Jac Caglianone is set to take on a new challenge as the Kansas City Royals navigate an injury crisis. With Vinnie Pasquantino's hamate bone fracture and subsequent surgery, Caglianone is being called upon to fill the void at first base, a position he is no stranger to.
Caglianone, who has been a versatile player, has already shown his prowess in the outfield, but now he must return to his roots. In college and during his time in the Minor Leagues, he played first base, and he is eager to get back to the dirt. As he puts it, "I’ve been playing first base for so long that it feels like muscle memory." This familiarity will be crucial as the Royals adjust to Pasquantino's absence.
The Royals' manager, Matt Quatraro, acknowledges Caglianone's comfort and athleticism at first base, stating, "He's comfortable there. He’s been doing work there. Watching him take ground balls and stuff, he’s very athletic." However, Quatraro also notes that there might be an adjustment period as Caglianone gets back into the swing of things.
Caglianone's transition to first base is further complicated by the need to adapt his throwing technique. In the outfield, he has been working on an over-the-top arm angle to maximize carry on long throws. But on the dirt, infielders require different angles and quicker releases. Caglianone is taking notice of Pasquantino's expertise in the low-slot throw to second base and is working on refining his own technique.
The 23-year-old Caglianone has also been moved up in the lineup to the No. 3 spot, partly due to his recent hot streak with an .878 OPS over the past month. This provides the Royals with an opportunity to assess his potential as a regular player in a prominent spot in the lineup.
While Caglianone is excited to bounce back and forth between first base and the outfield, he remains mindful of Pasquantino's absence. He expresses his reliance on Pasquantino, stating, "Through it all, still just going to lean on Vinnie a lot." As the Royals navigate this challenging period, Caglianone's adaptability and versatility will be crucial to their success.
