CHICAGO (AP) — The staggering Chicago White Sox lost their 16th straight game, extending a franchise record, as Michael Massey homered and Michael Wacha pitched seven strong innings to lead the Kansas City Royals to a 4-3 victory Tuesday night.

Bobby Witt Jr. ran his hitting streak to 12 games and had the first RBI in an eighth-inning rally that gave the Royals the lead for good.

“We’ve had big at-bats all year,” Massey said. “We know we’re capable.”

Chicago’s Andrew Vaughn homered for the second consecutive night and rookie Jonathan Cannon pitched seven terrific innings, allowing only Massey’s solo shot while walking three and striking out two. He gave way to rookie Fraser Ellard (0-1), who walked two in his major league debut to set the stage for Kansas City's comeback.

Down 2-1, the Royals got a bloop single from Witt to tie it before Vinnie Pasquantino hit a two-run single off Justin Anderson.

Vaughn had an RBI groundout in the bottom half, but Sam Long worked a clean ninth for his fourth career save and first this season.

Wacha (8-6) scattered five hits over seven innings, walking two and striking out five. He’s won five of his last six starts, and Kansas City has won 11 of 17.

“He was really good,” Pasquantino said. “It’s awesome to play behind him because you always feel like you’re in it.”

Chicago dropped to a major league-worst 27-83 and is threatening to break the record for most losses in a 162-game season, set by the expansion New York Mets when they finished with 120 in 1962.

“It’s not for the lack of effort. We’re busting our (tails) trying to get that win,” shortstop Nicky Lopez said. “It just always seems like there’s that one inning or one situation where we have to come through and we haven’t done that.”

It was a busy trade-deadline day for both teams. Kansas City acquired right-hander Lucas Erceg from Oakland for outfielder Jared Dickey and pitchers Mason Barnett and Will Klein. The move came after the Royals swapped minor league pitcher Jarold Rosado for White Sox infielder Paul DeJong.

Chicago designated hitter Eloy Jiménez went to Baltimore for left-hander Trey McGough and cash, and lefty Tanner Banks was traded to Philadelphia for minor league infielder William Bergolla.

A move many thought the White Sox might make never materialized. All-Star pitcher Garrett Crochet, the subject of much speculation in the weeks leading up to Tuesday’s deadline, is staying put. His demand for a new contract and a starting role from any potential new team reportedly affected the team’s ability to trade him. Chicago outfielder Luis Robert Jr. also remained with the club despite persistent trade talk.

Royals: RHP Jonathan Bowlan was recalled from Triple-A Omaha. INF Nick Lofton was optioned to Omaha and RHP John McMillon was designated for assignment.

White Sox: INF Lenyn Sosa was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte, LHP Fraser Ellard was promoted from Charlotte and former Los Angeles Dodgers INF Miguel Vargas was signed before the first pitch.

Kansas City’s Brady Singer (7-6, 2.82 ERA) faces fellow right-hander Drew Thorpe (3-2, 4.81) in the series finale Wednesday afternoon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722418991857.jpeg" alt="The Kansas City Royals from left, Salvador Perez, Sam Long (73), Vinnie Pasquantino (9) and Bobby Witt Jr. celebrate the team's 4-3 win over the Chicago White Sox after a baseball game Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)" />
 <figcaption>The Kansas City Royals from left, Salvador Perez, Sam Long (73), Vinnie Pasquantino (9) and Bobby Witt Jr. celebrate the team's 4-3 win over the Chicago White Sox after a baseball game Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)</figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO (AP) — The staggering Chicago White Sox lost their 16th straight game, extending a franchise record, as Michael Massey homered and Michael Wacha pitched seven strong innings to lead the Kansas City Royals to a 4-3 victory Tuesday night.Bobby Witt Jr. ran his hitting streak to 12 games and had the first RBI in an eighth-inning rally that gave the Royals the lead for good.“We’ve had big at-bats all year,” Massey said. “We know we’re capable.”Chicago’s Andrew Vaughn homered for the second consecutive night and rookie Jonathan Cannon pitched seven terrific innings, allowing only Massey’s solo shot while walking three and striking out two. He gave way to rookie Fraser Ellard (0-1), who walked two in his major league debut to set the stage for Kansas City's comeback.Down 2-1, the Royals got a bloop single from Witt to tie it before Vinnie Pasquantino hit a two-run single off Justin Anderson.Vaughn had an RBI groundout in the bottom half, but Sam Long worked a clean ninth for his fourth career save and first this season.Wacha (8-6) scattered five hits over seven innings, walking two and striking out five. He’s won five of his last six starts, and Kansas City has won 11 of 17.“He was really good,” Pasquantino said. “It’s awesome to play behind him because you always feel like you’re in it.”Chicago dropped to a major league-worst 27-83 and is threatening to break the record for most losses in a 162-game season, set by the expansion New York Mets when they finished with 120 in 1962.“It’s not for the lack of effort. We’re busting our (tails) trying to get that win,” shortstop Nicky Lopez said. “It just always seems like there’s that one inning or one situation where we have to come through and we haven’t done that.”It was a busy trade-deadline day for both teams. Kansas City acquired right-hander Lucas Erceg from Oakland for outfielder Jared Dickey and pitchers Mason Barnett and Will Klein. The move came after the Royals swapped minor league pitcher Jarold Rosado for White Sox infielder Paul DeJong.Chicago designated hitter Eloy Jiménez went to Baltimore for left-hander Trey McGough and cash, and lefty Tanner Banks was traded to Philadelphia for minor league infielder William Bergolla.A move many thought the White Sox might make never materialized. All-Star pitcher Garrett Crochet, the subject of much speculation in the weeks leading up to Tuesday’s deadline, is staying put. His demand for a new contract and a starting role from any potential new team reportedly affected the team’s ability to trade him. Chicago outfielder Luis Robert Jr. also remained with the club despite persistent trade talk.ROSTER MOVESRoyals: RHP Jonathan Bowlan was recalled from Triple-A Omaha. INF Nick Lofton was optioned to Omaha and RHP John McMillon was designated for assignment.White Sox: INF Lenyn Sosa was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte, LHP Fraser Ellard was promoted from Charlotte and former Los Angeles Dodgers INF Miguel Vargas was signed before the first pitch.UP NEXTKansas City’s Brady Singer (7-6, 2.82 ERA) faces fellow right-hander Drew Thorpe (3-2, 4.81) in the series finale Wednesday afternoon.___

 ⚾ Witt, Royals rally in the 8th to hand White Sox their 16th straight loss

The Kansas City Royals announced today that they have acquired right-handed pitcher Lucas Erceg from the Oakland Athletics for right-handed pitchers Mason Barnett and Will Klein, and outfielder Jared Dickey. 

Erceg (urr-seg), 29, has appeared in 38 games for the Athletics this season, going 2-3 with 3 saves and a 3.68 ERA (15 ER in 36.2 IP), 41 strikeouts (26.3 K%, 10.1 K/9) and just 13 walks (8.3 BB%, 3.2 BB/9). He has held opponents to a .133 batting average (4-for-30) with runners in scoring position, and since June 21, 12 of his 13 appearances have been scoreless. He features a four-pitch repertoire that includes a 4-seam fastball that averages 98.5 mph, which ranks as the 8th-fastest heater in the Majors and 4th in the American League (min. 500 pitches) per Baseball Savant. Erceg made his Major League debut with the A’s last year, going 4-4 with a 4.75 ERA (29 ER in 55.0 IP) with 68 strikeouts (27.1 K%, 11.1 K/9) and just 1 home run allowed. 

A native of San Jose, Calif., Erceg was originally selected by Milwaukee in the 2nd round of the 2016 Draft, and he spent his first four minor league seasons as a position player in their system before transitioning to a two-way player in 2021 with Double-A Biloxi. 

He split the 2022 season between Biloxi and Triple-A Nashville, working strictly as a pitcher, and was acquired by the A’s on May 17, 2023 for cash considerations. He made his big league debut two days later on May 19 at Houston. Barnett (MLB Pipeline’s No. 4 Royals prospect), has pitched in 19 games (18 starts) at Double-A Northwest Arkansas this season, striking out 109 batters in 91.2 innings, and was named Kansas City’s 2023 Paul Splittorff Award winner, given to the top minor league pitcher in the organization. 

Klein (MLB Pipeline’s No. 18 Royals prospect), made his Major League debut with the Royals on April 28 at Detroit and has pitched in 5 big league games this season, while spending the majority of the year in Triple-A Omaha. 

He pitched in last year’s All-Star Futures Game in Seattle, Wash. Dickey, 22, was Kansas City’s 11th-round pick out of the University of Tennessee in last year’s FirstYear Player Draft, and he has played in 81 games for High-A Quad Cities, batting .269 (78-for-290) with 24 extra-base hits (.784 OPS).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594154679736.jpeg" alt="KC Royals Logo 7.jpg" />
 <figcaption>KC Royals Logo 7.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas City Royals announced today that they have acquired right-handed pitcher Lucas Erceg from the Oakland Athletics for right-handed pitchers Mason Barnett and Will Klein, and outfielder Jared Dickey. Erceg (urr-seg), 29, has appeared in 38 games for the Athletics this season, going 2-3 with 3 saves and a 3.68 ERA (15 ER in 36.2 IP), 41 strikeouts (26.3 K%, 10.1 K/9) and just 13 walks (8.3 BB%, 3.2 BB/9). He has held opponents to a .133 batting average (4-for-30) with runners in scoring position, and since June 21, 12 of his 13 appearances have been scoreless. He features a four-pitch repertoire that includes a 4-seam fastball that averages 98.5 mph, which ranks as the 8th-fastest heater in the Majors and 4th in the American League (min. 500 pitches) per Baseball Savant. Erceg made his Major League debut with the A’s last year, going 4-4 with a 4.75 ERA (29 ER in 55.0 IP) with 68 strikeouts (27.1 K%, 11.1 K/9) and just 1 home run allowed. A native of San Jose, Calif., Erceg was originally selected by Milwaukee in the 2nd round of the 2016 Draft, and he spent his first four minor league seasons as a position player in their system before transitioning to a two-way player in 2021 with Double-A Biloxi. He split the 2022 season between Biloxi and Triple-A Nashville, working strictly as a pitcher, and was acquired by the A’s on May 17, 2023 for cash considerations. He made his big league debut two days later on May 19 at Houston. Barnett (MLB Pipeline’s No. 4 Royals prospect), has pitched in 19 games (18 starts) at Double-A Northwest Arkansas this season, striking out 109 batters in 91.2 innings, and was named Kansas City’s 2023 Paul Splittorff Award winner, given to the top minor league pitcher in the organization. Klein (MLB Pipeline’s No. 18 Royals prospect), made his Major League debut with the Royals on April 28 at Detroit and has pitched in 5 big league games this season, while spending the majority of the year in Triple-A Omaha. He pitched in last year’s All-Star Futures Game in Seattle, Wash. Dickey, 22, was Kansas City’s 11th-round pick out of the University of Tennessee in last year’s FirstYear Player Draft, and he has played in 81 games for High-A Quad Cities, batting .269 (78-for-290) with 24 extra-base hits (.784 OPS).

Royals acquire infielder Paul DeJong from White Sox

Kansas senior cornerback Cobee Bryant was one of 75 defensive standouts named to the 2024 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List, which was announced Tuesday by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA).

The Bronko Nagurski Trophy honors the National Defensive Player of the Year. The FWAA has chosen the winner since 1993, and in 1995 they named the award in honor of the legendary two-way player from the University of Minnesota. Nagurski dominated college football, then became a star for professional football’s Chicago Bears in the 1930’s. Bronislaw “Bronko” Nagurski is a charter member of both the College Football and Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Bryant becomes the fourth Jayhawk named to a preseason watch list, joining quarterback Jalon Daniels and running back Devin Neal, who were selected to the Maxwell Award Watch List, and long snapper Luke Hosford, who earned a spot on the Patrick Mannelly Award Watch List on Monday.&nbsp;

A native of Evergreen, Alabama, Bryant is a preseason All-Big 12 selection in 2024 after earning All-Big 12 First Team honors in each of the past two seasons. He has become the first Kansas defensive back to earn first team all-conference honors in consecutive seasons since Aqib Talib in 2006-07. Bryant finished the 2023 season with 32 tackles, 4 interceptions and 9 pass breakups. He enters his senior season tied for eighth in school history with nine interceptions and his two career interceptions returned for a touchdown are tied for the school record.&nbsp;

The FWAA All-America Committee, after voting input from the association’s full membership, selects a 26-man All-America Team and eventually the Nagurski Trophy finalists.&nbsp;The FWAA and the&nbsp;Charlotte Touchdown Club&nbsp;will announce&nbsp;finalists for the 2024 trophy&nbsp;on Nov. 20&nbsp;and the winner will be unveiled&nbsp;Dec. 9&nbsp;at the Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet in Charlotte, N.C.

Players may be added or removed from the watch list during the course of the season. The FWAA will announce a National Defensive Player of the Week each Tuesday this season. If not already on the watch list, each week’s honored player will be added at that time.

The Bronko Nagurski Trophy is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA). Founded in 1997, the NCFAA includes college football’s most prestigious awards, and its 24 awards have honored more than 900 recipients dating back to 1935. This season, 12 NCFAA awards will honor national players of the week each Tuesday.

2024 Kansas Football Preseason Watch Lists:

Maxwell Award – QB Jalon Daniels, RB Devin Neal

Patrick Mannelly Award – LS Luke Hosford

Bronko Nagurski Award – CB Cobee Bryant

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722358307593.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas senior cornerback Cobee Bryant was one of 75 defensive standouts named to the 2024 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List, which was announced Tuesday by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA).The Bronko Nagurski Trophy honors the National Defensive Player of the Year. The FWAA has chosen the winner since 1993, and in 1995 they named the award in honor of the legendary two-way player from the University of Minnesota. Nagurski dominated college football, then became a star for professional football’s Chicago Bears in the 1930’s. Bronislaw “Bronko” Nagurski is a charter member of both the College Football and Pro Football Hall of Fame.Bryant becomes the fourth Jayhawk named to a preseason watch list, joining quarterback Jalon Daniels and running back Devin Neal, who were selected to the Maxwell Award Watch List, and long snapper Luke Hosford, who earned a spot on the Patrick Mannelly Award Watch List on Monday.&nbsp;A native of Evergreen, Alabama, Bryant is a preseason All-Big 12 selection in 2024 after earning All-Big 12 First Team honors in each of the past two seasons. He has become the first Kansas defensive back to earn first team all-conference honors in consecutive seasons since Aqib Talib in 2006-07. Bryant finished the 2023 season with 32 tackles, 4 interceptions and 9 pass breakups. He enters his senior season tied for eighth in school history with nine interceptions and his two career interceptions returned for a touchdown are tied for the school record.&nbsp;The FWAA All-America Committee, after voting input from the association’s full membership, selects a 26-man All-America Team and eventually the Nagurski Trophy finalists.&nbsp;The FWAA and the&nbsp;Charlotte Touchdown Club&nbsp;will announce&nbsp;finalists for the 2024 trophy&nbsp;on Nov. 20&nbsp;and the winner will be unveiled&nbsp;Dec. 9&nbsp;at the Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet in Charlotte, N.C.Players may be added or removed from the watch list during the course of the season. The FWAA will announce a National Defensive Player of the Week each Tuesday this season. If not already on the watch list, each week’s honored player will be added at that time.The Bronko Nagurski Trophy is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA). Founded in 1997, the NCFAA includes college football’s most prestigious awards, and its 24 awards have honored more than 900 recipients dating back to 1935. This season, 12 NCFAA awards will honor national players of the week each Tuesday.2024 Kansas Football Preseason Watch Lists:Maxwell Award – QB Jalon Daniels, RB Devin NealPatrick Mannelly Award – LS Luke HosfordBronko Nagurski Award – CB Cobee Bryant

Cobee Bryant recognized on Bronko Nagurski Watch List

CHICAGO (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr.'s grand slam — and fourth hit of the game — capped Kansas City's six-run, eighth inning rally and the Royals beat the Chicago White Sox 8-5 on Monday night.

Witt lofted the first pitch he saw from John Brebbia, a low slider, into the left-center stands for 19th homer and third career grand slam. Witt also singled twice and doubled as the Royals handed the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chicago-white-sox-1962-mets-4423a0be1c5412aacdf4030a736f1938">major league worst White Sox</a>&nbsp;a franchise-record 15th straight loss.

Witt extended his hitting streak to 11 games. The 24-year-old All-Star shortstop is batting .545 (24 for 44) during the surge.

“I'm just trying to be ready for every pitch because you never know what your going to get in the big leagues,” Witt said. “These pitchers are good so you just want to be prepared.”

With Kansas City trailing 5-2 entering the eight, Hunter Renfroe and MJ Melendez hit back-to-back solo drives off reliever Steven Wilson. Brebbia (0-6) hit Adam Frazier with a pitch and issued a walk to Michael Massey before&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/bobby-witt-jr-hits-a-grand-slam-19-to-left-center-field-maikel-garcia-sco">Witt connected</a>.

“Those guys put together good at-bats, so I had to do my part,” Witt said. “There was always kind of a momentum swing or whatever it is, but I think that we just believe in ourselves.”

The Royals improved to 58-49 and remained in position for the final AL Wild Card.

“There were so many things that went well tonight, but Bobby's definitely the headline," Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “Great, great poise to not try to do too much and he's just got so much talent, so much bat speed and power.”

Luis Robert Jr. had three hits and an RBI, and Andrew Vaughn added a solo shot for the White Sox. At 27-82, Chicago is 55 games below. 500 for the first time in franchise history and has a worse record than the 1962 New York Mets (29-80) through 109 games.

Andrew Benintendi drove in a run with a double, then Paul DeJong followed with an RBI single in Chicago's two-run sixth to put Chicago ahead. But the White Sox blew a save for an MLB-leading 27th time.

“I thought our two best guys (Wilson and Brebbia) were on the mound," Chicago manager Pedro Grifol said. “Those are the two guys we wanted at the end of the game.”

“He's a superstar,” Grifol said. “You see how he impacts the game in every single facet of the game.”

Chris Stratton (3-3), the second of four Kansas City relievers, got four outs for the win despite allowing a run on two hits. James McArthur pitched a perfect ninth for his 18th save.

Royals starter Alec Marsh allowed two runs on six hits in 4 2/3 innings. Chicago's Chris Flexen allowed two runs while scattering nine hits over six innings.

The White Sox took a 1-0 lead in the first on Gavin Sheets’ RBI single.

The Royals tied it in the third when Witt raced home from third on Salvador Perez’s tapper in front of the plate. Robert’s RBI single in the fifth tied it 2-all and chased Marsh.

Vaughn's 12th homer of the season, in the seventh, made it 5-2.

Kansas City acquired right-hander Michael Lorenzen from Texas for minor league left-hander reliever Walter Pennington on Monday. Lorenzen is 5-6 with a 3.81 ERA in 19 games (18 starts) for the Rangers, but Royals manager Matt Quatraro wasn’t sure about the versatile righty's arrival date or exact role.

The White Sox traded starting pitcher Erick Fedde and outfielder Tommy Pham to the Cardinals as part of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cardinals-dodgers-white-sox-trade-2e07e25562b90be4b398559639403b7c">three-team deal involving seven players</a>. Chicago also sent hard-throwing reliever Michael Kopech to the NL West-leading Dodgers.

The Dodgers sent infield prospects Miguel Vargas, Alexander Albertus and Jeral Perez to Chicago. Manager Pedro Grifol expects to insert Vargas into the lineup once he arrives.

The White Sox called up outfielder Dominic Fletcher, left-hander Sammy Peralta and right-hander Touki Toussaint on Monday to fill the holes on their roster after trading away Fedde, Pham and Kopech.

RHP Davis Martin, who made his first appearance in relief on Saturday following Tommy John surgery 11 months ago, will take Fedde’s place in the rotation, Grifol said.

Royals: RHP Hunter Harvey, who left Sunday’s 7-3 loss to the Cubs with back spasms, was “feeling way better” on Monday, Quatraro said and was playing catch. … RHP John Schreiber was diagnosed with right patellar tendon inflammation after tweaking his knee covering first base Sunday. He’ll have an injection and will be out for an unspecified time.

Royals RHP Michael Wacha (7-6, 3.65 ERA) faces White Sox rookie RHP Jonathan Cannon (1-5, 4.43) on Tuesday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722333036948.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. is doused as his team celebrates after their win over the Chicago White Sox in a baseball game Monday, July 29, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. is doused as his team celebrates after their win over the Chicago White Sox in a baseball game Monday, July 29, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)</figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr.'s grand slam — and fourth hit of the game — capped Kansas City's six-run, eighth inning rally and the Royals beat the Chicago White Sox 8-5 on Monday night.Witt lofted the first pitch he saw from John Brebbia, a low slider, into the left-center stands for 19th homer and third career grand slam. Witt also singled twice and doubled as the Royals handed the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chicago-white-sox-1962-mets-4423a0be1c5412aacdf4030a736f1938">major league worst White Sox</a>&nbsp;a franchise-record 15th straight loss.Witt extended his hitting streak to 11 games. The 24-year-old All-Star shortstop is batting .545 (24 for 44) during the surge.“I'm just trying to be ready for every pitch because you never know what your going to get in the big leagues,” Witt said. “These pitchers are good so you just want to be prepared.”With Kansas City trailing 5-2 entering the eight, Hunter Renfroe and MJ Melendez hit back-to-back solo drives off reliever Steven Wilson. Brebbia (0-6) hit Adam Frazier with a pitch and issued a walk to Michael Massey before&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/bobby-witt-jr-hits-a-grand-slam-19-to-left-center-field-maikel-garcia-sco">Witt connected</a>.“Those guys put together good at-bats, so I had to do my part,” Witt said. “There was always kind of a momentum swing or whatever it is, but I think that we just believe in ourselves.”The Royals improved to 58-49 and remained in position for the final AL Wild Card.“There were so many things that went well tonight, but Bobby's definitely the headline," Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “Great, great poise to not try to do too much and he's just got so much talent, so much bat speed and power.”Luis Robert Jr. had three hits and an RBI, and Andrew Vaughn added a solo shot for the White Sox. At 27-82, Chicago is 55 games below. 500 for the first time in franchise history and has a worse record than the 1962 New York Mets (29-80) through 109 games.Andrew Benintendi drove in a run with a double, then Paul DeJong followed with an RBI single in Chicago's two-run sixth to put Chicago ahead. But the White Sox blew a save for an MLB-leading 27th time.“I thought our two best guys (Wilson and Brebbia) were on the mound," Chicago manager Pedro Grifol said. “Those are the two guys we wanted at the end of the game.”But they were beaten, finally by Witt.“He's a superstar,” Grifol said. “You see how he impacts the game in every single facet of the game.”Chris Stratton (3-3), the second of four Kansas City relievers, got four outs for the win despite allowing a run on two hits. James McArthur pitched a perfect ninth for his 18th save.Royals starter Alec Marsh allowed two runs on six hits in 4 2/3 innings. Chicago's Chris Flexen allowed two runs while scattering nine hits over six innings.The White Sox took a 1-0 lead in the first on Gavin Sheets’ RBI single.The Royals tied it in the third when Witt raced home from third on Salvador Perez’s tapper in front of the plate. Robert’s RBI single in the fifth tied it 2-all and chased Marsh.Vaughn's 12th homer of the season, in the seventh, made it 5-2.Kansas City acquired right-hander Michael Lorenzen from Texas for minor league left-hander reliever Walter Pennington on Monday. Lorenzen is 5-6 with a 3.81 ERA in 19 games (18 starts) for the Rangers, but Royals manager Matt Quatraro wasn’t sure about the versatile righty's arrival date or exact role.The White Sox traded starting pitcher Erick Fedde and outfielder Tommy Pham to the Cardinals as part of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cardinals-dodgers-white-sox-trade-2e07e25562b90be4b398559639403b7c">three-team deal involving seven players</a>. Chicago also sent hard-throwing reliever Michael Kopech to the NL West-leading Dodgers.The Dodgers sent infield prospects Miguel Vargas, Alexander Albertus and Jeral Perez to Chicago. Manager Pedro Grifol expects to insert Vargas into the lineup once he arrives.ROSTER MOVESThe White Sox called up outfielder Dominic Fletcher, left-hander Sammy Peralta and right-hander Touki Toussaint on Monday to fill the holes on their roster after trading away Fedde, Pham and Kopech.RHP Davis Martin, who made his first appearance in relief on Saturday following Tommy John surgery 11 months ago, will take Fedde’s place in the rotation, Grifol said.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: RHP Hunter Harvey, who left Sunday’s 7-3 loss to the Cubs with back spasms, was “feeling way better” on Monday, Quatraro said and was playing catch. … RHP John Schreiber was diagnosed with right patellar tendon inflammation after tweaking his knee covering first base Sunday. He’ll have an injection and will be out for an unspecified time.UP NEXTRoyals RHP Michael Wacha (7-6, 3.65 ERA) faces White Sox rookie RHP Jonathan Cannon (1-5, 4.43) on Tuesday night.

⚾ Bobby Witt Jr. hits grand slam as Royals top the White Sox 

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR STEVE&nbsp;<a></a>SPAGNUOLO

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“I think the last time we talked we hadn’t been in pads yet, so we’ve had three days in pads which was good. Most of you guys were here – I didn’t think the first day in pads was very good for us or maybe it was the second day, the day we had the short yardage goal line. But I thought the guys stepped it up after that, after we challenged them in meetings. Today was a 10-10-10 (practice) so it was kind of more execution and mental. We’ve got a long way to go, we’ve got a lot of guys banged up so we’re kind of working through that but with that I’ll just open it up. Fire away.”&nbsp;

Q:&nbsp;How do you see the dynamic&nbsp;between&nbsp;Nick Bolton and Drue Tranquill&nbsp;as they share the field?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Yeah&nbsp;they –&nbsp;listen the one thing about both those guys is they’re both&nbsp;very&nbsp;cerebral (and) very smart, so I think they feed off&nbsp;each other that way. That goes a long&nbsp;way when – I’ll bet if you ask d-linemen&nbsp;they’d tell you that they appreciate the guys that are behind them&nbsp;are really sharp. They’re ahead of things, you know watch out for this&nbsp;motion, watch out for&nbsp;that shift,&nbsp;they changed&nbsp;a d-line&nbsp;here.&nbsp;When you have two guys that can do that instead of just one, I think it makes everything go a little bit like that (interlocking all fingers together).&nbsp;I think the rest of the defense knows that about those two guys&nbsp;and&nbsp;really rely on them. I mean I watch DBs go over and ask Drue (Tranquill)&nbsp;and&nbsp;Nick (Bolton) questions about&nbsp;-&nbsp;I think&nbsp;it might even be playing DB&nbsp;or&nbsp;something in&nbsp;the defense&nbsp;because they know that those two guys know exactly what’s going on.”

Q:&nbsp;Is it important to have that pecking order&nbsp;of where guys&nbsp;are&nbsp;at corner back specifically?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Well, we know who our number one is, right? We all know that.&nbsp;We’re just trying to find guys&nbsp;- we’re going to have to find our next two best players,&nbsp;however&nbsp;that works out. I mean we know&nbsp;NJ&nbsp;-&nbsp;Nazeeh (Johnson)&nbsp;dealing with his little injury right now.Josh&nbsp;(Joshua Williams) has been out there (and) Kelvin (Joseph)&nbsp;– it’s a lot of guys mixing in&nbsp;there, but somebody’s&nbsp;got to surface and if&nbsp;not,it gets tough. You know, you can have the best pass rush in the world, but these&nbsp;receivers&nbsp;get open quick if you’re not able to cover them so. We got some developing to do. We certainly miss LJ&nbsp;(Tennessee Titans CB&nbsp;L’Jarius Sneed), but&nbsp;somebody’s got to step up there and take that. But I’m waiting for somebody to&nbsp;you know&nbsp;assert themselves and&nbsp;say,&nbsp;‘I’m that guy that can do it.’”

Q:&nbsp;During camp&nbsp;are you&nbsp;asking&nbsp;Trent McDuffie&nbsp;to be more aggressive in terms of&nbsp;what you mentioned about takeaways and trying to get your hands on the ball as much as possible?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“He’s got a natural feel for all of&nbsp;that,&nbsp;and&nbsp;I meanlook,&nbsp;he’s waiting for his first&nbsp;NFL&nbsp;interception, right? I told him this before&nbsp;- you know he got voted- didn’t&nbsp;he get voted&nbsp;All-Pro by his peers last year? I thought that was the hugest compliment&nbsp;to a DB that did not have an interception because&nbsp;that tells you all you need to know.&nbsp;So,&nbsp;to your point, he does a lot of things really&nbsp;good&nbsp;and&nbsp;I’llguarantee you he’s got his eyeballs on trying to get a couple of picks this year.&nbsp;The other thing he does a really good job&nbsp;of&nbsp;is he’s created some fumbles by having a knack for&nbsp;(pretends to hit ball underhand)getting&nbsp;it&nbsp;out, we need all of that from all those guys.”

Q:&nbsp;Your top three linebackers – Nick Bolton, Drue Tranquill, and Leo Chenal&nbsp;- how do you see them this year role wise?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“I mean look those are our base&nbsp;linebackers,&nbsp;those are the three. Then we try to get them in (and) mix them in there sometimes and you know other downs and distances (and) possible third down. I think all three of those guys are – have certain skill sets that we would like to use. You know get them out there - now, when you got three linebackers in there somebody’s coming out. There’s one less DB or one less d-lineman, so we got to work our way through that. One of the things we do like being is multiple and when guys can play different positions – like Leo (Chenal), he’s kind of all over the place (and) Drue (Tranquill) is. Drue has got to play some mike linebacker. You get to about next week, I talked about it with the staff the other day, you got to start thinking about guys in dual roles now – because pretty soon, it’s not whatever the number is out there, 90. It’s not 90 guys anymore and all the sudden our number of guys shrank, so guys are going to have to have dual responsibilities.”

Q: How good do you think this team will be defensively?

MCDUFFIE:&nbsp;“I think, again, I think&nbsp;the confidence is just become even more.&nbsp;I think that’s the biggest thing for this defense out here is just – we’ve gone through all the bumps and bruises. You know what I mean? We worked back last year losing some games and having to fight through playoffs and going to away games, and adversity. So, coming back, I think the big thing for us is just welcoming these new guys in. Showing&nbsp;them&nbsp;this is the standard, this is how we practice, this is how we do things&nbsp;– the rookies and even the new guys that we just brought in. I feel like everybody’s&nbsp;really just&nbsp;honed it in, and took it on the chin, and just rolled with the punches.”

Q:&nbsp;Titans CB L’Jarius Sneed shut down veteran receivers&nbsp;last year when with the Chiefs. How do you feel about doing that this upcoming season?

MCDUFFIE: “I mean I told&nbsp;(Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo)&nbsp;Spags&nbsp;(that)&nbsp;wherever he needs me&nbsp;–&nbsp;like I always said,‘that’s where you can put me.’&nbsp;I’m going against the best of the best,&nbsp;you know,&nbsp;that’s why we play this game, to go against the best of the best.&nbsp;Being able to compete,&nbsp;no matter who it’s against,&nbsp;I'm ready to do that.”

Q:&nbsp;What do you see from Jaden Hicks&nbsp;as rookie&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bryan Cookcoming back from injury?

MCDUFFIE: “Jaden’s&nbsp;(Hicks)&nbsp;doing great. They have him playing a few different positions,&nbsp;which I know as a safety,&nbsp;can be difficult&nbsp;inthis playbook but&nbsp;he’s asking all the right questions.&nbsp;You can tell&nbsp;each and every&nbsp;day he’s&nbsp;coming in and taking notes and focusing in and trying to do everything the&nbsp;correct&nbsp;way. Which you love to see on the back end because doing what he is doing is&nbsp;pretty difficult. Just seeinghis&nbsp;growth&nbsp;from spring to now has been huge,&nbsp;so I’m excited for him.&nbsp;You know,&nbsp;B&nbsp;(Bryan)&nbsp;Cook, (I)&nbsp;love the energy.&nbsp;I mean,&nbsp;you miss a guy like that out there that finishes every play. You see him&nbsp;each and every&nbsp;play,&nbsp;running down the field eighty yards to go tackle the ball carrier. (He’s)&nbsp;one of those dudes that can go sideline-to-sideline. He’s a vet,&nbsp;he came with me, you know, (he’s) one of my&nbsp;good friends, so I’m excited for him to have a full-year healthy.”

Q:&nbsp;What is it like having Joe Thuney back?&nbsp;

HUMPHREY:&nbsp;“It’s great. Getting to have him back doing some group install stuff, some&nbsp;indy&nbsp;(individual) stuff, it’s been good.&nbsp;Obviously, he’s a&nbsp;big-time&nbsp;leader for us, he has a ton of experienceand he’s a heck of a player so whenever you get a guy like that back, it’s great.”

Q:&nbsp;What are you guys doing to keep yourselves healthy and prevent injuries in this training camp heat?&nbsp;

HUMPHREY:&nbsp;“It’s a lot of recovery after practice, a&nbsp;lot&nbsp;of&nbsp;rehydration,&nbsp;(and)&nbsp;things like that. The training staff does a great job. (The) strength (and conditioning) staff does a great job. The&nbsp;nutrition staff, everybody,&nbsp;does a great job with us and getting us back to where we need to be for practice the next day.”&nbsp;

Q:&nbsp;What have you learned about this offensive line unit&nbsp;so far&nbsp;with pads now on?&nbsp;

Chiefs&nbsp;Coordinator&nbsp;QuotesJuly&nbsp;29, 2024DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR STEVE&nbsp;<a></a>SPAGNUOLOOPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“I think the last time we talked we hadn’t been in pads yet, so we’ve had three days in pads which was good. Most of you guys were here – I didn’t think the first day in pads was very good for us or maybe it was the second day, the day we had the short yardage goal line. But I thought the guys stepped it up after that, after we challenged them in meetings. Today was a 10-10-10 (practice) so it was kind of more execution and mental. We’ve got a long way to go, we’ve got a lot of guys banged up so we’re kind of working through that but with that I’ll just open it up. Fire away.”&nbsp;Q:&nbsp;How do you see the dynamic&nbsp;between&nbsp;Nick Bolton and Drue Tranquill&nbsp;as they share the field?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Yeah&nbsp;they –&nbsp;listen the one thing about both those guys is they’re both&nbsp;very&nbsp;cerebral (and) very smart, so I think they feed off&nbsp;each other that way. That goes a long&nbsp;way when – I’ll bet if you ask d-linemen&nbsp;they’d tell you that they appreciate the guys that are behind them&nbsp;are really sharp. They’re ahead of things, you know watch out for this&nbsp;motion, watch out for&nbsp;that shift,&nbsp;they changed&nbsp;a d-line&nbsp;here.&nbsp;When you have two guys that can do that instead of just one, I think it makes everything go a little bit like that (interlocking all fingers together).&nbsp;I think the rest of the defense knows that about those two guys&nbsp;and&nbsp;really rely on them. I mean I watch DBs go over and ask Drue (Tranquill)&nbsp;and&nbsp;Nick (Bolton) questions about&nbsp;-&nbsp;I think&nbsp;it might even be playing DB&nbsp;or&nbsp;something in&nbsp;the defense&nbsp;because they know that those two guys know exactly what’s going on.”Q:&nbsp;Is it important to have that pecking order&nbsp;of where guys&nbsp;are&nbsp;at corner back specifically?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Well, we know who our number one is, right? We all know that.&nbsp;We’re just trying to find guys&nbsp;- we’re going to have to find our next two best players,&nbsp;however&nbsp;that works out. I mean we know&nbsp;NJ&nbsp;-&nbsp;Nazeeh (Johnson)&nbsp;dealing with his little injury right now.Josh&nbsp;(Joshua Williams) has been out there (and) Kelvin (Joseph)&nbsp;– it’s a lot of guys mixing in&nbsp;there, but somebody’s&nbsp;got to surface and if&nbsp;not,it gets tough. You know, you can have the best pass rush in the world, but these&nbsp;receivers&nbsp;get open quick if you’re not able to cover them so. We got some developing to do. We certainly miss LJ&nbsp;(Tennessee Titans CB&nbsp;L’Jarius Sneed), but&nbsp;somebody’s got to step up there and take that. But I’m waiting for somebody to&nbsp;you know&nbsp;assert themselves and&nbsp;say,&nbsp;‘I’m that guy that can do it.’”Q:&nbsp;During camp&nbsp;are you&nbsp;asking&nbsp;Trent McDuffie&nbsp;to be more aggressive in terms of&nbsp;what you mentioned about takeaways and trying to get your hands on the ball as much as possible?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“He’s got a natural feel for all of&nbsp;that,&nbsp;and&nbsp;I meanlook,&nbsp;he’s waiting for his first&nbsp;NFL&nbsp;interception, right? I told him this before&nbsp;- you know he got voted- didn’t&nbsp;he get voted&nbsp;All-Pro by his peers last year? I thought that was the hugest compliment&nbsp;to a DB that did not have an interception because&nbsp;that tells you all you need to know.&nbsp;So,&nbsp;to your point, he does a lot of things really&nbsp;good&nbsp;and&nbsp;I’llguarantee you he’s got his eyeballs on trying to get a couple of picks this year.&nbsp;The other thing he does a really good job&nbsp;of&nbsp;is he’s created some fumbles by having a knack for&nbsp;(pretends to hit ball underhand)getting&nbsp;it&nbsp;out, we need all of that from all those guys.”Q:&nbsp;Your top three linebackers – Nick Bolton, Drue Tranquill, and Leo Chenal&nbsp;- how do you see them this year role wise?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“I mean look those are our base&nbsp;linebackers,&nbsp;those are the three. Then we try to get them in (and) mix them in there sometimes and you know other downs and distances (and) possible third down. I think all three of those guys are – have certain skill sets that we would like to use. You know get them out there - now, when you got three linebackers in there somebody’s coming out. There’s one less DB or one less d-lineman, so we got to work our way through that. One of the things we do like being is multiple and when guys can play different positions – like Leo (Chenal), he’s kind of all over the place (and) Drue (Tranquill) is. Drue has got to play some mike linebacker. You get to about next week, I talked about it with the staff the other day, you got to start thinking about guys in dual roles now – because pretty soon, it’s not whatever the number is out there, 90. It’s not 90 guys anymore and all the sudden our number of guys shrank, so guys are going to have to have dual responsibilities.”CB TRENT MCDUFFIEQ: How good do you think this team will be defensively?MCDUFFIE:&nbsp;“I think, again, I think&nbsp;the confidence is just become even more.&nbsp;I think that’s the biggest thing for this defense out here is just – we’ve gone through all the bumps and bruises. You know what I mean? We worked back last year losing some games and having to fight through playoffs and going to away games, and adversity. So, coming back, I think the big thing for us is just welcoming these new guys in. Showing&nbsp;them&nbsp;this is the standard, this is how we practice, this is how we do things&nbsp;– the rookies and even the new guys that we just brought in. I feel like everybody’s&nbsp;really just&nbsp;honed it in, and took it on the chin, and just rolled with the punches.”Q:&nbsp;Titans CB L’Jarius Sneed shut down veteran receivers&nbsp;last year when with the Chiefs. How do you feel about doing that this upcoming season?MCDUFFIE: “I mean I told&nbsp;(Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo)&nbsp;Spags&nbsp;(that)&nbsp;wherever he needs me&nbsp;–&nbsp;like I always said,‘that’s where you can put me.’&nbsp;I’m going against the best of the best,&nbsp;you know,&nbsp;that’s why we play this game, to go against the best of the best.&nbsp;Being able to compete,&nbsp;no matter who it’s against,&nbsp;I'm ready to do that.”Q:&nbsp;What do you see from Jaden Hicks&nbsp;as rookie&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bryan Cookcoming back from injury?MCDUFFIE: “Jaden’s&nbsp;(Hicks)&nbsp;doing great. They have him playing a few different positions,&nbsp;which I know as a safety,&nbsp;can be difficult&nbsp;inthis playbook but&nbsp;he’s asking all the right questions.&nbsp;You can tell&nbsp;each and every&nbsp;day he’s&nbsp;coming in and taking notes and focusing in and trying to do everything the&nbsp;correct&nbsp;way. Which you love to see on the back end because doing what he is doing is&nbsp;pretty difficult. Just seeinghis&nbsp;growth&nbsp;from spring to now has been huge,&nbsp;so I’m excited for him.&nbsp;You know,&nbsp;B&nbsp;(Bryan)&nbsp;Cook, (I)&nbsp;love the energy.&nbsp;I mean,&nbsp;you miss a guy like that out there that finishes every play. You see him&nbsp;each and every&nbsp;play,&nbsp;running down the field eighty yards to go tackle the ball carrier. (He’s)&nbsp;one of those dudes that can go sideline-to-sideline. He’s a vet,&nbsp;he came with me, you know, (he’s) one of my&nbsp;good friends, so I’m excited for him to have a full-year healthy.”C CREED HUMPHREYQ:&nbsp;What is it like having Joe Thuney back?&nbsp;HUMPHREY:&nbsp;“It’s great. Getting to have him back doing some group install stuff, some&nbsp;indy&nbsp;(individual) stuff, it’s been good.&nbsp;Obviously, he’s a&nbsp;big-time&nbsp;leader for us, he has a ton of experienceand he’s a heck of a player so whenever you get a guy like that back, it’s great.”Q:&nbsp;What are you guys doing to keep yourselves healthy and prevent injuries in this training camp heat?&nbsp;HUMPHREY:&nbsp;“It’s a lot of recovery after practice, a&nbsp;lot&nbsp;of&nbsp;rehydration,&nbsp;(and)&nbsp;things like that. The training staff does a great job. (The) strength (and conditioning) staff does a great job. The&nbsp;nutrition staff, everybody,&nbsp;does a great job with us and getting us back to where we need to be for practice the next day.”&nbsp;Q:&nbsp;What have you learned about this offensive line unit&nbsp;so far&nbsp;with pads now on?&nbsp;

Chiefs Quotes, July 29

The Kansas City Royals announced today that they have signed 14th round selection&nbsp;Kyle DeGroat&nbsp;and 18th round selection&nbsp;Corey Cousin Jr.&nbsp;(coo-zun) from the 2024 First-Year Player Draft. With their additions, as well as 1st-round pick&nbsp;Jac Caglianone’s&nbsp;signing last Wednesday, the Royals have inked 19 of their 20 Draft selections from the 2024 class, and one undrafted free agent.

Below are the draftees from the 2024 Draft, with the&nbsp;bolded&nbsp;players having signed.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717239521858.png" alt="Royals" />
 <figcaption>Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas City Royals announced today that they have signed 14th round selection&nbsp;Kyle DeGroat&nbsp;and 18th round selection&nbsp;Corey Cousin Jr.&nbsp;(coo-zun) from the 2024 First-Year Player Draft. With their additions, as well as 1st-round pick&nbsp;Jac Caglianone’s&nbsp;signing last Wednesday, the Royals have inked 19 of their 20 Draft selections from the 2024 class, and one undrafted free agent.Below are the draftees from the 2024 Draft, with the&nbsp;bolded&nbsp;players having signed.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722284760926.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Royals sign draft picks DeGroat, Cousin Jr.

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas long snapper Luke Hosford was named to the Patrick Mannelly Award Preseason Watch List, the organization announced on Monday. The award is annually presented to the best FBS long snapper.

Hosford, of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, is one of 30 long snappers named to the preseason watch list, including one of four representatives from the Big 12 Conference (Kansas, TCU, Utah, West Virginia). As a redshirt senior, Hosford has played in 37 career games as a Jayhawk, serving as the primary long snapper in all 13 games in 2023 and all 12 games in 2021.

The Patrick Mannelly Award, created in 2019, benefits Bernie’s Book Bank, a non-profit organization located in Lake Bluff, Illinois. Hosford becomes the second Jayhawk to be named to the Patrick Mannelly Award Preseason Watch List, after Logan Klusman was named to the Watch List in 2020, before he was named a semifinalist for the award.

The ten semifinalists will be announced on November 11, 2024, before narrowing down to the three finalists, which will be announced on November 25, 2024, and the winner selected at the live award ceremony in Lake Bluff, Illinois on December 14, 2024.

Hosford is the third Jayhawk to be named to a Preseason Watch List on Monday, after Devin Neal and Jalon Daniels were named to the Maxwell Award Watch List on Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722276460024.jpeg" alt="Patrick Mannely Award Watch List" />
 <figcaption>Patrick Mannely Award Watch List</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas long snapper Luke Hosford was named to the Patrick Mannelly Award Preseason Watch List, the organization announced on Monday. The award is annually presented to the best FBS long snapper.Hosford, of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, is one of 30 long snappers named to the preseason watch list, including one of four representatives from the Big 12 Conference (Kansas, TCU, Utah, West Virginia). As a redshirt senior, Hosford has played in 37 career games as a Jayhawk, serving as the primary long snapper in all 13 games in 2023 and all 12 games in 2021.The Patrick Mannelly Award, created in 2019, benefits Bernie’s Book Bank, a non-profit organization located in Lake Bluff, Illinois. Hosford becomes the second Jayhawk to be named to the Patrick Mannelly Award Preseason Watch List, after Logan Klusman was named to the Watch List in 2020, before he was named a semifinalist for the award.The ten semifinalists will be announced on November 11, 2024, before narrowing down to the three finalists, which will be announced on November 25, 2024, and the winner selected at the live award ceremony in Lake Bluff, Illinois on December 14, 2024.Hosford is the third Jayhawk to be named to a Preseason Watch List on Monday, after Devin Neal and Jalon Daniels were named to the Maxwell Award Watch List on Monday.

Luke Hosford Named to Patrick Mannelly Award preseason watch list

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;For the second straight season, Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels and running back Devin Neal have been named to the preseason watch list for Maxwell Award, which was announced Monday.

The Maxwell Award has been presented to the College Player of the Year since 1937 and is named in honor of Robert “Tiny” Maxwell, who was a former standout at Swarthmore College and a renowned sportswriter and football official.

Daniels is back for his senior season at Kansas after throwing for 705 yards and five touchdowns in three games in 2023. In 2022, Daniels was a breakthrough player as he led the Jayhawks to a 5-0 start and the program’s first bowl game appearance since 2008. He was an All-Big 12 Second Team selection after completing 66.1 percent (152-of-230) of his passes for 2,014 yards and 18 touchdowns. Daniels capped off his sophomore season with a record-setting performance in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, when he completed 37-of-55 passes for 544 yards and five touchdowns, while also rushing for a touchdown.

From Lawndale, California, Daniels enters his senior season ranked No. 9 in school history with 4,297 passing yards and No. 5 with 31 passing touchdowns. At his current career completion rate of 63.6 percent (365-of-574), Daniels would surpass the previous school record of 63.3 percent, set by Todd Reesing from 2006-09.

Neal enters his senior season after becoming the third player in Kansas football history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons. In 2023, Neal ran for 1,280 yards and 16 touchdowns on 203 attempts, averaging 6.3 yards per carry on his way to earning All-Big 12 Second Team honors. His 16 rushing touchdowns are tied for the second most in school history, while his 1,280 rushing yards is ranked No. 4 in school history for a single season.

A hometown native of Lawrence, Kansas, Neal is in position to pursue several school records at Kansas during his senior season. He enters the year ranked No. 4 on the career rushing list with 3,077 yards and No. 3 with 33 touchdowns. Neal has also accumulated 457 receiving yards, and he ranks No. 8 in school history with 3,534 all-purpose yards in his career.

Daniels and Neal are two of 15 players from the Big 12 Conference on the Maxwell Award Watch List, which features 80 players in total. Kansas is one of 17 schools with multiple representatives on the watch list.

The Maxwell Award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses college football’s most prestigious awards. Semifinalists for the Maxwell Award will be announced November 12, 2024, while the three finalists will be unveiled November 26, 2024. The winner of the 88th Maxwell Award will be announced as part of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show in December.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722270140517.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;For the second straight season, Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels and running back Devin Neal have been named to the preseason watch list for Maxwell Award, which was announced Monday.The Maxwell Award has been presented to the College Player of the Year since 1937 and is named in honor of Robert “Tiny” Maxwell, who was a former standout at Swarthmore College and a renowned sportswriter and football official.Daniels is back for his senior season at Kansas after throwing for 705 yards and five touchdowns in three games in 2023. In 2022, Daniels was a breakthrough player as he led the Jayhawks to a 5-0 start and the program’s first bowl game appearance since 2008. He was an All-Big 12 Second Team selection after completing 66.1 percent (152-of-230) of his passes for 2,014 yards and 18 touchdowns. Daniels capped off his sophomore season with a record-setting performance in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, when he completed 37-of-55 passes for 544 yards and five touchdowns, while also rushing for a touchdown.From Lawndale, California, Daniels enters his senior season ranked No. 9 in school history with 4,297 passing yards and No. 5 with 31 passing touchdowns. At his current career completion rate of 63.6 percent (365-of-574), Daniels would surpass the previous school record of 63.3 percent, set by Todd Reesing from 2006-09.Neal enters his senior season after becoming the third player in Kansas football history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons. In 2023, Neal ran for 1,280 yards and 16 touchdowns on 203 attempts, averaging 6.3 yards per carry on his way to earning All-Big 12 Second Team honors. His 16 rushing touchdowns are tied for the second most in school history, while his 1,280 rushing yards is ranked No. 4 in school history for a single season.A hometown native of Lawrence, Kansas, Neal is in position to pursue several school records at Kansas during his senior season. He enters the year ranked No. 4 on the career rushing list with 3,077 yards and No. 3 with 33 touchdowns. Neal has also accumulated 457 receiving yards, and he ranks No. 8 in school history with 3,534 all-purpose yards in his career.Daniels and Neal are two of 15 players from the Big 12 Conference on the Maxwell Award Watch List, which features 80 players in total. Kansas is one of 17 schools with multiple representatives on the watch list.The Maxwell Award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses college football’s most prestigious awards. Semifinalists for the Maxwell Award will be announced November 12, 2024, while the three finalists will be unveiled November 26, 2024. The winner of the 88th Maxwell Award will be announced as part of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show in December.

Jalon Daniels and Devin Neal on Maxwell Award Watch List

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals announced this morning that they have acquired right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Michael Lorenzen&nbsp;from Texas for left-handed pitcher&nbsp;Walter Pennington.

Lorenzen went 5-6 with a 3.81 ERA (43 ER in 101.2 IP) in 19 appearances (18 starts) with the Rangers this season. He signed a one-year deal as a free agent on March 22 and began the season on the Injured List before making his season debut on April 15.

Lorenzen, 32, was a first-time All-Star last season, when he made 29 appearances (25 starts) with Detroit and Philadelphia and set career highs in starts, innings (153.0), wins (9) and strikeouts (111). After being acquired last Aug. 1 by Philadelphia, Lorenzen threw a no-hitter in his 2nd start with the Phillies on Aug. 9, 2023 vs. Washington.

He has held left-handed batters to a .144 average (24-for-167) this season, the lowest opponents’ average vs. left handers in the Majors (min. 150 left handers faced). Over the last two seasons, his .193 opponents’ average (93-for-483) vs. left handers is 2nd best in the Majors (min. 400 left handers faced), trailing only&nbsp;Corbin Burnes&nbsp;(.175).

The 10-year Major League veteran made his big league debut with Cincinnati in 2015 and pitched seven seasons with the Reds, during which 269 of his 295 appearances came in relief. In three seasons since—during which he’s spent time with the Angels (2022), Tigers (2023), Phillies (2023) and Rangers (2024)—61 of his 66 appearances have come as a starting pitcher.

Pennington, 26, was an undrafted free agent out of the Colorado School of Mines in 2020 and made his Major League debut earlier this season on July 5 at Coors Field, where he retired both batters he faced. In 37 appearances (2 starts) with Triple-A Omaha this season, he went 6-3 with a 2.26 ERA (15 ER in 59.2 IP) and 79 strikeouts (11.9 K/9).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717239729221.png" alt="Royals" />
 <figcaption>Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals announced this morning that they have acquired right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Michael Lorenzen&nbsp;from Texas for left-handed pitcher&nbsp;Walter Pennington.Lorenzen went 5-6 with a 3.81 ERA (43 ER in 101.2 IP) in 19 appearances (18 starts) with the Rangers this season. He signed a one-year deal as a free agent on March 22 and began the season on the Injured List before making his season debut on April 15.Lorenzen, 32, was a first-time All-Star last season, when he made 29 appearances (25 starts) with Detroit and Philadelphia and set career highs in starts, innings (153.0), wins (9) and strikeouts (111). After being acquired last Aug. 1 by Philadelphia, Lorenzen threw a no-hitter in his 2nd start with the Phillies on Aug. 9, 2023 vs. Washington.He has held left-handed batters to a .144 average (24-for-167) this season, the lowest opponents’ average vs. left handers in the Majors (min. 150 left handers faced). Over the last two seasons, his .193 opponents’ average (93-for-483) vs. left handers is 2nd best in the Majors (min. 400 left handers faced), trailing only&nbsp;Corbin Burnes&nbsp;(.175).The 10-year Major League veteran made his big league debut with Cincinnati in 2015 and pitched seven seasons with the Reds, during which 269 of his 295 appearances came in relief. In three seasons since—during which he’s spent time with the Angels (2022), Tigers (2023), Phillies (2023) and Rangers (2024)—61 of his 66 appearances have come as a starting pitcher.Pennington, 26, was an undrafted free agent out of the Colorado School of Mines in 2020 and made his Major League debut earlier this season on July 5 at Coors Field, where he retired both batters he faced. In 37 appearances (2 starts) with Triple-A Omaha this season, he went 6-3 with a 2.26 ERA (15 ER in 59.2 IP) and 79 strikeouts (11.9 K/9).

Royals acquire right-handed pitcher, Michael Lorenzen from Texas

Chiefs&nbsp;Head Coach Andy Reid&nbsp;Quotes

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright fellas – we got the injuries, Hollywood&nbsp;(Brown)&nbsp;is sick, Clyde&nbsp;(Edwards-Helaire)&nbsp;is sick, Nazeeh&nbsp;(Johnson)&nbsp;just tweaked his knee,&nbsp;the one&nbsp;that&nbsp;he&nbsp;had surgery on, but we should be okay there&nbsp;– it’s a little bit more&nbsp;the&nbsp;hamstring&nbsp;than&nbsp;the knee.&nbsp;Chris Jones had a groin strain and then&nbsp;Justin&nbsp;(Reid)&nbsp;and&nbsp;(Justin)&nbsp;Watson we’ve&nbsp;already talked about,&nbsp;but they’re&nbsp;making progress.&nbsp;Good practice today,&nbsp;guys challenging each other&nbsp;going back and&nbsp;forth, got a lot of one&nbsp;versus&nbsp;one,&nbsp;and two&nbsp;versus two&nbsp;going today,&nbsp;red zone was a big part of today's practice,&nbsp;which we need. You need to be sharp in these areas,&nbsp;and that’s a big one&nbsp;right&nbsp;there. So,&nbsp;it was good work today – times yours.”

Q:&nbsp;How do you evaluate where&nbsp;Louis-Rees-Zammit&nbsp;is at?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah,&nbsp;listen&nbsp;he’s&nbsp;learning,&nbsp;he's&nbsp;learning.&nbsp;This is all new to him,&nbsp;but he’s working his tail off (and) working through it. You can see his athletic ability. He's just got to get used to&nbsp;doing&nbsp;all the different things we’re asking him to do.”

Q:&nbsp;What do you see from the players at left tackle?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah,&nbsp;I like the competition there.&nbsp;They are going – really there&nbsp;are&nbsp;two of them that are working in there and they are doing a nice job, so they kind of go back and forth and&nbsp;they’re&nbsp;challenging each other&nbsp;– they’re&nbsp;also good friends, they’ve developed a friendship,and&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;good healthy competition.”

Q:&nbsp;How much do you&nbsp;emphasize&nbsp;turnovers in training camp&nbsp;to the offense and defense?&nbsp;

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah,&nbsp;both ways,&nbsp;yeah&nbsp;both ways. You don’t want to turn the ball over,&nbsp;but at the same time I want to let the quarterbacks&nbsp;work and see what they can get away with, without&nbsp;being ridiculous.Defensively&nbsp;we’re&nbsp;always punching the ball out,&nbsp;which is good for the runners and&nbsp;the&nbsp;receivers. It's&nbsp;good there that they&nbsp;can&nbsp;get that work&nbsp;and feel that.&nbsp;So,&nbsp;turnovers&nbsp;end up being a&nbsp;big, big&nbsp;catch in football&nbsp;on the backend defensively,&nbsp;so&nbsp;we can keep working on that.”

Q:&nbsp;What are your impressions of&nbsp;Skyy Moore and how to challenge him?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, listen he’s a few years into this thing now,&nbsp;so just cut loose and play, and&nbsp;let's&nbsp;not think through it,&nbsp;go play. He’s doing a nice job of that,&nbsp;and he’s&nbsp;actually playing&nbsp;good football right now.”

Q:&nbsp;What are you seeing from Drue Tranquill&nbsp;given he will have an expanded role this year?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah,&nbsp;I like what I see.&nbsp;He’s a competitive kid, very smart. He played on the backend in college,&nbsp;so he’s got that feel there,&nbsp;and then you&nbsp;know he can&nbsp;get in the box there and play like a linebacker.&nbsp;He kind of grew into that position.&nbsp;I liked what I’ve seen, physical player.”

Q:&nbsp;How long will Chris Jones be out?

REID:&nbsp;“We’ll see, we’ll see.&nbsp;I mean,&nbsp;I know he was messing with you&nbsp;guys,&nbsp;but he does have a groin there.&nbsp;We all have&nbsp;groins,&nbsp;but he has a sore groin.”

Q:&nbsp;How much is there a concern for Nazeeh&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;considering he just&nbsp;had surgery in the last year?

REID:&nbsp;“I think he’s going to be fine.&nbsp;Yeah, I think he is going to be fine. You go through those things&nbsp;and he’s strong,&nbsp;and his leg’s strong, his knee is solid,&nbsp;all that.&nbsp;He’ll be fine.”

Q:&nbsp;When you look at the new kickoff rules, has there been a change as big as this since you’ve been in the NFL?

REID:&nbsp;“Probably not quite that big, no. That’s a big one. It’s big for the officials,&nbsp;too. We’ve had the officials out here.&nbsp;These guys are working the Thursday game, the Hall of Fame game, so it’s their first time being exposed to that. We’ve been working on it all offseason(and) they’re (the officials) just getting exposed to it. It’s good to listen to them and hear what they’re thinking going through this and the issues that might take place, so it’s been good for our players (to have) that.”

Q:&nbsp;What have the conversations been like with the officials? Did you learn anything specifically from them about the new kickoff rule?

REID:&nbsp;“They go through the new changes,&nbsp;which is important. This is a good&nbsp;(officiating)&nbsp;crew right here. They’re one of the better crews in the NFL. It’s good to get their feedback,&nbsp;and they’re&nbsp;great with our guys. They get in and give our guys feedback. We had a meeting with them last night, (and) they did a nice job there. They had a video to show us, (and) they did a nice job there.”&nbsp;

Q:&nbsp;What&nbsp;are some the challenges&nbsp;Kingsley&nbsp;Suamataia&nbsp;is working&nbsp;through right now?&nbsp;

REID:&nbsp;“Well, there are a few things. The physical part of it of being out here every day and going full speed against the best players in the world. You’ve got to be able to back-to-back-to-back these&nbsp;things&nbsp;(days), and he’s working his tail off doing that. Then, the mental part –&nbsp;we’re throwing a ton at him. I like the way he’s going about it. I like&nbsp;how&nbsp;he’s fighting in there. He’s going to be okay as we roll here.”&nbsp;

Q:&nbsp;This was a chippier practice and Drue Tranquill was involved in a lot of those.&nbsp;What’s that fine line between wanting a guy to have some fire and wanting to protect your players during a chippier practice?&nbsp;

REID:&nbsp;“Well, you have him (Drue Tranquill), and you have (Isiah) Pacheco.&nbsp;They both have fire, which is great. That’s what makes it go. These are dog-eat-dog practices, man (laughter). Any of that competition like that, a little talk, helps you get through this. For them to get their juices going like that, I love it.”

Q:&nbsp;Have you noticed the&nbsp;upward trend of the&nbsp;number&nbsp;of starting quarterbacks?&nbsp;Why do you think it’s trending upward? Has it changed the way that you think about your&nbsp;quarterback room?

REID:&nbsp;“It’s a vulnerable position. We’ve always tried to keep a veteran guy, just in case, that has a pretty good feel and experience in there&nbsp;– because we know those numbers. That’s what it is. You’re vulnerable. You’re in a vulnerable position right there with some big men that are chasing you – trying to get you.”

Q:&nbsp;How would you assess the whole offseason?&nbsp;

SMITH:&nbsp;“It’s the offseason of change. Obviously, (I’m) just doing things a bit differently. Ultimately, (I’m) just getting prepared for this next season and getting ready for the hardest training camp in the NFL.”

Q:&nbsp;What are your thoughts on Kingsley&nbsp;Suamataia?

SMITH:&nbsp;“I love Kingsley (Suamataia), man. He’s like a little brother (to me). He’s an extremely talented player, and we have great coaches. We have an extremely great front office. They saw a lot of ability in the player, obviously, that’s why we drafted him. He’s going to be a great player.”&nbsp;

Q:&nbsp;What were the challenges during your rookie year training camp when you were thrown out there for your first rep?

SMITH:&nbsp;“I just think the amount of details in every play – having verbal cues for what can change in your job based on defensive fronts and schemes that they present to you – I just think that the sheer amount of information that they throw at you – it’s tough, man. Then, you got to factor in (that) St. Joe is hot. Our practices are long. It’s a pretty – It’s a tough thing, man. We have one of the hardest training camps for a reason. It prepares us, but it’s a tough situation.”

Q:&nbsp;What are you trying to instill in some of your teammates as far as the attitude in the defensive and linebacker room?

TRANQUILL: “I don’t know that I’m trying to instill anything in anybody else, I’m just trying to be myself. I love this game.&nbsp;I love the opportunity to play for a great organization. I mean, you’re around such great coaches and great players. This is a historic time to be a Kansas City Chief,&nbsp;and I feel grateful to be a part of it. So, I just try to come out here and do my job to the best of my ability, and if I can teach a young guy a thing or two, or you know,&nbsp;help one of our guys who’s tired or something, then it’s a bonus.”

Q: How much is your family inspiring you, especially when you can’t see them in times like camp?

TRANQUILL:&nbsp;“It’s really hard, I mean it’s a credit – I’ll give a shout out to my wife, she’s back home with three children. She’s waking up early with them, she’s putting them down at night, she’s dealing with all the whining (and) the crying, (and) everything in between. She’s having to move here (and) move all of our stuff and, you know, I’m here playing football. So, our families go through a lot to play this game. They don’t get nearly the credit we do.&nbsp;They don’t get to talk to the media (and) the media doesn’t really talk about them, and so the stuff that they do behind the scenes to make this possible is nothing short of amazing. They know how much we love and appreciate them. We love our wives, we love our kids, (and) we love our family.”

Q: On the competition between the offense and defense every day.&nbsp;

Chiefs&nbsp;Head Coach Andy Reid&nbsp;QuotesJuly 28,&nbsp;2024OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright fellas – we got the injuries, Hollywood&nbsp;(Brown)&nbsp;is sick, Clyde&nbsp;(Edwards-Helaire)&nbsp;is sick, Nazeeh&nbsp;(Johnson)&nbsp;just tweaked his knee,&nbsp;the one&nbsp;that&nbsp;he&nbsp;had surgery on, but we should be okay there&nbsp;– it’s a little bit more&nbsp;the&nbsp;hamstring&nbsp;than&nbsp;the knee.&nbsp;Chris Jones had a groin strain and then&nbsp;Justin&nbsp;(Reid)&nbsp;and&nbsp;(Justin)&nbsp;Watson we’ve&nbsp;already talked about,&nbsp;but they’re&nbsp;making progress.&nbsp;Good practice today,&nbsp;guys challenging each other&nbsp;going back and&nbsp;forth, got a lot of one&nbsp;versus&nbsp;one,&nbsp;and two&nbsp;versus two&nbsp;going today,&nbsp;red zone was a big part of today's practice,&nbsp;which we need. You need to be sharp in these areas,&nbsp;and that’s a big one&nbsp;right&nbsp;there. So,&nbsp;it was good work today – times yours.”Q:&nbsp;How do you evaluate where&nbsp;Louis-Rees-Zammit&nbsp;is at?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah,&nbsp;listen&nbsp;he’s&nbsp;learning,&nbsp;he's&nbsp;learning.&nbsp;This is all new to him,&nbsp;but he’s working his tail off (and) working through it. You can see his athletic ability. He's just got to get used to&nbsp;doing&nbsp;all the different things we’re asking him to do.”Q:&nbsp;What do you see from the players at left tackle?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah,&nbsp;I like the competition there.&nbsp;They are going – really there&nbsp;are&nbsp;two of them that are working in there and they are doing a nice job, so they kind of go back and forth and&nbsp;they’re&nbsp;challenging each other&nbsp;– they’re&nbsp;also good friends, they’ve developed a friendship,and&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;good healthy competition.”Q:&nbsp;How much do you&nbsp;emphasize&nbsp;turnovers in training camp&nbsp;to the offense and defense?&nbsp;REID:&nbsp;“Yeah,&nbsp;both ways,&nbsp;yeah&nbsp;both ways. You don’t want to turn the ball over,&nbsp;but at the same time I want to let the quarterbacks&nbsp;work and see what they can get away with, without&nbsp;being ridiculous.Defensively&nbsp;we’re&nbsp;always punching the ball out,&nbsp;which is good for the runners and&nbsp;the&nbsp;receivers. It's&nbsp;good there that they&nbsp;can&nbsp;get that work&nbsp;and feel that.&nbsp;So,&nbsp;turnovers&nbsp;end up being a&nbsp;big, big&nbsp;catch in football&nbsp;on the backend defensively,&nbsp;so&nbsp;we can keep working on that.”Q:&nbsp;What are your impressions of&nbsp;Skyy Moore and how to challenge him?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, listen he’s a few years into this thing now,&nbsp;so just cut loose and play, and&nbsp;let's&nbsp;not think through it,&nbsp;go play. He’s doing a nice job of that,&nbsp;and he’s&nbsp;actually playing&nbsp;good football right now.”Q:&nbsp;What are you seeing from Drue Tranquill&nbsp;given he will have an expanded role this year?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah,&nbsp;I like what I see.&nbsp;He’s a competitive kid, very smart. He played on the backend in college,&nbsp;so he’s got that feel there,&nbsp;and then you&nbsp;know he can&nbsp;get in the box there and play like a linebacker.&nbsp;He kind of grew into that position.&nbsp;I liked what I’ve seen, physical player.”Q:&nbsp;How long will Chris Jones be out?REID:&nbsp;“We’ll see, we’ll see.&nbsp;I mean,&nbsp;I know he was messing with you&nbsp;guys,&nbsp;but he does have a groin there.&nbsp;We all have&nbsp;groins,&nbsp;but he has a sore groin.”Q:&nbsp;How much is there a concern for Nazeeh&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;considering he just&nbsp;had surgery in the last year?REID:&nbsp;“I think he’s going to be fine.&nbsp;Yeah, I think he is going to be fine. You go through those things&nbsp;and he’s strong,&nbsp;and his leg’s strong, his knee is solid,&nbsp;all that.&nbsp;He’ll be fine.”Q:&nbsp;When you look at the new kickoff rules, has there been a change as big as this since you’ve been in the NFL?REID:&nbsp;“Probably not quite that big, no. That’s a big one. It’s big for the officials,&nbsp;too. We’ve had the officials out here.&nbsp;These guys are working the Thursday game, the Hall of Fame game, so it’s their first time being exposed to that. We’ve been working on it all offseason(and) they’re (the officials) just getting exposed to it. It’s good to listen to them and hear what they’re thinking going through this and the issues that might take place, so it’s been good for our players (to have) that.”Q:&nbsp;What have the conversations been like with the officials? Did you learn anything specifically from them about the new kickoff rule?REID:&nbsp;“They go through the new changes,&nbsp;which is important. This is a good&nbsp;(officiating)&nbsp;crew right here. They’re one of the better crews in the NFL. It’s good to get their feedback,&nbsp;and they’re&nbsp;great with our guys. They get in and give our guys feedback. We had a meeting with them last night, (and) they did a nice job there. They had a video to show us, (and) they did a nice job there.”&nbsp;Q:&nbsp;What&nbsp;are some the challenges&nbsp;Kingsley&nbsp;Suamataia&nbsp;is working&nbsp;through right now?&nbsp;REID:&nbsp;“Well, there are a few things. The physical part of it of being out here every day and going full speed against the best players in the world. You’ve got to be able to back-to-back-to-back these&nbsp;things&nbsp;(days), and he’s working his tail off doing that. Then, the mental part –&nbsp;we’re throwing a ton at him. I like the way he’s going about it. I like&nbsp;how&nbsp;he’s fighting in there. He’s going to be okay as we roll here.”&nbsp;Q:&nbsp;This was a chippier practice and Drue Tranquill was involved in a lot of those.&nbsp;What’s that fine line between wanting a guy to have some fire and wanting to protect your players during a chippier practice?&nbsp;REID:&nbsp;“Well, you have him (Drue Tranquill), and you have (Isiah) Pacheco.&nbsp;They both have fire, which is great. That’s what makes it go. These are dog-eat-dog practices, man (laughter). Any of that competition like that, a little talk, helps you get through this. For them to get their juices going like that, I love it.”Q:&nbsp;Have you noticed the&nbsp;upward trend of the&nbsp;number&nbsp;of starting quarterbacks?&nbsp;Why do you think it’s trending upward? Has it changed the way that you think about your&nbsp;quarterback room?REID:&nbsp;“It’s a vulnerable position. We’ve always tried to keep a veteran guy, just in case, that has a pretty good feel and experience in there&nbsp;– because we know those numbers. That’s what it is. You’re vulnerable. You’re in a vulnerable position right there with some big men that are chasing you – trying to get you.”Chiefs&nbsp;Player&nbsp;QuotesJuly&nbsp;28,&nbsp;2024G TREY SMITHQ:&nbsp;How would you assess the whole offseason?&nbsp;SMITH:&nbsp;“It’s the offseason of change. Obviously, (I’m) just doing things a bit differently. Ultimately, (I’m) just getting prepared for this next season and getting ready for the hardest training camp in the NFL.”Q:&nbsp;What are your thoughts on Kingsley&nbsp;Suamataia?SMITH:&nbsp;“I love Kingsley (Suamataia), man. He’s like a little brother (to me). He’s an extremely talented player, and we have great coaches. We have an extremely great front office. They saw a lot of ability in the player, obviously, that’s why we drafted him. He’s going to be a great player.”&nbsp;Q:&nbsp;What were the challenges during your rookie year training camp when you were thrown out there for your first rep?SMITH:&nbsp;“I just think the amount of details in every play – having verbal cues for what can change in your job based on defensive fronts and schemes that they present to you – I just think that the sheer amount of information that they throw at you – it’s tough, man. Then, you got to factor in (that) St. Joe is hot. Our practices are long. It’s a pretty – It’s a tough thing, man. We have one of the hardest training camps for a reason. It prepares us, but it’s a tough situation.”LB DRUE TRANQUILLQ:&nbsp;What are you trying to instill in some of your teammates as far as the attitude in the defensive and linebacker room?TRANQUILL: “I don’t know that I’m trying to instill anything in anybody else, I’m just trying to be myself. I love this game.&nbsp;I love the opportunity to play for a great organization. I mean, you’re around such great coaches and great players. This is a historic time to be a Kansas City Chief,&nbsp;and I feel grateful to be a part of it. So, I just try to come out here and do my job to the best of my ability, and if I can teach a young guy a thing or two, or you know,&nbsp;help one of our guys who’s tired or something, then it’s a bonus.”Q: How much is your family inspiring you, especially when you can’t see them in times like camp?TRANQUILL:&nbsp;“It’s really hard, I mean it’s a credit – I’ll give a shout out to my wife, she’s back home with three children. She’s waking up early with them, she’s putting them down at night, she’s dealing with all the whining (and) the crying, (and) everything in between. She’s having to move here (and) move all of our stuff and, you know, I’m here playing football. So, our families go through a lot to play this game. They don’t get nearly the credit we do.&nbsp;They don’t get to talk to the media (and) the media doesn’t really talk about them, and so the stuff that they do behind the scenes to make this possible is nothing short of amazing. They know how much we love and appreciate them. We love our wives, we love our kids, (and) we love our family.”Q: On the competition between the offense and defense every day.&nbsp;

Chiefs Quotes July 28

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Pete Crow-Armstrong, who came into the game hitting .183, was 3 for 4 with a run and the go-ahead RBI as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Kansas City Royals 7-3 on Sunday.

While he was happy to contribute to the victory, Crow-Armstrong and many of his teammates were down about losing teammate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rays-cubs-trade-morel-paredes-77da14baaf13f27f7c650667dc187d1b">Christopher Morel, who was traded during the game to</a>&nbsp;the Tampa Bay Rays for Isaac Paredes.

“He's a special human,” Crow-Armstrong said of Morel. “We're going to miss his energy for sure, his smile. Reaching his full Christopher Morel potential every day is a guy showing up every day in the clubhouse.”

Crow-Armstrong got two of his three hits and his RBI off Royals starter Cole Ragans.

“I saw him pretty good,” he said. “I tend to see lefties relatively okay. He's a really good pitcher. I'm glad he doesn't use his change-up against lefties, because that's a good pitch. The Cubbies just had a really good offensive day.

"We want to try to have days like this every day to help have a winning season.”

The Cubs (51-56) are 12-8 in their last 20 games after going 3-9 in their previous 12.

Javier Assad (5-3) allowed three runs on five hits in six innings.

“It was an impressive outing,” Chicago manager Craig Counsell said of Assad's day. "I don't think Javi started out really well, (but) I think (catcher) Christian (Bethancourt) did a really good job of (sticking) with him, and I thought Javi did a good job of maybe doing things different than he's done in the past.

“We saw some more off-speed stuff today, and he got his off-speed stuff going, which was really fun to watch.”

Assad said he was just trying to go as far into the game as possible.

“I just tried to go out there and execute,” he said through an interpreter. “I started a little shaky, but I just went out there and attacked the zone.”

Ragans (7-7) took the loss, allowing four runs in 5 2/3 innings.

“He gave us a good chance,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of his starter. “We were into the sixth inning and he gives us a chance. They put some good swings on him.”

Michael Massey led off the first with a walk before Bobby Witt Jr. extended his hitting streak to 10 games with an infield single. With two outs, Hunter Renfroe lined one to center, scoring both runners.

Nico Hoerner doubled in the third to tie it at 2-all.

The Royals (57-49) retook the lead in the fourth on a controversial home run. Freddy Fermin&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/gameday/746274/video/freddy-fermin-homers-5-on-a-fly-ball-to-left-field-ivpdq7">launched a long flyball down the left-field line</a>&nbsp;that appeared headed to the foul pole. A fan wearing a Cubs hat reached over the railing from foul territory and caught the ball before left fielder Ian Happ had a chance. Fan interference was called, giving Fermin his fifth homer of the season.

The Cubs took their first lead in the sixth. Michael Busch hit a one-out double and then scored on David Bote's two-out double. Bote scored on Crow-Armstrong's single, ending Ragans' day.

“We got good production from the bottom of our lineup today,” Counsell said. “Bethancourt and Pete did some really good things today.”

Chicago added three insurance runs in the ninth, including Patrick Wisdom's second homer in as many days.

Royals OF MJ Melendez returned from his rehab assignment and was reinstated from the 10-day injured list. He had been on the IL since July 15 with a sprained left ankle. In a corresponding move, the Royals optioned OF Drew Waters to Triple-A Omaha following Saturday night's game. ... Royals RHP John Schreiber left the game with right knee patella discomfort. ... RHP Hunter Harvey left with left lower back spasms.

Cubs: Chicago continues a six-game road trip with the first of three games in Cincinnati. The Cubs will RHP Jameson Taillon (7-5, 2.96 ERA) to the mound to face Reds RHP Carson Spiers (3-2, 3.83 ERA).

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Pete Crow-Armstrong, who came into the game hitting .183, was 3 for 4 with a run and the go-ahead RBI as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Kansas City Royals 7-3 on Sunday.While he was happy to contribute to the victory, Crow-Armstrong and many of his teammates were down about losing teammate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rays-cubs-trade-morel-paredes-77da14baaf13f27f7c650667dc187d1b">Christopher Morel, who was traded during the game to</a>&nbsp;the Tampa Bay Rays for Isaac Paredes.“He's a special human,” Crow-Armstrong said of Morel. “We're going to miss his energy for sure, his smile. Reaching his full Christopher Morel potential every day is a guy showing up every day in the clubhouse.”Crow-Armstrong got two of his three hits and his RBI off Royals starter Cole Ragans.“I saw him pretty good,” he said. “I tend to see lefties relatively okay. He's a really good pitcher. I'm glad he doesn't use his change-up against lefties, because that's a good pitch. The Cubbies just had a really good offensive day."We want to try to have days like this every day to help have a winning season.”The Cubs (51-56) are 12-8 in their last 20 games after going 3-9 in their previous 12.Javier Assad (5-3) allowed three runs on five hits in six innings.“It was an impressive outing,” Chicago manager Craig Counsell said of Assad's day. "I don't think Javi started out really well, (but) I think (catcher) Christian (Bethancourt) did a really good job of (sticking) with him, and I thought Javi did a good job of maybe doing things different than he's done in the past.“We saw some more off-speed stuff today, and he got his off-speed stuff going, which was really fun to watch.”Assad said he was just trying to go as far into the game as possible.“I just tried to go out there and execute,” he said through an interpreter. “I started a little shaky, but I just went out there and attacked the zone.”Ragans (7-7) took the loss, allowing four runs in 5 2/3 innings.“He gave us a good chance,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of his starter. “We were into the sixth inning and he gives us a chance. They put some good swings on him.”Michael Massey led off the first with a walk before Bobby Witt Jr. extended his hitting streak to 10 games with an infield single. With two outs, Hunter Renfroe lined one to center, scoring both runners.Nico Hoerner doubled in the third to tie it at 2-all.The Royals (57-49) retook the lead in the fourth on a controversial home run. Freddy Fermin&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/gameday/746274/video/freddy-fermin-homers-5-on-a-fly-ball-to-left-field-ivpdq7">launched a long flyball down the left-field line</a>&nbsp;that appeared headed to the foul pole. A fan wearing a Cubs hat reached over the railing from foul territory and caught the ball before left fielder Ian Happ had a chance. Fan interference was called, giving Fermin his fifth homer of the season.The Cubs took their first lead in the sixth. Michael Busch hit a one-out double and then scored on David Bote's two-out double. Bote scored on Crow-Armstrong's single, ending Ragans' day.“We got good production from the bottom of our lineup today,” Counsell said. “Bethancourt and Pete did some really good things today.”Chicago added three insurance runs in the ninth, including Patrick Wisdom's second homer in as many days.TRAINING ROOMRoyals OF MJ Melendez returned from his rehab assignment and was reinstated from the 10-day injured list. He had been on the IL since July 15 with a sprained left ankle. In a corresponding move, the Royals optioned OF Drew Waters to Triple-A Omaha following Saturday night's game. ... Royals RHP John Schreiber left the game with right knee patella discomfort. ... RHP Hunter Harvey left with left lower back spasms.UP NEXTCubs: Chicago continues a six-game road trip with the first of three games in Cincinnati. The Cubs will RHP Jameson Taillon (7-5, 2.96 ERA) to the mound to face Reds RHP Carson Spiers (3-2, 3.83 ERA).

⚾ Crow-Armstrong hits go-ahead RBI as the Cubs top the Royals Sunday

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Wisdom hit a grand slam as a pinch hitter in the seventh inning, Seiya Suzuki also homered and the Chicago Cubs beat the Kansas City Royals 9-4 on Saturday night.

Wisdom hit for Pete Crow-Armstrong and laced the homer 440-feet off Sam Long into the fountains in left for a 7-4 lead.

The runners were put on base by Seth Lugo (12-5), who went 6 1/3 innings. He allowed six earned runs on five hits while walking two and striking out two.

Julian Merryweather (1-0) pitched an inning for the victory. Cubs starter Shota Imanaga went 5 2/3 innings, allowing three earned runs on six hits and three strikeouts.

Suzuki hit his 15th homer, scoring Michael Busch to make it 2-0 in the first. Hunter Renfroe his 10th homer for Kansas City in the second.

Crow-Armstrong tripled and scored in the third inning to make it 3-1.

Kansas rallied in the sixth to take a 4-3 lead. Bobby Witt Jr. doubled in Maikel Garcia, but was thrown out rounding second base. Later, Salvador Perez singled, Freddy Fermin doubled and Renfroe followed with a two-run single.

David Bote and Nico Hoerner drove in runs in the ninth for Chicago.

The Cubs acquired RHP Nate Pearson from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for INF Josh Rivera and OF Yohendrick Pinango. RHP Jesus Tinoco was designated for assignment.

Chicago RHP Javier Assad (4-3, 3.15 ERA) was set to face LHP Cole Ragans (7-6, 3.23) on Sunday.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Wisdom hit a grand slam as a pinch hitter in the seventh inning, Seiya Suzuki also homered and the Chicago Cubs beat the Kansas City Royals 9-4 on Saturday night.Wisdom hit for Pete Crow-Armstrong and laced the homer 440-feet off Sam Long into the fountains in left for a 7-4 lead.The runners were put on base by Seth Lugo (12-5), who went 6 1/3 innings. He allowed six earned runs on five hits while walking two and striking out two.Julian Merryweather (1-0) pitched an inning for the victory. Cubs starter Shota Imanaga went 5 2/3 innings, allowing three earned runs on six hits and three strikeouts.Suzuki hit his 15th homer, scoring Michael Busch to make it 2-0 in the first. Hunter Renfroe his 10th homer for Kansas City in the second.Crow-Armstrong tripled and scored in the third inning to make it 3-1.Kansas rallied in the sixth to take a 4-3 lead. Bobby Witt Jr. doubled in Maikel Garcia, but was thrown out rounding second base. Later, Salvador Perez singled, Freddy Fermin doubled and Renfroe followed with a two-run single.David Bote and Nico Hoerner drove in runs in the ninth for Chicago.ROSTER MOVESThe Cubs acquired RHP Nate Pearson from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for INF Josh Rivera and OF Yohendrick Pinango. RHP Jesus Tinoco was designated for assignment.UP NEXTChicago RHP Javier Assad (4-3, 3.15 ERA) was set to face LHP Cole Ragans (7-6, 3.23) on Sunday.

⚾ Wisdom hits grand slam as the Cubs beat the Royals

ASSISTANT HEAD COACH/SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR DAVE&nbsp;<a>TOUB&nbsp;</a>

Q: It’s early, but who are you eyeing as punt returner or kick returner?

TOUB:&nbsp;“Punt returner – if you watch when we warm up, I’ve got like 19 guys out there, but in reality, there’s probably five (or) six guys that could do it. You know, (Xavier) Worthy - no question. (Kadarius) Toney’s in there, Mecole (Hardman), Hollywood (Brown) – he’s (an) exciting guy to think about that he could do it, and the guy that’s really done a really good job is Nikko Remigio.”&nbsp;

Q: How excited or nervous are you for the new kickoff rule?

TOUB:&nbsp;“Both. I’m excited and nervous about it, you know, to be honest. We’ve been working on it a lot, going to work on it again tomorrow in practice, (and we’re) going to work on it in walkthroughs – mostly every time, but there’s a lot of unknowns with it. How are teams going to attack you, what are they going to do, and what are their kickers going to do, what’s going to be the philosophy, and how are they going to officiate it, too. We have the officials here, and we’re going to sit down today, in fact, and watch our tape and have those guys tell us, good or bad, what we’re doing. It’s going to be an ongoing – these preseason games are going to be important for us.”

Q:&nbsp;Are there any young guys you particularly want to see when the preseason starts?

TOUB:&nbsp;“Yeah, I want to see Louis (Rees-Zammit) – I mean he’s number one. I want to see how he handles being tackled and blocking. I love him. I love the way he works, so I want him to do well. So, I’m looking forward to seeing him. I’m looking forward to seeing Nikko (Remigio). I’m looking forward to seeing (Swayze) Bozeman – who showed up, (a) linebacker – he’s done a lot in camp, and (Curtis) Jacobs – a lot of those linebackers. I love the linebacker room. Safeties, I’m excited about them, too. Guys like (Tyree) Gillespie and that whole room really is pretty good.”

Q:&nbsp;What have been the challenges in transitioning from the offseason into camp in St. Joseph?

KELCE:&nbsp;“This is my sanctuary, baby. St. Joe. Year 12. That means I’ve spent just about an entire year of my life up here in the dorms. Everybody may see that as pretty grueling, but I enjoy it, man. There’s something about this place that gets you ready every single year and I’m not going to lie, I got pretty excited as the time started counting down to get out here and get this thing rolling.”

Chiefs Coordinator Quotes&nbsp;July 27, 2024&nbsp;ASSISTANT HEAD COACH/SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR DAVE&nbsp;<a>TOUB&nbsp;</a>Q: It’s early, but who are you eyeing as punt returner or kick returner?TOUB:&nbsp;“Punt returner – if you watch when we warm up, I’ve got like 19 guys out there, but in reality, there’s probably five (or) six guys that could do it. You know, (Xavier) Worthy - no question. (Kadarius) Toney’s in there, Mecole (Hardman), Hollywood (Brown) – he’s (an) exciting guy to think about that he could do it, and the guy that’s really done a really good job is Nikko Remigio.”&nbsp;Q: How excited or nervous are you for the new kickoff rule?TOUB:&nbsp;“Both. I’m excited and nervous about it, you know, to be honest. We’ve been working on it a lot, going to work on it again tomorrow in practice, (and we’re) going to work on it in walkthroughs – mostly every time, but there’s a lot of unknowns with it. How are teams going to attack you, what are they going to do, and what are their kickers going to do, what’s going to be the philosophy, and how are they going to officiate it, too. We have the officials here, and we’re going to sit down today, in fact, and watch our tape and have those guys tell us, good or bad, what we’re doing. It’s going to be an ongoing – these preseason games are going to be important for us.”Q:&nbsp;Are there any young guys you particularly want to see when the preseason starts?TOUB:&nbsp;“Yeah, I want to see Louis (Rees-Zammit) – I mean he’s number one. I want to see how he handles being tackled and blocking. I love him. I love the way he works, so I want him to do well. So, I’m looking forward to seeing him. I’m looking forward to seeing Nikko (Remigio). I’m looking forward to seeing (Swayze) Bozeman – who showed up, (a) linebacker – he’s done a lot in camp, and (Curtis) Jacobs – a lot of those linebackers. I love the linebacker room. Safeties, I’m excited about them, too. Guys like (Tyree) Gillespie and that whole room really is pretty good.”Chiefs Player QuotesJuly 27, 2024TE TRAVIS KELCEQ:&nbsp;What have been the challenges in transitioning from the offseason into camp in St. Joseph?KELCE:&nbsp;“This is my sanctuary, baby. St. Joe. Year 12. That means I’ve spent just about an entire year of my life up here in the dorms. Everybody may see that as pretty grueling, but I enjoy it, man. There’s something about this place that gets you ready every single year and I’m not going to lie, I got pretty excited as the time started counting down to get out here and get this thing rolling.”Q:&nbsp;Is camp as valuable for you as it once was?&nbsp;KELCE:&nbsp;“100%, it still is. It’s where it all starts. You can say it starts in the offseason, and yeah, you want to get that foundation set in the offseason of the leadership and the mentality and things like that, but at the end of the day, this is where you really find out what the team is made of. How you sharpen the iron, how you guys practice, your practice habits, (and) the attention to detail. Nobody does it better than (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid and (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) Coach Spags, man.”Q:&nbsp;Are you doing anything different maintenance wise in year 12 to protect your body and get better?KELCE:&nbsp;“Over every single season you find ways to get better and what works for you (and) what doesn’t. You just want to amp it up every single year so that you keep finding ways to kind of climb that staircase of success. I would say I’m doing some things different but nothing really in the grand scheme of things. (I’m) just putting my nose down and grinding.”LB LEO CHENALQ: How do you expect your role to expand now that Saints LB Wille Gay Jr. is no longer with the team?CHENAL:&nbsp;“You know it’s really anything they ask me to do. I have certain strengths to my game, whether it’s getting down the line (or) addressing blockers, so it’s really doing whatever (Defensive Coordinator) (Steve) Spags (Spagnuolo) asks me to do – lining up in the A-gap on the edge (and) off the ball, I’m getting more and more comfortable with the things I didn’t do in college and hopefully it’ll get me more time on the field and help the team out as best as I can.”Q: What are your impressions of Travis Kelce and what he’s still able to do on the field?CHENAL:&nbsp;“Man it’s crazy - the most impressive thing is like the energy he brings. Whatever year it is – he’s been in the league a while. He’s still dominating. He's still bringing the energy in OTAs, like he’s still out here doing everything at a top level, but also like bringing his teammates up with him this late in his career.”Q: How much confidence did you gain from Defense Coordinator Coach Steve Spagnuolo when he used you more in the postseason than in the regular season? What do you think that means for your role this season?

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