Kansas City Royals infielder Nick Loftin (wrist) is returning to the starting lineup on Thursday evening to face the Chicago Cubs. Loftin will cover the hot corner and bat cleanup. The 26-year-old was scratched before Sunday's contest due to wrist soreness. However, seeing Loftin return to the starting nine relatively quickly suggests the injury is not very serious. Through his first taste of spring training, the Baylor product has been quite effective as he has gone 6-for-11 with three RBI. Loftin is currently competing for a depth role in the Kansas City infield. Last season, he held a .189/.282/.336 line across 57 games. If he does make the 40-man roster, he will only have value as a reserve option in AL-only leagues.
Kansas City Royals infielder Nick Loftin (illness) exited Thursday's contest early due to an illness. Loftin returned to the starting nine in this game after missing most of the week due to a wrist injury. However, it appears Loftin may need to miss additional time. Before exiting, Loftin went 0-for-2 at the plate. Through seven spring training contests, Loftin has been productive as he has gone 6-for-13 with a .462/.588/.692 slash line with three doubles and a 4:3 BB:K ratio. Last season, the 26-year-old held a .189/.282/.236 slash line across 57 MLB contests. If he can continue this strong play during camp, he could earn a depth role in the Kansas City infield.
Kansas City Royals infielder Nick Loftin (wrist) was scratched from Sunday's starting lineup due to right wrist soreness. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring his status throughout the week in case he remains sidelined. Last season, Loftin logged a career-high 57 games at the MLB level. He held a .189/.282/.236 slash line with four doubles and one stolen base. He drew walks at a strong 11.1 percent rate and struck out at an elite 14.1 percent rate. In 58 contests with Triple-A Omaha, the Baylor product posted a .302/.409/.462 slash line with 13 doubles, seven home runs, and four stolen bases. He also showed a strong eye at the plate at this level, with an elite 37:37 BB:K ratio. When he returns to action, fantasy managers should expect Loftin to compete for a utility role in the Kansas City infield.
Kansas City Royals second baseman Nick Loftin went 1-for-3 with a homer, a walk, and three RBI in a 7-5 loss to the Oakland A's on Tuesday. Loftin launched a two-run homer off Oakland starter Hogan Harris in the second inning, a blast that traveled 394 feet and had an exit velocity of 102.5 MPH. The homer was the first in 141 career at-bats for Loftin. The 25-year-old is now hitting .253 with one homer, 13 runs, and 12 RBI across 79 at-bats for the Royals in 2024. Loftin will need to show a lot more at the plate to be considered worthy of a roster spot in fantasy leagues.
Kansas City Royals rookie third baseman Nick Loftin is making his major-league debut on Friday against the Boston Red Sox and left-hander James Paxton. He's serving as the designated hitter and is batting in the eight-hole. Kansas City's No. 5 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, got the call-up with rosters expanding on Friday after hitting .270/.344/.444 with 14 home runs, 13 doubles, 56 RBI, six stolen bases and 41 runs scored in 82 games played for Triple-A Omaha this year. The 24-year-old right-handed hitter from Baylor is extremely versatile as a defender, makes plenty of contact at the plate and has some sneaky power from the right side. Loftin doesn't stand out with his physicality, but he could see decent playing time down the stretch for the rebuilding Royals.
Nick Loftin
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