--LF David DeJesus batted leadoff Wednesday for the first time this season and went 2-for-4 with a walk. "I'm hoping that will energize him a little bit cause obviously he's had some success there," manager Trey Hillman said. DeJesus went 0-for-6 Tuesday to drop his average to .237 and snap his five-game hitting streak.
--INF/OF Willie Bloomquist started at shortstop Wednesday for the second time this season and batted second against the Mariners. The Royals are 11-3 when Bloomquist is in the starting lineup. "I like Willie in the No. 2 spot," manager Trey Hillman said. "I like what he brings to the table. He's probably got a little better working knowledge (of the Mariners), having played with these guys. I like it when he gets in the lineup, whether it's off the bench or as a starter." --CF Coco Crisp drew four walks Tuesday, matching his career high. Crisp, who has walked a team-leading 21 times, also walked four times on Aug. 1, 2007, against the Orioles while with the Red Sox.
--RHP Zack Greinke became the first pitcher in the majors with six victories Monday and lowered his earned run average to 0.40 with a complete-game shutout of the White Sox. Greinke joins RHP Bret Saberhagen (1987) and Jose Lima (2003) as the only Royals pitchers to win their first six decisions. Lima won seven in 2003. Greinke struck out 10 and walked none, the fourth time in his career he has logged double-figure strikeouts with no walks.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "We could see last year they (the Royals) made a lot of progress and they're better this year. When (RHP Zack) Greinke pitches, they are as good as any team in baseball." -- Tigers manager Jim Leyland.
BY THE NUMBERS: 1-for-13 -- C John Buck on throwing out base runners this season after throwing out just seven of 65 in 2008.
