey Carroll at third base as the Royals are opening a series against tough lefthander Gio Gonzalez. He has improved a bit at the plate in the month of August, hitting .278 but has just one home run in his last 54 at-bats. |
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| Aug 20 2013 | Moustakas is not in the Royals' lineup Tuesday but will be in there Wednesday against the White Sox, the Kansas City Star reports. | Because the Sox of the windy city are sending out southpaw John Danks, Moustakas' left calf will fit in a day of rest, before facing right-hander Andre Rienzo on Wednesday. Despite missing six of seven games, Moustakas was still able to manage a 2-for-3 performance in his sole appearance Saturday. In his stead, Jamey Carroll is manning the hot corner and batting leadoff. |
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| Aug 18 2013 | Moustakas will be available to pinch-hit and play the field Sunday, the Kansas City Star reports. | It's a sign Moustakas is only out of the lineup for rest purposes rather than any sort of aggravation to his calf after he returned to the lineup Saturday. Still, he may not make another start until Wednesday against the White Sox with lefty John Danks scheduled to toe the rubber Tuesday for the South Siders. |
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| Aug 18 2013 | Moustakas is not in the starting lineup Sunday against the Tigers, Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports. | Moustakas returned to the lineup Saturday but manager Ned Yost said after the game that the 24-year-old is still not fully healed. The Royals figure to take it easy on Moustakas, and his 2-for-20 career mark against right-hander Max Scherzer, Sunday's starter for Detroit, gives the team reason to do so. Emilio Bonifacio will take over at third base in his absence. |
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| Aug 17 2013 | Moustakas (calf) went 2-for-3 in his return to the Royals' lineup Saturday. | Moustakas had been out of commission since suffering the calf injury Monday, so it was nice to see it did not derail the recent re-discovery of his swing. The calf may still not be 100 percent, as Manager Ned Yost pulled him in favor of Jamey Carroll in the seventh inning, but he should be back at it on Sunday. |
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| Aug 17 2013 | Moustakas (calf) is back in the Royals' lineup Saturday at Detroit, the Kansas City Star reports. | Moustakas is making his first appearance in six games, after sitting out due to a tight left calf. Prior to suffering the ailment, he had notched hits in four of five outings, during which he hit .294 (5-for-17) with two RBI and three runs scored. |
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| Aug 16 2013 | Moustakas (calf) remains out of the Royals' lineup for Game 1 of Friday's doubleheader in Detroit, the Kansas City Star reports. | Moustakas shed his walking boot Thursday after just one day of use, at which point he was able to fit in some light work in the field. Meanwhile, his presence is not expected until the weekend anyway, which implies he'll remain absent for the nightcap as well. In any case, Emilio Bonifacio will handle the hot corner and bat sixth in the order in the afternoon tilt. |
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| Aug 16 2013 | Moustakas (calf) is out of the lineup for the second game of Friday's doubleheader. | This was to be expected after Moustakas sat out the day's opening game. He was available to pinch-hit in that game and should be once again in the nightcap, though it remains to be seen if manager Ned Yost will actually call upon him. |
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| Aug 16 2013 | Moustakas (calf) took groundballs prior to Game 1 of Friday's doubleheader at Detroit and is available to pinch hit, the Kansas City Star reports. | Moustakas' strained left calf, which he sustained Monday, has improved by the day and should allow for an appearance of some type in the very near future. However, he'll yield third base to Emilio Bonifacio in Game 1 and perhaps the nightcap as well. |
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| Aug 15 2013 | Moustakas (calf) has shed his walking boot and took part in light on-field work Thursday, the Kansas City Star reports. | This bodes well for Moustakas' chances of returning to action this weekend, as was previously anticipated by manager Ned Yost. He'll have to show he has no problem running the bases before he's deployed in the everyday lineup, but he could gather some at-bats in a pinch-hitting role until that happens. |
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| Aug 14 2013 | Moustakas (calf), who is missing his second game in a row Wednesday, was seen donning a walking boot, the Kansas City Star reports. | The signs are turning ominous by the day regarding Moustaka's calf concern, but it remains unclear if he'll eventually land on the disabled list. Consider him day-to-day for the time being, though, as Elliot Johnson covers the hot corner and bats eighth in the order Wednesday. |
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| Aug 14 2013 | Royals manager Ned Yost indicated Moustakas (calf) likely won't return until this weekend, Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports. "I'm thinking, best-case scenario, maybe have him available to do some pinch-hitting or playing maybe Saturday or Sunday," Yost said. | The walking boot Moustakas was seen sporting Wednesday was said to be a precaution, and it sounds like the team will take further measures -- namely holding him out until the weekend -- to make sure the 24-year-old is available for the majority of the stretch run. |
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| Aug 14 2013 | Moustakas' walking boot is merely precautionary, as it is an attempt to alleviate the pressure on his left calf, the Kansas City Star reports. | While he remains a question mark heading into Thursday's game at Detroit, the development is an attempt to get Moustakas back to a semblance of playing shape. However, if a DL stint is eventually required, Jamey Carroll and Elliot Johnson would likely receive modest bumps in playing time. |
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| Aug 14 2013 | Moustakas (calf) is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Marlins, according to Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star. | Moustakas was not expected to play Wednesday, but the Royals' lineup confirms that he will sit out for the second straight day. It remains to be seen if he will return to action during the Royals' key upcoming five-game series with the Tigers. |
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| Aug 13 2013 | Moustakas' left calf is feeling much better Tuesday, but he is not expected to be available for Wednesday's series finale against the Marlins, the Kansas City Star reports. | Moustakas was removed from Monday's game due to a tight left calf, but the limp that he exhibited following the game has reduced to a minimum. Consider him day-to-day for the time being, as Jamey Carroll covers third base and bats eighth in the order Tuesday. |
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| Aug 12 2013 | Moustakas left Monday's game against the Marlins with tightness in his left calf, Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports. | Moustakas was swapped out for a pinch hitter in the fifth inning after coming all the way home from first base on a triple by Justin Maxwell in the fourth. The severity of the ailment is uncertain, but Jamey Carroll figures to fill in at third if Moustakas is forced to miss additional time. |
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| Aug 5 2013 | Moustakas went 4-for-5 with a double, a run, and two RBI in Monday's 13-0 rout of the Twins. | Moustakas now owns a .322/.379/.593 slash line since the All-Star break, which is rather surprising given that he turned in a hideous .215/.271/.327 line before the break. We aren't 100 percent convinced that he has things figured out, but there's no doubt that his stock is significantly higher right now than it was three weeks ago. |
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| Jul 30 2013 | Moustakas went 2-for-3 with two home runs, a walk and four RBI Tuesday against the Twins. | He is now batting .303 with three home runs since the All-Star break, and is rewarding owners who stuck with him during his horrible first half. |
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| Jul 27 2013 | Moustakas is out of the Royals' lineup Saturday at the White Sox. | Moustakas is having a fine start to the second half, batting .333 (8-for-24) with one homer, three RBI, and two runs scored across seven outings. Nevertheless, he will give way to Miguel Tejada, who will man third base and bat seventh in the order. |
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| Jul 24 2013 | Moustakas is not in the Royals' lineup Wednesday against the Orioles, the Kansas City Star reports. | In his absence, Miguel Tejada will take over the hot corner and bat fifth in the order. Meanwhile, Moustakas currently holds a four-game hitting streak in which he's batting (7-for-16) with one home run, two RBI, and two runs scored. |
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| Jul 24 2013 | Moustakas went 2-for-4 with two doubles and one RBI against the Orioles on Tuesday. | Moustakas has now hit safely in four-staright games and is batting .268 for the month of July. This, coming off a .274 June. While the numbers aren't incredibly enticing, they do indicate that he's at least showing some life and starting to contribute at the plate. He's still a long way off from his 2012 numbers or from being a strong fantasy contributor, but he might prove serviceable and have some value down the stretch if he continues to improve his work at the plate over the next two months. |
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| Jul 20 2013 | Moustakas went 3-for-4 with a solo home run and two runs scored in the Roytals | The three-hit performance was Moustakas' first since the first week of the season. The RBI was only his 18th of the year, which has been a function of the Royals' weak lineup and Moustakas' even weaker bat. |
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| Jul 11 2013 | Moustakas is not in the starting lineup Thursday against the Yankees, Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports. | For the second time in three days, Moustakas will sit against a Yankees left-hander, this time the 41-year-old Andy Pettitte. Moustakas went on a nice little run at the end of June, but he's batting just .192 so far in July and .153 against southpaws for the season. |
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| Jul 9 2013 | Moustakas is out of the Royals' lineup Tuesday at the Yankees, the Kansas City Star reports. | In his absence, Miguel Tejada is manning the hot corner and batting seventh in the order. Meanwhile, Moustakas has recently warmed at the plate, tallying hits in three outings in a row. During that stretch, he is 4-for-11 with one homer, two RBI, and four runs scored. |
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| Jul 8 2013 | Moustakas went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and one double Monday against the Yankees. | Moustakas has been hitting better of late and already has six runs scored in July, but he still isn't providing much production as he only has one home run and two RBI for the month. While it's nice that he is starting to slowly increase his batting average and score runs, fantasy owners who drafted him were counting on better home run and RBI totals. |
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| Jul 7 2013 | Moustakas went 1-for-3 and hit his ninth home run, a solo shot, against the A's on Saturday. | Moustakas had put together a strong run at the end of June, hitting safely in 10 of his last 11 games. However, this home run has still left him 1-for-11 over his last three games. There's still an outside chance that he turns into a nice buy-low for the second half, but right now he remains too inconsistent to trust. |
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| Jul 3 2013 | Moustakas is not in the Royals' lineup Wednesday against the Indians, the Kansas City Star reports. | In his stead, Miguel Tejada is taking on third base and batting seventh in the order. Meanwhile, Moustakas has notched hits in 10 of the last 11 outings, batting .381 (16-for-42) with one home run, three RBI, and four runs scored. |
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| Jun 29 2013 | Moustakas went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run against the Twins on Friday. | The home run was Moustakas' first of June and first since he went deep three straight games between May 8 through 10. He's now hit safely in seven of his last eight games, with five multi-hit performances. Still, until this game, he had been relatively barren in the stat-production department, with just one RBI and four runs scored this month, so hitting with some power again would be extremely welcome. He's till a work in progress, for sure, but at least progress is being made. |
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| Jun 26 2013 | Moustakas went 1-for-3 with a walk against the Braves on Tuesday and extended his hit streak to a season-high five games. | If you drafted Moustakas, you probably have a hard time condoning excitement over a five-game hit streak, but fantasy owners have to take what they can get from him right now. He's still hitting too many groundballs, as evidenced by his 49.1 percent rate for June, and he's not going to hit for power posting a 28.3 percent flyball rate for the month, but the 22.6 percent line drive rate will certainly do things to help improve his average an on-base percentage. He's already boosted his average by nearly 20 points over this recent streak which is obviously helpful but just by looking at his batted ball data splits, it's evident that he still has several adjustments to make. |
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| Jun 24 2013 | Moustakas recorded his fourth straight multi-hit game after going 2-for-4 with a run scored against the White Sox on Sunday. | In addition to the recent four-game hit streak, Moustakas has hit safely in nine of his last 11 games and has pulled his batting average up to .207 on the year. He's only got one RBI and three runs scored in that span so his productivity is still lacking, but this recent run has at least given his owners a glimmer of hope that things will get better. If he's been dropped in your league, you may want to add him to your watch list or, if you have bench space to spare, think about stashing him if you need help at the hot corner. |
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| Jun 21 2013 | Moustakas is not in the starting lineup Friday against the White Sox, Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports. | With Moustakas batting just .125 on the year against southpaws, manager Ned Yost will sit the 24-year-old against left-hander Hector Santiago on Friday. Miguel Tejada's getting the start at third. |
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| Jun 14 2013 | Moustakas is not in Friday's starting lineup against Tampa Bay, the Kansas City Star's Bob Dutton reports. | A 39-year-old Miguel Tejada will get the nod over Moustakas for the second day in a row. If Moustakas doesn't turn things around soon, he could officially lose his starting job to Tejada. |
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| Jun 8 2013 | Moustakas is not in the starting lineup Saturday against the Astros, Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports. | It's a second straight day on the bench for Moustakas, though an injury is not believed to be in play here. Rather, Moustakas' absence is likely performance-related, as he has just three hits in his last 22 at-bats and is slashing .180/.247/.291 for the season. |
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| Jun 7 2013 | Moustakas is not in the starting lineup Friday against the Astros, Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports. | Moustakas has just three hits in his last 22 at-bats, and he hasn't gone for extra bases since May 25. He'll get a day to get his head together with Miguel Tejada manning third and batting seventh against right-hander Jordan Lyles. |
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| May 31 2013 | Moustakas is not in the Royals' lineup Friday against the Rangers, Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports. | In two games since returning from what was apparently a minor quad injury, Moustakas has gone 2-for-6. It seems the Royals are just being cautious by sitting him Friday, so look for Moustakas to be back in there Saturday. |
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| May 29 2013 | Moustakas (quadriceps) is back in the Royals' lineup Wednesday at St. Louis, the Kansas City Star reports. | After missing the last two games due to quadriceps tightness, Moustakas will slot into his typical place at third base and and bat fifth in the order. Nevertheless, his .178/.252/.308 line leaves much to be desired. |
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| May 28 2013 | Moustakas (quadriceps) will sit out for the third game in a row Tuesday against the Cardinals, the Kansas City Star reports. | Moustakas missed Monday's outing due to a tight quadriceps, yet he was still available off the bench. Nevertheless, his sub-Mendoza Line average (.178) does not inspire confidence in his ability to produce at the plate. |
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| May 27 2013 | Moustakas is not in the lineup Monday against the Cardinals, the Kansas City Star reports. | It's the third time in four games the struggling Moustakas will find himself out of the lineup, with his .178/.252/.308 undoubtedly the culprit behind his absence. Moustakas' extreme fly ball tendencies may forever make him a risk in the batting average department. |
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| May 27 2013 | Moustakas was held out of Monday's lineup due to quadriceps tightness, the Kansas City Star reports. | Moustakas will still be available off the bench Monday, an indication the injury isn't especially serious. Miguel Tejada is starting at third base in his place. |
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| May 26 2013 | Moustakas is out of the lineup Sunday against the Angels. | It's certainly not a good sign that Moustakas is out of the lineup with a right-hander on the mound for the Angels, but it's hard to fault manager Ned Yost for the decision with Moustakas batting just .178/.252/.308 on the season. A demotion to Triple-A Omaha is not out of the question if Moustakas' deep struggles continue. |
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| May 24 2013 | Moustakas is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Angels. | Moustakas is hitting an ugly .143 against left-handers this season, so he will be held out with lefty Jason Vargas on the mound for the Angels. Miguel Tejada will man the hot corner in Moustakas' place. |
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| May 22 2013 | Moustakas returned to the lineup and hit a game-winning RBI-single against the Astros on Tuesday. He finished the day 1-for-4 with the one RBI and two runs scored. | Though Moustakas managed the game-winning hit, the fact that he was 1-for-36 prior to it still carries the most weight. He has been a colossal disappointment for fantasy owners this season and is going to need to do a lot more than hit just one RBI-single before actually being portrayed in a positive light. |
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| May 20 2013 | Moustakas is out of the Royals' lineup Monday at Houston, FOX Sports Kansas City reports. | In his absence, Miguel Tejada will man the hot corner and bat eighth in the order. Moustakas has just one hit in his last eight games, a span of 33 at-bats, causing his average to fall below the Mendoza Line to .178. |
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| May 20 2013 | Moustakas went 0-for-5 with one strikeout and left seven men on base during Sunday's loss to the A's. He is now hitting a woeful .178 on the season. | Moustakas had one small outburst earlier in the month where he homered in three straight games. In the eight games since, he is 1-for-33 with seven strikeouts and just one run scored. He doesn't even have a sacrifice fly to show for his efforts. It's not yet known just how much longer Ned Yost is going to stick with his under-performing third baseman, but it might not be for very much longer. While the team may not want to go with Miguel Tejada on a full-time basis, it should be noted that Johnny Giavotella has been moved off of second base at Triple-A Omaha and has played the last three games at the hot corner. A promotion of Irving Falu is also a possibility. |
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| May 16 2013 | Mostakas went 1-for-5 with a double and a run scored during the Royals win over the Angels on Wednesday. | Moustakas' second inning double ended a four-game 0-for-17 stretch, but he couldn't muster anything after that, going hitless in his next four at-bats. We thought we were out of the woods with Moustakas late last week, but it looks like we're headed for a series of peaks and valleys this season. Hopefully this is the start of another peak, but until he shows a little more consistency, you may have to return to seeking alternative options at the hot corner. He's got outstanding potential and can hit upwards of 20 home runs a year, but his current .194 average is dragging fantasy teams down right now. |
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| May 10 2013 | Moustakas went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk against the Yankees on Friday. | Your window to buy low on Moustakas has probably closed as he has now homered in three straight games and is 5-for-10 with two walks, three runs and four RBI over that span. It took a little longer than expected, but he seems to have officially broken out of his slump and appears headed towards duplicating last season's success. |
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| May 9 2013 | Moustakas went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and walk in Thursday's 6-2 win at Baltimore. | Moustakas has homered in back-to-back games, and is showing signs of breaking out of his early-season slump with a hit in eight of his last 11. |
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| May 8 2013 | Moustakas went 3-for-4 with a two-run home run against the Orioles on Wednesday. | Moustakas looked as if he was pulling himself out of his early-season slump but a quick 2-for-12 over a three-game span initiated a day off Tuesday to help him clear his head again. Obviously the move paid off as Moustakas enjoyed his most productive game of the season. The Royals and his fantasy owners are hoping that this game can serve as a springboard for better production in the future. |
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| May 7 2013 | Moustakas is not in the Royals' lineup Tuesday at Baltimore, MASN Sports reports. | While Moustakas simply receives a day of rest, Miguel Tejada will enter the field to man the hot corner and bat eighth in the order. Meanwhile, Moustakas continues to flirt with an average around the Mendoza Line but is looking to replicate a 20-homer campaign from 2012, his first full major league season. |
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| May 6 2013 | Moustakas went 2-for-5 with a run scored during Sunday's extra-inning win over the White Sox. | Moustakas has been slowly pulling himself out of the dismal early-season slump lately and still looks like a decent buy-low candidate. He had a five game hit streak recently snapped but followed that hitless game with this multi-hit performance. Since a two-game benching at the tail-end of April, Moustakas is now 8-for-21 (.381) with one home runs, five RBI and four walks over his last seven games. |
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| May 2 2013 | Moustakas went 1-for-2 with an RBI and a walk against the Rays on Wednesday. | Don't look now but Moustakas now has a five-game hit streak working and finally has his batting average over the Mendoza line (.203) now. He still has a long way to go before redeeming himself from such a horrific start to the season, but things are certainly looking a lot better today than they were just a week ago. |
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| Apr 30 2013 | Moustakas went 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBI against the Rays on Tuesday. | It's as if the fantasy gods have finally heard the cries of Moustakas owners everywhere as the struggling third baseman belted his first home run of the 2013 season while posting both his first multi-hit and multi-RBI game as well. While he's still batting just .195 on the year, it's worth noting that Moustakas has hit safely in his last four straight games and in five of his last six. It's not quite enough to declare a full comeback, but it's a great starting place right now. If this really is the beginning of an improved rest of season, then your window of opportunity to buy low is already starting to close. |
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| Apr 29 2013 | Moustakas went 1-for-1 with two runs scored, one RBI and three walks during the first game, but just 1-for-4 during the second game of Sunday's doubleheader against Cleveland. | While it seemed that the two-game benching Friday and Saturday may have done the trick based on his performance in the first game, Moustakas continued to struggle in the second game both at the plate and in the field as he let another grounder roll through his legs which led to the opposing team scoring runs in an inning the Royals should have been out of earlier. Moustakas is batting just .169 right now and faces a serious threat of being sent down to the minors unless he improves dramatically over the next few games. |
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| Apr 26 2013 | Moustakas is not in the starting lineup Friday against the Indians, Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports. | The 24-year-old has recorded just three extra-base hits in 65 at-bats so far this year, with zero homers. Moustakas will be given a day to sit back and observe Friday, and if his struggle at the dish continue, he could find himself on the bench more often, or possibly down at Triple-A Omaha. |
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| Apr 25 2013 | Though he claimed to have identified the mechanical flaw in his swing, Moustakas hasn't quite implemented the adjustments necessary as he went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts and left six men on base during Wednesday's loss to the Tigers. | Overall, it was a terrible game for Moustakas as he failed miserably at the plate and it was his error in the fourth inning that led to the Tigers' four-run inning which gave them a lead in the game they would not relinquish. Perhaps it was the rainy, 30-degree weather affecting him, but unless he turns things around quickly, the Royals may have to think about sending him down to Triple-A to get his head right and his swing back. |
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| Apr 14 2013 | Moustakas is not in the lineup Sunday against Toronto, Blue Jays radio broadcaster Mike Wilner reports. | Moustakas' hitting has the skids, as he's recorded just six hits in 38 at-bats this season, amounting to a .238 on-base percentage. Perhaps a mental day off is what he needs to get things right, but manager Ned Yost may re-insert him further down in the lineup going forward until he delivers results. |
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| Apr 10 2013 | Moustakas went 1-for-4 with a run scored and one RBI against the Twins on Tuesday. | Cue the angelic chorus. After an outstanding spring that saw impressive results from mechanical adjustments made to his approach at the plate, it only took seven games for Moustakas to notch his first RBI of the season. The ice-cold start already has fantasy owners down on him so he is going to need to string together a few good games to keep them from scouring the waiver wire in search of help at the hot corner. Perhaps the fact that he is seeing only one southpaw over the next four games will help him build some momentum. He may only be hitting .256 against righties, but 21 of his 25 career home runs have come against them. |
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| Apr 2 2013 | Moustakas went 0-4 with two strikeouts, including a rally-killing, inning-ending whiff to close out the eighth inning, and left six men on base in total during Monday's loss to the White Sox. | Credit White Sox hurler Chris Sale for a masterful performance, but given the spring performance of Moustakas, this game was definitely a disappointment. He doesn't hit lefties particularly well, just a .229 career average, so hopefully he'll rekindle that spring magic Wednesday against right-hander Jake Peavy. |
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| Mar 20 2013 | Moustakas went 2-for-3 with a home run Tuesday against the Rockies and raised his spring average to .426 (20-for-47). He now has three home runs, nine RBI and seven runs scored in Cactus League play. | It looks like the changes Moustakas has made in his approach at the plate have worked as he enjoys a tremendous spring. He's also flashing the leather lately as he made an outstanding grab of a hot shot down the line by Troy Tulowitzki and easily nailed him at first for the out. Hopefully Moustakas can not only maintain this momentum to open the season, but sustain it for most of the year as well. He started off strong last season but cooled dramatically and suffered from more than just a few extended slumps. A full season of strong play could net fantasy owners 20-25 home runs with an average hovering in the low .270's which makes him an excellent play either at third or the corner infield spot. |
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| Mar 14 2013 | Moustakas went 1-for-2 in his return to the lineup Wednesday after being scratched the day before with a bruised right foot. | Moustakas fouled a ball off his foot Monday and the team opted to err on the side of caution and keep him out for a day. He's having a solid spring so far, batting .478 with four doubles, a home run and seven RBI. It appears as though the tweaks to his approach at the plate have been paying off, and if his plate discipline has truly improved, that combined with his power should make him a fantastic middle-round option in drafts this year. |
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| Mar 12 2013 | Moustakas has been scratched from Tuesday's lineup due to a foot injury, Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports. | Moustakas suffered the injury after fouling a ball off his foot. The injury does not appears to be anything more than a minor ding, as it's likely that the team is sitting their young third baseman as a precaution. |
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| Feb 27 2013 | Moustakas is off to a hot start this spring going 5-for-10 with a double, two runs and two RBI over the Royals' first four Cactus League games. | While Moustakas managed to bang 20 home runs in his first full season last year, he still had some struggles at the plate that he is hoping to correct this spring. Now fully comfortable in his role as the Royals starting third baseman, Moustakas is looking to see more pitches, swing through less of them and increase his overall contact rates. As evidence by his minor league totals and last season's output, the power is legitimate and will continue to grow as he matures as a hitter. He just needs to settle in and make consistent contact. A work in progress, he should be targeted in the middle rounds of your draft after the first two tiers of third basemen are off the board. |
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| Oct 2 2012 | Moustakas is not in the lineup Tuesday, Bob Dutton of the KC Star reports. | Irving Falu will play third base for the Royals on Tuesday night. |
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| Oct 2 2012 | Moustakas (groin) has been shut down for the remainder of the season, the Kansas City Star reports. | Moustakas re-aggravated a groin injury while sliding into second base during Monday's loss to the Tigers. With just two games remaining and no playoffs ahead, his health is the most important thing. While Moustakas struggled to maintain consistency at the plate this season, batting just .242 for the year, he flashed some solid power with 20 home runs and 73 RBI. He'll be back manning the hot corner in 2013. |
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| Oct 1 2012 | Moustakas (groin) is in the starting lineup Monday, the Kansas City Star reports. | Moustakas left Sunday's game with groin tightness, but reiterated he was fine afterwards. That much seems to be true a day later, as he's back at third base and batting sixth against the Tigers. |
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| Sep 30 2012 | Moustakas went 1-for-4 with two walks, a double, two runs scored and two RBI against the Indians on Saturday. | The season has been filled with numerous highs and lows for the young third baseman. He's been streaky at the plate this season and is only batting .243 on the year, but he also has 20 home runs and 73 RBI. He has a tremendous career ahead of him and we should see more consistency from him with the bat as he matures and improves his overall plate discipline. |
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| Sep 30 2012 | Moustakas (groin) said after Sunday's game that he's fine, Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports. | Moustakas was removed from Sunday's game with tightness in his left groin, but Royals skipper Ned Yost said Moustakas would have stayed in the game had the team not been down 11-0. It sounds like he has a good chance of being in the lineup for Monday's series opener against Detroit. |
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| Sep 30 2012 | Moustakas was removed from Sunday's game due to left groin tightness, Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports. | Moustakas' removal sounds precautionary, but it wouldn't be much of a surprise if the Royals hold their young third baseman out of action until he's completely healthy. |
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| Sep 28 2012 | Moustakas' 47-game errorless streak came to an end when he committed three during Thursday's loss to the Tigers. | When it rains, it pours. Moustakas committed the first two errors in the first inning when he misplayed a grounder and then compounded the mistake with a wild throw to first. His third error came in the ninth on a potential inning-ending double play grounder prior to the Tigers scoring the winning run. While fielding is rarely a concern for fantasy owners, it's worth noting that his defense will not be something to keep him out of the lineup, something we've seen happen to other players in the past. Moustakas has a .969 fielding percentage and ranks ninth in the majors amongst third basemen with 14 errors on the season. He ranks first in put outs with 125 and has helped turn a league-high 41 double plays. |
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| Sep 15 2012 | Moustakas went 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBI against the Angels on Friday. | Moustakas has now hit safely in five of his last six games and hit his first home run since August 18, a span of 23 games. After a strong start to the season, Moustakas has slowed greatly in the second half, batting just .223 with only four home runs and 20 RBI since the All Star break. Still, he's only 23-years old, has a tremendous future ahead of him and should be a strong commodity at the hot corner next season. |
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| Aug 29 2012 | Moustakas went 3-for-5 with a double and three RBI against the Tigers on Tuesday. | After having batted .167 over his previous 28 games, this was a nice surprise for his owners. It was hard to imagine him remaining in that slump for the rest of the season, so look for him to build off this momentum and improve his totals in September. |
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| Aug 28 2012 | Moustakas went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts on Monday against the Red Sox and is now batting just .167 over his last 28 games. | Moustakas actually started off like this when he came up last season, batting just .182 in his first 53 at-bats before finally taking off. This year he started off strong, leveled off and is now slumping. While there are still growing pains expected for the 23-year old, it's coming at a terrible time for fantasy owners looking for a big finish. He should work his way out of it soon enough, but you should find an alternative in the meantime. Once he starts to heat back up though, you'll want to get him back into your lineup for the home stretch. |
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| Aug 26 2012 | Moustakas is not in the starting lineup Sunday against the Red Sox, according to the Kansas City Star. | Tony Abreu will start at third base in place of Moustakas, who, before Sunday, had started the past six games for the Royals. |
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| Aug 17 2012 | Moustakas is not in the starting lineup Friday, the Chicago Tribune's Mark Gonzales reports. | Both Moustakas and Eric Hosmer are out of the lineup Friday, and quite frankly it might be for the best. It's unclear if Moustakas is fatigued or just in a slump, but either way he's fallen off in a big way. Hosmer, on the other hand, has struggled all season. |
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| Aug 13 2012 | Moustakas went 1-for-4 with a solo home run against the Orioles on Sunday. | The home run, which rang off the right-field foul pole, was his 18th of the season and second in his last five games. He is up to 54 RBI for the season. |
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| Aug 8 2012 | Moustakas went 1-for-4 with a solo home run during Wednesday's 2-1 win over the White Sox. | Moustakas now has 17 home runs for the season, although he's fallen off significantly since a hot start. Despite the recent disappointment, he's still on pace to hit 25 home runs with 74 runs and 77 RBI at the age of 23. |
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| Aug 7 2012 | Moustakas (knee) is back in the lineup Tuesday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports. | With Moustakas' return, Tony Abreu will slide over to give Alcides Escobar a night off at short. Moustakas appears to be in position to lose a bit more time against left-handed pitching on days where his knee is acting up. |
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| Aug 7 2012 | Manager Ned Yost indicated that Moustakas (knee) would have been in the lineup on Monday had left-hander Chris Sale not been on the mound, the reports. | Moustakas is batting just .233 with two home runs against lefties this season, but him sitting against Sale was more of just precautionary reasons. While the bone bruise in his knee isn't considered serious, with the Royals current place in the standings, there's no need to push him if he's not at 100-percent. He'll be fine and ready to use moving forward. |
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| Aug 6 2012 | Moustakas (knee) is not in the lineup Monday, the Royals' official Twitter feed reports. | With Moustakas on the bench for the second straight game, Tony Abreu is making a spot start at third base for Kansas City. |
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| Aug 5 2012 | Moustakas (knee) is not in the starting lineup Sunday against the Rangers, the Royals' official Twitter page reports. | Moustakas is dealing with a knee injury, but he was able to play Saturday. Yuniesky Betancourt will man third base and bat seventh Sunday against lefty Derek Holland. Moustakas looks questionable for Monday's series opener against the White Sox. |
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| Aug 3 2012 | Moustakas is not in the lineup Friday in part because of knee soreness suffered in Thursday's game, Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports. | Fortunately for Moustakas, he's expected to return as early as Saturday and the injury does not appear to be serious. |
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| Jul 31 2012 | Moustakas (knee) returned to the lineup Tuesday and went 0-for-4. | Moustakas missed Sunday's game after he sprained his right knee on a diving play during Saturday's contest, but he played a full nine innings at third base Tuesday. |
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| Jul 29 2012 | Though Moustakas seemed optimistic about his knee, the Royals are sending him for a precautionary MRI which indicates that he will not play before Tuesday at the earliest, the Kansas City Star reports. | "It's a little tender," Moustakas admitted. "It was a ball down the line. I got it (with a dive). My legs were underneath me, and I threw from my knees. When I threw, I must have twisted my body around a little too much. I felt a little something in my knee." While it doesn't sound serious too serious, you should probably consider an alternative to Moustakas at third for the upcoming scoring period if you are in a weekly league. He won't play on Sunday and with an off-day Monday, the earliest you will hear of any diagnosis will be late on Tuesday, well after lineups lock for the week. Daily league owners can afford to wait a few days. |
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| Jul 29 2012 | Updating a previous item, Moustakas says the MRI on his knee came back clean and that he feels much better, reports Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star on Twitter. | This is obviously much better news for both the Royals and Moustakas' fantasy owners. With two days off, there is a much better chance of seeing him back in the lineup on Tuesday when the Royals host the Indians. He's still considered day to day, but the prospect of using him for the upcoming scoring period just got a whole lot better. |
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| Jul 28 2012 | Moustakas left Saturday's game in the first inning with a sprained right knee, Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports. | Moustakas suffered the injury on a diving play and was replaced in the lineup by Chris Getz, and at thrid base by Yuniesky Betancourt. The severity of the injury is not yet known, but it looks like he could miss some action. Consider Moustakas day-to-day for now, and questionable for Sunday's contest. |
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| Jul 14 2012 | Moustakas went 1-for-7 with a home run, but had four strikeouts and left seven men on base during the Royals 9-8 loss to the White Sox on Friday. | Moustakas had an 11-game hit streak working before going 0-for-4 in the final game of the first half and after Friday, is now batting .266 on the year. His 16 home runs are good for sixth amongst all third basemen this season and he should be considered a solid option at a somewhat thin position these days. He's currently on pace for 30 home runs and 92 RBI which would certainly push him towards the top tier at the hot corner, not just this year, but in future seasons as well. |
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| Jul 7 2012 | Moustakas went 2-for-4 with a home run, a run scored, and three RBI on Saturday against the Tigers. | The Royals' young third baseman now has four doubles and two home runs over his last six games. Moustakas has 15 home runs in 294 at-bats this season, after hitting only five over 338 at-bats as a rookie in 2011. |
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| Jul 2 2012 | Moustakas went 2-for-5 with a grand slam, five total RBI and a double Monday against the Blue Jays. | Moustakas had failed to record a hit in four of his last five games entering Monday, so he busted out of his slump in style Monday with his grand slam. He has shown significant improvement in the power department as he already has 14 home runs in 73 games this season after hitting five home runs in 89 games last season. |
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| Jul 1 2012 | Moustakas is not in the starting lineup Sunday against the Twins, the Royals' official Twitter page reports. | Moustakas will be out of the lineup after making 24 consecutive starts as Yuniesky Betancourt will be in at third base and Billy Butler moves up into the third spot in the lineup against lefty Francisco Liriano. Moustakas finished the month of June on a 0-for-13 skid, but he'll likely return to the lineup Monday against the Blue Jays. |
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| Jun 28 2012 | Moustakas went 1-for-3 and hit his 13th home run of the season against the Rays on Wednesday. | Moustakas has now hit safely in six of his last seven games and since being moved up to the three-hole in the order on Sunday, is 5-for-15 (.333) with three home runs and five RBI. He also has four runs scored and even kicked in a stolen base and remains a fantastic asset at the hot corner. |
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| Jun 24 2012 | Moustakas hit his 11th and 12th home runs of the season Sunday against St. Louis. | Moustakas has really found his power stroke this season after struggling last year. At .280/.347/.492 he's been a solid hitter all around, making him a huge value at third base for the Royals. |
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| Jun 16 2012 | Moustakas went 3-for-5 with a home run, two runs, and four RBI on Saturday against the Cardinals. | It was Moustakas' first home run since June 4 as he forcefully ended the slump he was stuck in. |
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| Jun 4 2012 | Moustakas went 3-for-4 with a home run, three runs scored, two RBI and two doubles Monday against the Twins. | Moustakas now has nine home runs and 14 doubles this season despite driving in only 27 runs. Billy Butler has been hitting ahead of him and has 35 RBI for the season, leaving Moustakas with fewer RBI opportunities. Despite that, he is still having a very solid campaign. |
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| May 29 2012 | Moustakas went 2-for-4 with a home run and four RBI to help lead the Royals past the Indians on Tuesday. | Moustakas smacked his eighth home run of the season in the first inning to give the Royals an early lead and then almost hit his ninth the following inning until replay showed it to be a foul ball. No matter, as he hit a two-RBI single a few pitches later anyway. Moustakas was on quite a roll for a little while and almost had the average up to .300 until a recent four-game slump. Still, a .273 average with eight home runs and 23 RBI is looking pretty good given the current state of third base this season. |
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| May 22 2012 | Batting clean-up this time, Moustakas went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run and a walk as the Royals beat the Yankees on Monday. | Manager Ned Yost continues to shuffle his lineup, this time batting Moustakas fourth, right behind Billy Butler. So long as these RBI opportunities keep coming, Moustakas should continue to deliver. He's now batting .295 with seven home runs and 19 RBI on the season. |
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| May 20 2012 | Moustakas has been moved up to the third spot in the batting order on Sunday, according to Joel Goldberg on Twitter. | Moustakas has been rock solid at the plate this season and with the struggles of Eric Hosmer and the inconsistencies from Alex Gordon, the only question about this move is why it hasn't happened sooner. Moustakas has hit safely in all but two games in the month of May with three home but only has five RBI due to the ineffectiveness of the hitters in front of him. If the table-setters at the top of the order do their job, Moustakas will knock them in, giving his fantasy owners some much improved run production. |
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| May 19 2012 | Moustakas went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and three runs scored in the Royals' win over the Diamondbacks on Saturday. | The home run was his sixth of the season, which surpassed his rookie total of five. Moustakas has played in six straight games after missing most of last weekend's series with a hamstring injury. |
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| May 15 2012 | Moustakas hit his fifth home run of the season Tuesday against the Rangers. | Moustakas is enjoying a .345 BABIP so far and probably can't maintain a .310 average, but it's tough to argue with the power right now. He has 11 doubles to go with the five home runs, and his .230 ISO is about as good as one can find at third base these days. |
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| May 12 2012 | Moustakas (hamstring) will sit out Saturday's game against the White Sox, Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports. | Moustakas' hamstring injury doesn't sound like a serious problem, but with lefty Chris Sale on the mound and the field wet, the Royals opted to sit their young third baseman. He should return to the lineup soon. |
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| May 11 2012 | Moustakas (hamstring) is back in the lineup Friday, the Royals' official Twitter feed reports. | With a day off Thursday following an absence Wednesday, it appears as though Moustakas is back to 100 percent following the minor ailment. |
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| May 10 2012 | Moustakas was scratched from Wednesday's lineup due to a sore hamstring, the Kansas City Star reports. | It has been termed more general soreness than an actual injury, according to manager Ned Yost, and Moustakas is expected to return to the lineup on Friday. He is currently hitting .311 with four home runs, 11 doubles and 15 RBI, and has hit safely in six of his last seven games. |
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| May 9 2012 | Moustakas is not in the lineup against the Red Sox on Wednesday, the Royals' official Twitter feed reports. | Irving Falu will play third base, while Moustakas should be available off the bench as no injury is being reported. |
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| May 3 2012 | Moustakas went 2-for-4 with a homer and three RBI in Thursday's win over the Yankees. | Moustakas homered for the second time in four games, and has recorded six multi-hit games in his last 10. |
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| Apr 30 2012 | Moustakas went 2-for-3 with a run scored, a home run and two RBI on Sunday. | Moustakas has now hit safely in six of his last seven with five multi-hit games. He has one home run and five RBI in that span and has raised his average to .315 for the year. While his average won't stay this high all year, there's no reason to think he can't hit .280 with 20 home runs by season's end. |
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| Apr 27 2012 | Moustakas went 2-for-4 with an RBI during Thursday's win over Cleveland. | Another multi-hit performance for the young third baseman who now has four in his last five games. Over that span he is 9-for-18 (.500) with two doubles, two RBI and is now batting .303 on the season. |
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| Apr 25 2012 | Moustakas went 2-for-4 with a run scored during Tuesday's loss to the Indians. | Lost amongst this horrific losing streak for the Royals is the fact that Moustakas has turned his slow start completely around and is now batting .300 for the season. Tuesday's effort was his third consecutive multi-hit game and his fifth in his last 10. Once the rest of the team picks itself up, Moustakas should see a nice increase in his RBI total. |
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| Apr 23 2012 | Moustakas went 3-for-4 with a double, a run scored and an RBI during Sunday's loss to the Blue Jays. | Mostakas had gotten off to a slow start but has now hit safely in four of his last five games and is 6-for-17 (.353) over that period. He is now batting a much more tolerable .269 and climbing. |
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| Apr 20 2012 | Moustakas was 1-for-3 with a solo home run, his second of the season, and added a walk Friday. | A notoriously slow starter, Moustakas is hitting just .239 on the young season, and will hope to heat up as the year moves along. |
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| Apr 16 2012 | Moustakas went 2-for-5 with two runs scored and an RBI during Sunday's loss to the Indians. | This was Moustakas' second consecutive multi-hit game and he has now hit safely in his last five as well as in all but two of his starts this season. The batting average should continue to climb as he finds his way this season and the power should follow. |
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| Apr 9 2012 | Moustakas is not in the lineup Monday, the Royals' official Twitter feed reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Yuniesky Betancourt is getting the nod with lefty Tom Milone on the mound for Oakland. It will be interesting to see if manager Ned Yost platoons Moustakas and Betancourt, or if this is just a day off for the young third baseman. |
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| Apr 8 2012 | Moustakas finished 1-for-4 and connected for his first home run of the season Saturday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas started to turn it up towards the end of the spring and seems to be ready to take his game up a level here in his first full season. He should be able to hit close to 20 homers this season if he stays healthy and maintains his plate discipline. |
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| Apr 2 2012 | Moustakas went 2-for-4 with a run scored and three RBI after belting his second home run of the spring. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was a slow start to the spring for Moustakas, but he has definitely shined over the last week or so. He makes for an excellent corner man after the top third baseman are all off the board. |
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| Mar 28 2012 | Moustakas hit his first home run of the spring and finished 2-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI during Tuesday's 9-7 win over the Brewers. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After a very slow start this spring that included a bruised knee and a stomach virus, Moustakas seems to have finally found his groove. Hopefully, this recent trend will continue and we can forget about the 16 strikeouts over 53 spring plate appearances. He should be a solid mid-to-late round option in mixed leagues this year. |
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| Mar 23 2012 | Moustakas went 2-for-3 on Wednesday to raise his spring average to .226. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: A bruised knee and a stomach virus knocked Moustakas down for a little bit, but he seems to be getting himself back on track. With the potential to hit 15-20 home runs and plate an RBI total near 70, Moustakas should be considered a solid option once the top third basemen come off the board. His value in keeper leagues is even a few ticks higher. |
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| Mar 20 2012 | In an effort to make up for missed time with a knee bruise and stomach ailment, Moustakas took at-bats in both the Royals' Double-A and Triple-A games on Monday according to the team's official site. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The games were being played on adjacent fields in Surprise, so Moustakas hustled back and forth between the two. "He's getting in a bunch of at-bats, catching up for some lost time, and [we are] just trying to get him more confident and feeling better at the dish," hitting coach Kevin Seitzer said. "This is really good for him." Moustakas homered in the Triple-A game and has shown no lingering effects form the injury or illness. |
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| Mar 17 2012 | Moustakas went 1-for-2 with a run scored during Friday's game against the Brewers. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After dealing with knee soreness from a HBP and then a stomach virus, Moustakas was able to play the last four innings of Friday's game. He is scheduled to play again Saturday night against the Padres and looks like he will be fine the rest of the way. |
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| Mar 16 2012 | Moustakas' knee soreness has subsided, but he's been scratched from Thursday's lineup with a stomach virus, Bob Dutton of the KC Star reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He should return to action in a few days, while the knee soreness was the great concern (alebit a minor one as well) in terms of Moustakas getting back on the field this week. |
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| Mar 14 2012 | Moustakas (knee) was scratched from Tuesday's lineup with soreness, Bob Dutton of the KC Star reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He told reporters earlier in the day that he was fine after getting hit by a pitch Monday. It's likely that Moustakas will be back on the field for game action by the end of the week as it sounds like a simple contusion. |
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| Feb 19 2012 | Moustakas and the Royals agreed to a contract Saturday, according to the Associated Press. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas will earn $487,250 this year as the Royals' third baseman. |
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| Sep 28 2011 | Moustakas went 2-for-3 with a triple and a stolen base Wednesday against the Twins. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Royals third base super-prospect played decent since being called up in June, posting a slash line of 26/5/30/.263. His power numbers should improve as he gets more comfortable at the major-league level and it will be great to see what he can do with a full season. |
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| Sep 26 2011 | Moustakas went 2-for-5 with a solo home run and a double Monday as the Royals defeated the Twins, 7-3. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas has eight multi-hit games in September and has seen his average increase from .232 to .257 since the month began. Look for Moustakas to be a possible breakout player in his first full season in the majors in 2012. |
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| Sep 23 2011 | Moustakas remained red hot Friday going 4-for-5 with a run scored in a Royals win over Chicago. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He has now hit in 11 straight going 21-for-46 (.457) over that stretch to raise his average to .259 on the season. Like several of the other young Royals hitters, he has a very bright future. |
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| Sep 16 2011 | Moustakas continued his recent hot hitting Friday night with a 3-for-4 effort, including his third home run of the season. He even chipped in with his first stolen base. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He now has a modest six game hitting streak, but has gone 11-for-23 during that stretch to raise his season average from .225 to .245 while contributing two of his three home runs. Still adjusting to major league pitching, he remains a very appealing part of the Royals youth movement and is worthy of considerable attention in keeper leagues. |
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| Sep 14 2011 | Moustakas went 3-for-4 with a double, two RBI and a run scored in Wednesday92s win over the Twins. Moustakas has a hit in five-straight games. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas' power has not yet made the jump to the big leagues. As a result, the rookie should be viewed as a viable keeper option. On the season, Moustakas is batting .238 with two home runs, 25 RBI and 19 runs scored. |
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| Sep 13 2011 | Moustakas hit just his second homer of the season in Tuesday's 4-0 win over Minnesota. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After showing a lot of power in his minor league career, Moustakas obviously hasn't been able to translate that part of his game just yet. Then again, he hasn't hit for average either, so it remains to be seen what type of role he'll have with the team in 2012, although one would assume he'll be given every opportunity considering his prospect status. |
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| Aug 27 2011 | Moustakas went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI in the Royals' loss to the Indians on Saturday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's never a ideal to have identical slugging and on-base percentages, but Moustakas is currently enjoying the best stretch of his MLB career. Saturday's pair of hits gave him a hit in 10 consecutive games, over which he has gone 18-for-35 (.514) with five doubles and six RBI and a flat 4:4 K:BB. It is also worth noting that Moustakas will not lose his job to a prospect when rosters expand in September, and that security could be beneficial in the season's final weeks. |
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| Aug 6 2011 | Moustakas went 1-for-4 with an RBI in Friday's loss to the Tigers. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas sat out the two games prior due to .194 batting average, so hopefully the short break helps him get things going at the dish. Moustakas will remain in the lineup Saturday and bat eighth against Tigers starter Justin Verlander. |
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| Aug 4 2011 | Moustakas is not in the lineup for the second straight game, reports Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas has not had the debut hoped of him, as his batting average still sits below .200 through 155 at-bats. The Royals are sitting him against Baltimore's left-handed starter Zach Britton, who was lit up in his last start, but Moustakas has just three hits against lefties this season. |
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| Aug 3 2011 | Moustakas is not in the starting lineup Wednesday, Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: In Moustakas' absence, Yamaico Navarro will get the nod at third base for Kansas City. |
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| Jul 25 2011 | Moustakas is not in the starting lineup Monday against Boston, the Royals' official Twitter feed reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mike Aviles is starting at third base for Kansas City, while Moustakas should be back in the mix again Tuesday. |
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| Jul 23 2011 | Moustakas went 2-for-3 with a double and three RBI in the Royals' win Saturday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas has served as the Royals' primary third baseman ever since they recalled him in mid-June, and the team's trade of Wilson Betemit rids him of a playing time pest. Moustakas' minor league power has yet to manifest in the majors, but it should eventually. |
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| Jul 20 2011 | Moustakas is not in the lineup Wednesday, the Royals' official Twitter feed reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wilson Betemit is starting at third base, but the possibility of a trade before the July 31 deadline should free up even more at-bats for Moustakas during the final two months of the season. |
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| Jul 9 2011 | Moustakas is not in Saturday's starting lineup, according to the Royals' official site. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas has gotten off to a slow start to his major league, hitting just one home run and batting .227, but hopefully he is settling in and is poised to show off his talents in the second half of the season. He will likely be back in the lineup Sunday. |
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| Jun 30 2011 | Moustakas is back in Wednesday's lineup against the Padres. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas has just one homer and one RBI through 59 at-bats, but Monday's two-hit effort has raised his average to .259 after dipping to .219 on June 21. |
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| Jun 29 2011 | Moustakas is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Padres, according to Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas will get the night off with lefty Clayton Richard on the mound for San Diego. Expect Moustakas to return to action for Wednesday's afternoon game. |
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| Jun 23 2011 | Moustakas went 2-for-4 on Wednesday against the Diamondbacks, his second multi-hit game of his major league career. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Due to the small sample size the performance raised his batting average from .219 to .250. He is still sitting on just one RBI that he recorded in his second game, a solo home run. |
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| Jun 19 2011 | Moustakas will not be in the starting lineup for Sunday's interleague series finale at St. Louis, the Kansas City Star reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Routine day off for Moustakas, who will sit in favor of Wilson Betemit at third base. |
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| Jun 15 2011 | Moustakas went 2-for-3 with a walk and two runs scored Tuesday against the Athletics | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas, who many thought would struggle initially, has gotten his career off to a fine start with at least one hit in each of his four games, including a home run on Saturday. He should be owned in all formats due to the lack of depth at the third base position this year. |
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| Mar 16 2011 | Moustakas has been sent to minor league camp, reports Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas is expected to take over the starting third base job for the Royals sometime this season, but they will begin the year with Mike Aviles at the hot corner. |
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| Feb 21 2011 | The Royals expect Moustakas to take over the starting third base job at some point this season, according to the team's official site. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: KC is leaning towards handing the job to Mike Aviles on Opening Day, but hope that Moustakas can earn the spot before long. The Royals are likely heading towards another losing season this year, so handing the job to a youngster with upside is probably an inevitability. |
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| Jan 3 2011 | According to mlb.com, Moustakas has a chance of winning the third-base job in spring training. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas will have to "burn up camp with his bat" to get the starting nod, but it isn't impossible. As it stands, it looks like Mike Aviles will start the season at third, but Moustakas is a close second in line. |
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| Sep 2 2010 | Moustakas is not expected to be among the Royals' September call-ups, according to the Kansas City Star. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Despite the fact the Royals are 20 games back, they aren't in a hurry to see what Moustakas can do against big-league pitching. Look for him to make a strong push to make the club out of spring training next March. |
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| Sep 1 2010 | Moustakas had a whopping 11 RBI in one game for Triple-A Omaha on Monday night, going 4-for-6 with three homers. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: This came on a day when he was named the Double-A Texas league player of the year. Between Double-A and Triple-A so far this year, Moustakas is hitting .326/.374/.637 with 34 homers. His batting eye could be improved a little, but it's been a wonderful year for him. |
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| Jun 5 2010 | The Royals do not plan on calling Moustakas up to the big leagues this year, according to the Kansas City Star. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas is absolutely raking in Double-A, batting .371 with a .452 OBP and 13 homers in 35 games. With the Royals primed to go nowhere this season, keeping Moustakas in a low-pressure situation while keeping his service clock idle doesn't seem like the worst idea in the world, even if Moustakas is proving himself advanced for the level of competition he's currently at. |
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| Mar 22 2010 | Moustakas is expected to be out until May with a strained right oblique, the Kansas City Star reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The injury isn't thought to be serious, but it'll keep Moustakas on the shelf for at least another six weeks or so. |
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| Mar 11 2010 | Moustakas was reassigned to the Royals' minor league camp Thursday, the Associated Press reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas, the team's top draft choice (second overall) in 2007 and an MLB.com Top 50 Prospect, drew some praise from manager Trey Hillman for his bat. "Offensively, honestly, he's got some of the best hitting hands I've seen," Hillman said. "He really understands his contact position. He's still working on his balance, working on getting off his backside. He'll find it." |
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| Jun 11 2003 | Moustakas went 1-for-3 with a walk and a run scored in his Royals debut Friday night. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After flying out and then drawing a walk in his first two plate appearances, Moustakas collected his first major league hit with a single in the sixth inning. He is slated to be the Royals everyday third baseman and should be added in all leagues due to his potential. |
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| Jun 9 2003 | Moustakas has been called up by the Royals, reports the team's official site. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Moustakas, like other recent Royals' callup Eric Hosmer, is a big time prospect. He will immediately become the everyday starter at third base and is worth a look in almost all leagues due to his upside. In Triple-A, he was hitting .287 with 10 home runs. |
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