This story is featured in Issue 5 of Royals Baseball Insider and is available for free to all fans who attend any game during the homestand at Kauffman Stadium from Aug. 13–18, 2019.
On the bright blue carpet inside the Royals clubhouse stood Nicky Lopez, his u21161 jersey hanging in a locker behind him. A group of reporters approached, eager to speak with the 24-year-old who Royals fans had been patiently awaiting.
As he tried to recall the events that led to his May 14 debut, Lopez took a deep breath before speaking.