The Kansas City Royals will have manager Matt Quatraro back in the dugout Friday after he missed Thursday's 4-3 walk-off loss to the Detroit Tigers because of a personal matter. The club announced Quatraro's return ahead of the second game of the four-game series at Comerica Park.
Bench coach Paul Hoover filled in during Quatraro's absence as Kansas City dropped a tightly contested game on a walk-off hit in the ninth inning. The Royals did not provide additional details regarding Quatraro's absence.
Quatraro's return restores the club's regular coaching structure as the Royals try to rebound after falling to 43-61. Kansas City will look to even the series before continuing its road trip through Detroit.
The Royals received another milestone performance from Salvador Perez despite Thursday's loss. The veteran catcher hit his 14th home run of the season, tying Hall of Famer George Brett for the franchise record with 317 career home runs.
Isaac Collins also gave Kansas City an early boost with a two-run homer before Detroit rallied late. The Royals will now turn their attention to snapping a two-game skid with Quatraro back leading the club.
Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
Kansas City remains without star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who is on the injured list with lower back tightness. Andrew Velazquez has handled most of the starts at shortstop while Tyler Tolbert has provided depth off the bench.
Quatraro's return gives the Royals continuity in the dugout as they continue a difficult stretch of the schedule. Kansas City will try to build momentum over the remainder of the series before heading to its next road stop.
ALSO SEE:
- Poll: Are the Red Sox for Real?
- NRFI and YRFI MLB Bets Today: Best First-Inning Predictions for Friday, July 24
- Home Run Predictions Today: Best MLB HR Prop Bets for Friday, July 24
