The Cincinnati Reds are in town, which normally would be merely a fun, unusual interleague matchup. But after the trade that brought Jonathan India to Kansas City in return for Brady Singer—the Royals’ top pick in the 2018 draft and first legit homegrown starting pitcher in ages—the matchup is now a homecoming for Singer and whatever the opposite of that is for India.
Before the game, India answered questions about what it was like to face the team that drafted him and if he had some tips for the team. He gave starting pitcher Nick Martinez props, and mentioned that he had faced Singer before but that it would be an interesting difference with Singer in red and India in blue. He also expressed gratitude for the Royals organization, saying that they had a “winning culture and do things the right way.”
On the Royals’ side, another fun part of today’s game is the Major League debut for outfielder John Rave. Rave told us before the game that when he was removed from the Omaha Storm Chasers’ game on Sunday, he didn’t know if he would be activated. But on the way to the airport, Rave got a call that he was being activated. He’s here and is in the lineup already.
Reds lineup
Royals lineup
As always: go Royals!