Dairon

Blanco

It was Blanco’s fourth home run of the season and third in the last two games. Blanco hit a solo shot off Andrew Abbott in the fifth inning. He could be worth rostering in AL-Only leagues if he continues to start over MJ Melendez. Blanco is hitting .257 with 22 stolen bases this year. While his power surge could wear off, he has the speed to fall back on as long as he hits enough to play regularly.

Blanco had a game for the ages. He hit a two-run shot off Nick Lodolo in the second inning and then hit a grand slam off Buck Farmer in the third inning. Blanco has just three home runs on the year. He’s more known for his speed than his bat, but doesn’t figure to be a fantasy asset either way without an increase in playing time.

Isbel fouled a ball off his face in Saturday’s game and has now missed two straight games. There’s no indication that he’ll be out for an extended period of time, but he’s also just 11-for-52 (.212) in 17 games in May. Dairon Blanco will start in his place on Monday, and if the Royals ever decided to give Blanco regular playing time over Isbel, his speed would be a major difference-maker in fantasy leagues.

With J.P. Sears on the mound, the Royals will have Pasquantino grab a seat on the bench. Salvador Perez is starting at first base and Freddy Fermin is the starting backstop. The Royals will also have MJ Melendez open the game on the bench with Dairon Blanco starting in left field.

Blanco’s homer was his first, but his steals were his ninth and 10th in just 34 plate appearances this season. At this point, it certainly seems like he deserves a shot over the remains of Hunter Renfroe, and if he gets it, he’ll likely be an impact player in mixed leagues, thanks to his SB ability. He’s 38-for-44 stealing bases in 99 games as a major leaguer.

Massey has been on the shelf since last week due to lower back tightness. Royals manager Matt Quatraro also confirmed Saturday that Nick Loftin, Dairon Blanco and Matt Sauer have made the club’s Opening Day roster. Loftin figures to get some run at second base to open the year, while Blanco will function as a reserve outfielder.

Blanco exited Saturday’s game with cramping, but Royals manager Matt Quatraro said he will get an MRI on Monday “just to be safe.” The 31-year-old emerged as a bench asset for the Royals in 2023, slashing .258/.324/.452 with three home runs and 24 steals in 69 games. There doesn’t seem to be much to worry about here.

Waters opened the scoring in the contest, tagging left-hander Cody Bradford for his solo shot in the second inning. The 25-year-old outfielder currently looks to be on the fringe of the team’s Opening Day roster, so it’s nice to see him get off to a good start in Cactus League competition. He’ll be battling with Dairon Blanco and Kyle Isbel for playing time in center field.

Waters was lifted from Saturday’s contest due to left quad soreness. The Royals have nothing to play for on Sunday so they went the conservative route and left the 24-year-old on the bench. The switch-hitting outfielder hit .228/.300/.377 with eight homers and 16 stolen bases and should have a spot in the Royals outfield next season. Dairon Blanco will patrol center field in his absence.

Blanco is now up to 18 steals in 52 games despite not starting all of those. He usually starts about two or three games a week, but has delivered when called upon in the speed department. If you’re desperate for steals in deep leagues, he can still be an option.