The royals know they are in a crisis, writes Anne Rogers.

“There are certain times of the year when, for whatever reason, things just don’t go the way you want them to,” Massey said. “And in those periods, when you can’t hit that big three-run home run, when you can’t hit that big hit with runners in scoring position, you have to find a way to get guys on base. Get a walk. Or something as simple as not chasing a player out of the zone.

“If you’re struggling as a hitter, you should get to the heater in time. Once you get to the heater in time, hit a line drive into the gap and you feel it again. Now you can go back to all the other stuff. But you have to go back to the basics to do it right.”

Jaylon Thompson writes that the royals are not panicking.

“It’s frustrating to be on a winning streak like this at this time of year,” said Royals second baseman Michael Massey. “… We have the guys in this locker room that can do it. So there’s no need to panic.”

Vinnie Pasquantino addressed the media as he plans to undergo thumb surgery today.

He hasn’t played a full season for the organization yet and that’s weighing on him.

“I don’t want to think about it too much because I want to be a guy the Royals can count on here, and I haven’t been,” Pasquantino said. “That’s the part that gets me so excited. You know, when I close my eyes and imagine what my career can look like in Kansas City, I want it to be long and healthy. And so far, that’s happened.”

Yuli Gurriel suffered a thigh injury in Monday’s loss.

Acting manager Paul Hoover called Gurriel’s injury a “very mild strain” and said the team wanted to be cautious at this point to keep him out of the game and avoid further injury. It was unclear if Gurriel will ever be out since he was treated after the game, but it could be an everyday situation.

David Lesky reacts to the latest additions, including Tommy Pham.

The stats show he’s been a below-average performer. His expected average was .277. His expected slugging percentage was .422. He hits the ball pretty hard and in the air. That’s a good offensive profile, especially considering his chase rate is elite. There are only two players on the Royals’ active roster who have played even a minute this season and have a chase rate below his 19 percent. One of them is Tyler Gentry, who was demoted to make room for the Royals’ new additions. The other is Robbie Grossman, who was signed along with Pham on Saturday afternoon. That’s a skillset the Royals don’t have much of. He’ll hold his own against righties, but hits lefties well enough to be in most days, but in all games against lefties.

Bobby Witt Jr. and Michael Wacha were named Royals Player and Pitcher of the Month for August.

The White Sox lose their 20th consecutive game with Chris Flexen in the starting lineup, setting a record.

Jacob deGrom could return for the Rangers this weekend.

Willy Adames hits a home run in his fifth consecutive game.

The Astros suspect that outfielder Kyle Tucker has suffered a broken tibia.

Gunnar Henderson sets the Orioles’ single-season shortstop home run record.

Fernando Tatis Jr. returns for the Padres.

The Reds determine the use of first baseman Dominic Smith.

Ten MLB players are facing an important September.

The Twins could move Royce Lewis to second base.

Is Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill the favorite for the National League Rookie of the Year title?

The Chiefs have placed Clyde Edwards-Helaire on the non-football injured list.

The Oregon State and Washington State football teams will likely have to create independent schedules in 2025.

Survivors Graduate Ryan Medrano wins a silver medal at the 2024 Paralympics.

How dynamic pricing spread from airline tickets to concerts.

Why are there no more rap superstars?

Your song of the day is Chance the Rapper & Joey Bada$$ with The highs and the lows.