Ned Yost media session: August 17

When Royals manager Ned Yost met with the media this afternoon, Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas getting tonight’s game off was the first topic of discussion.  Yost said they are giving Hos the day off against the tough lefty Chris Sale and the same goes for Moose except they may give him an extra day or two off following tonight as well.  He said Moose has been “grinding” and working very hard which has caused his bat to slow down a bit therefore his body could use a break.  The Royals hope to give him this bit of a break and get him back on track and up to where he can be.  A media member asked if Moose’s knee has anything to do with the rest he is getting and Yost responded saying the knee still bothers him slightly, but it is something he can definitely play through, therefore it is not the reason for the break.

The next question was why the Royals are opting to go with left handed hitting Chris Getz in the leadoff spot in the order as opposed to right hander Lorenzo Cain since they are facing a lefty.  Yost simply answered that Getz’ numbers against Sale (.545 6-11) are great and he swings the bat very well making the decision rather simple.  Yost went on to say that traditionally Getzy has hit very well against lefties and has been one of the Royals better clutch hitters this season as well.  Getz does a very good job in both respects which is why they want him at the top tonight.  The question then was asked about how Getz is able to see the success he does against good left handed pitching.  Yost answered by saying he is tough at the plate, he hangs in there and has great hand-eye coordination.  He said he does not let the situation overcome him and he just finds a way to get the job done. 

Jeremy Jeffress was the last topic brought up by the media and the question was asked what the Royals like about him since he has been back up in Kansas City.  Yost simply said his ability to get through an inning and consistently throw strikes.  He said, however, he was a little erratic last night but still struck out the side.  Yost went on to say his six days off prior to last night’s appearance could have been the cause of the slight wildness.  Now that the starters are doing a very good job of going deeper into the game, it is a little more difficult to keep them sharp as opposed to when the starters had been struggling earlier this season and the bullpen was being over worked.  Yost said that is a difficulty they do not mind and they can definitely work with.