Loftin went 2-for-3 with two RBI and his first MLB stolen base in Tuesday's 7-6 win over the Guardians.
Getting the start at second base and batting sixth against Cleveland lefty Logan Allen, Loftin collected multiple hits for the third time in his last four games to boost his slash line in the majors to .359/.419/.538 through his first 43 plate appearances. The 24-year-old's .270/.344/.444 line at Triple-A this year is a better reflection of his talent level, but after going 29-for-35 on steal attempts in the high minors in 2022, he could make some additional contributions in that category over the final days of the season.
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Royals' Nick Loftin: Impactful off bench
Rotowire
Loftin went 2-for-2 with a double, two RBI and two runs scored in Wednesday's 7-1 win over the White Sox.
Loftin has hit safely in seven of his nine games so far, and three of them have been multi-hit efforts. He helped the Royals extend their lead with a couple of run-scoring knocks after entering as a pinch hitter for Nick Pratto in the seventh inning. Loftin is batting .345 (10-for-29) with six RBI, six runs scored, five doubles and a triple through 33 plate appearances. He's seeing time primarily at second base and first base, which has led to smaller roles for Pratto and Michael Massey.
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Royals' Nick Loftin: Gaining foothold in lineup
Rotowire
Loftin will start at first base and bat eighth in Tuesday's game against the White Sox.
Loftin has now cracked the lineup in four of the Royals' past five games, making starts at three infield spots and designated hitter during that span. Though the Royals may not commit to Loftin as their top option at any one position, the 24-year-old's versatility should allow him to hold down a near-everyday role so long as he continues to swing a hot bat. Through his first three big-league games, Loftin has gone 5-for-10 with three doubles, two walks, three runs and three RBI.
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Royals' Nick Loftin: On base three times in debut
Rotowire
Loftin went 2-for-3 with a double, a walk, an RBI and a run scored in Friday's 13-2 win over the Red Sox.
Loftin's MLB debut can be considered a success as he was one of six Royals with multiple hits in the blowout win. The infield prospect slashed .270/.344/.444 with a 13.1 percent strikeout rate and 9.7 percent walk rate over 82 games with Triple-A Omaha this year. With the Royals playing out the string, there should be plenty of chances for Loftin to get accustomed to the majors in September, especially since he boasts defensive versatility.
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Royals' Nick Loftin: Debuting as designated hitter
Rotowire
Kansas City selected Loftin's contract from Triple-A Omaha on Friday.
Loftin will serve as the Royals' designated hitter and bat eighth in his major-league debut Friday against the Red Sox. The 24-year-old went as the 32nd overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft out of Baylor University and had slashed .270/.344/.444 with 14 homers and six steals through 82 games this summer at the Triple-A level.
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Royals' Nick Loftin: Promotion coming
Rotowire
The Royals will promote Loftin from Triple-A Omaha on Friday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.
The 24-year-old prospect has spent all season with Omaha, slashing .270/.344/.444 with 14 homers and 56 RBI across 358 plate appearances. Loftin has played every position except catcher and right field during his minor-league career, so his defensive versatility could buy him consistent playing time in a Royals lineup that ranks 28th in OPS this season (.686).
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Royals' Nick Loftin: Reassigned to minor-league camp
Rotowire
The Royals reassigned Loftin to minor-league camp Tuesday.
The 24-year-old infield prospect reached Triple-A for the first time last year, though he recorded just a .639 OPS over 168 plate appearances while there. His spring results weren't much better, but the Royals will likely keep him in Triple-A for the start of 2023.
