Massey making push for starting role at 2B

MESA, Ariz. -- Michael Massey made his big league debut less than a year ago, but he has already learned a lot.

One of the things serving him best this Spring Training is knowing to not force his body into the starting lineup. And that's coming from a guy who likes to get around 100 swings a day in the batting cage.

“In the past, I’ve overdone it at times, where I was stupid and young and didn’t listen to my body. I try to not go in with a certain number [of swings] in mind,” he said Friday. “Right now I’m actually taking a pretty good amount just because I feel like I have to fight for that feel.”

Making his third start of the Cactus League slate at second base -- a position with young and hungry competition in the clubhouse -- Massey doubled on a 2-2 pitch, scored a run and made a sweet defensive play as the Royals never trailed during a 6-4 win over the A's at Hohokam Stadium. Kansas City leads MLB this spring with seven wins.

“[Massey] swung the bat good today,” first-year manager Matt Quatraro said. “He squared a couple of balls up, which was good. I know he’s been a little frustrated about his at-bats. And he made a really nice play to his glove side there, too.”

Massey -- who will turn 25 on March 22 -- isn’t the only player in Royals camp eyeing that starting spot at second.

He is competing for the second-base job with Nicky Lopez, who left camp earlier this week to play for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic. Lopez is a more versatile defender and could play all over the infield if the Royals see him as more of a utility man. Nate Eaton and Samad Taylor have also seen time at second base for depth purposes, and Matt Duffy -- a veteran non-roster invite -- could earn a bench role out of camp because of his versatility to play second and third base.

Massey batted seventh in his next start, and moved up to second in the lineup during Friday’s win over Oakland. He’s also one of only two left-handed batters to play second this spring.

Shortstop is locked up with phenom Bobby Witt Jr.

Massey, Kansas City’s fourth-round Draft pick in 2019, played 48 games at second base in 2022 and batted .243 on the year. He committed just four errors at second in more than 401 2/3 innings.

He’ll be working with others in the middle infield while Lopez plays in the WBC, but he also isn’t looking over his shoulder at second.

“I try to work as hard as I can and just really focus on my game,” said Massey, who was lifted from second base in the sixth inning Friday in favor of Dungan. “I like using the Herb Brooks quote from Miracle: ‘There’s plenty there to keep me busy.’ I’ve got to worry about what I’m doing, and whatever happens, happens.”

JBJ lands in Royals camp
Outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. reported to Surprise on Friday after signing a Minor League deal with the Royals on Wednesday.

The veteran will have an opportunity this spring to earn playing time in a wide-open outfield. Bradley, 32, was an All-Star during nine seasons with Boston. After struggling with the Brewers in 2021, Bradley split time last season between the Red Sox and Blue Jays before he was released.

“First and foremost, I hope he comes here and plays well for himself, but also for us,” Quatraro said Friday. “I don’t ever think about bringing a guy in because he’s doing something other than performing on the field. That other kind of stuff is a byproduct of who he is as a person and his experiences. But when he comes here, he’s here to play well for himself and for the team.

“Guys will just see how he goes about his business and how he interacts with people, how professional he is. It’s definitely going to rub off.”