(Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
Anything can happen between now and Oct. 3 when the KC Royals conclude their 2021 season with a home game against the Twins. Nicky Lopez, for example, could slump miserably at the plate and ruin the surprisingly excellent season he’s having.
If that doesn’t occur, something else should. As soon as this season wraps and before the Royals scatter for home, Manager Mike Matheny should sit Lopez down, congratulate him for his turnaround season and, on the spot, give him the shortstop job for 2022.
Right then and there. Deal done, giving Lopez a winter of knowing the job he did so well subbing for Adalberto Mondesi now belongs to him.