MJ Melendez makes history as first Royals catcher to bat leadoff

Kansas City Royals’ MJ Melendez at bat against the Texas Rangers during the third inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, June 28, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)

by: PJ Green

Posted: Jul 11, 2022 / 05:49 PM CDT

Updated: Jul 11, 2022 / 05:49 PM CDT

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — This year’s Kansas City Royals rookie class keeps making milestones.

MJ Melendez will make history in the back half of the Royals doubleheader vs. the Detroit Tigers on Monday by being the first starting catcher to bat leadoff in team history.

Melendez has flashed some of his power and throwing ability from behind the plate in his 58 games while filling in for the injured Salvador Perez.

Melendez is batting .215 with 43 hits and nine home runs and 24 RBIs.

The second game of the Royals doubleheader begins at 7:10 p.m. Monday.

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