The adjustments to the lineup constitute more than a simple reshuffling of the order. They’re wholesale changes, orchestrated by Royals manager Ned Yost to spark a team on the wrong side of the Mendoza Line over the past two weeks.
But they couldn’t wake a scuffling offense. Neither could a pair of dates against the worst pitching staff in the National League.
The Cincinnati Reds left Kauffman Stadium with a 7-0 win Wednesday, the latest staff to silence the Royals’ offense. They swept a two-game interleague series, allowing only one run across 19 innings.
Royals starter Hammel issued 7 1/3 innings, the initial six without allowing a run.