Tyler McKay

KC Native McKay Moves From Monarchs To Mexico

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Tyler McKay

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — A Kansas City metro native is moving from the Kansas City Monarchs to a new chapter in the baseball world. 

Monarchs reliever Tyler McKay has signed with Puebla in the Mexican League, the Monarchs announced Saturday.

McKay is the 13th Monarchs player to sign with an affiliated or Mexican League team since the end of the 2024 season. Former Monarchs outfielder Lorenzo Cedrola will be McKay’s teammate in Puebla.

“When we signed Tyler McKay, we knew we were getting something special right off the bat,” Monarchs manager Joe Calfapietra said. “Then when we got him in house, we saw he was a special person in addition to his special ability.”

McKay was a dependable presence in the Monarchs’ bullpen, using an effective sinker and an array of breaking pitches to generate weak contact. 

The right-hander converted on all seven of his save opportunities. He earned a 2.40 ERA across 15 appearances, striking out 15 and walking four across 15 innings of work.

“Him having an opportunity to pitch in his hometown was very special for him, and very special for us,” Calfapietra said. “We’re happy to be a part of this success story. We think he still has major-league talent, and I think this is just a part of his story, moving up the chain and getting to where his ultimate goal is, to pitch in the major leagues.”

Born in Lee’s Summit, McKay attended Blue Springs South High School. He played at Kansas State his freshman season before transferring to Howard College, where he was a starting pitcher in 2018. 

The Phillies drafted McKay in the 16th round in 2018; he made his pro debut later that year. He made his High-A debut in 2021 and reached Double-A for the first time in 2022. 

McKay’s first Triple-A appearance came in 2023. Across 52 appearances at that level (all in relief), he owns a 2.97 ERA and 8.3 K/9 across 60.2 innings of work. 

The Monarchs (22-13) have the second-best record in the American Association. They return home to Legends Field Friday June 27 for KU Night and Saturday June 28 for Ted Lasso Night. Tickets are available now at Tickets.MonarchsBaseball.com. See the Monarchs’ full schedule here.

Garcia Digs Deep, Monarchs Top Cleburne

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CLEBURNE, Texas — Julian Garcia has come through for the Kansas City Monarchs all season long. He did it again on Friday night.

With Kansas City’s bullpen depleted, the Monarchs’ ace of staff struck out 13 batters over seven-plus innings as the Monarchs doubled up the Cleburne Railroaders 10-5 from La Moderna Field.

The win snaps a four-game losing streak for the Monarchs (23-13), who remain a half-game out of first place in the American Association West.

Garcia allowed a two-run homer to Kyle Martin in the first. From there the right-hander surrendered just three hits (all singles) across his next 6.2 innings, walking just one.

“I just wanted to give us a chance,” Garcia said. “That first inning, they hit that home run, and I kind of just locked in.”

Kansas City tied the game in the fourth on a pair of two-out RBI singles from Christopher Familia and Josh Bissonette. It was Familia’s first RBI as a Monarch in his third game with the team.

A bases-loaded walk from Blake Rutherford gave the Monarchs a 3-2 lead in the fifth. It was the final run charged to Cleburne starter Cristian Lopez, who gave up six hits and two walks while striking out five over 4.2 innings.

Álvaro Gonzalez made it 4-2 with an RBI single in the sixth, and Kansas City broke the game open in the seventh. The Monarchs drew four consecutive walks to open up the frame, with Ryan Leitch supplying a two-run double to make it 8-2.

Martin hit his second home run of the game in the bottom of the eighth off Kansas City reliever Leam Mendez. He now leads the American Association with 15 home runs and 45 RBIs.

The Monarchs plated a pair against Cleburne outfielder Steven Rivas in the top of the ninth before an RBI knock from Korry Howell off Monarchs righty Zac Reininger brought the game to its final score.

UP NEXT

The Monarchs and Railroaders meet for Game 5 of their six-game series Saturday night at 7:06 p.m. Patrick Pridgen will start for Kansas City against Cleburne’s Mike Shawaryn. Monarchs fans can hear the game on The Bet KC 1660 AM and the Audacy app.

Former Jayhawk Dominates On Mound, But Monarchs Fall In Cleburne

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CLEBURNE, Texas — Blake Goldsberry put together perhaps the best relief outing by a Kansas City Monarch this season, backing up another solid start from Josh Hendrickson. But a walk-off home run from Shed Long, Jr. pushed the Cleburne Railroaders to a 3-2 win Thursday night at La Moderna Field.

Hendrickson tossed five innings of two-run baseball to set the tone for Kansas City. Goldsberry took the ball in the sixth with the game tied and threw three perfect innings. The former Kansas Jayhawk struck out six, throwing 34 pitches.

Long’s home run off Jeff Hakanson led off the bottom of the ninth inning. It was Long’s fourth home run of the year.

The result moves the Monarchs (22-13) out of first place for the first time since the opening weekend of the season.

Kansas City set the tone early, plating two runs in the first on RBI singles from Blake Rutherford and Robbie Glendinning. The Monarchs failed to cash in the rest of the way, finishing the night 2-for-16 with runners in scoring position.

Railroaders starter Austin Faith dug deep to throw 6.2 innings, allowing two runs on eight hits with seven walks and four strikeouts. He threw 123 pitches.

Cleburne cut the lead to 2-1 on a second-inning RBI single from Korry Howell and tied the game in the fifth on a Dustin Peterson RBI double. Taylor Broadway earned the win for the Railroaders, tossing 2.1 hitless innings to finish the night.

The Railroaders (21-16) remain in first place in the American Association East with the victory.

UP NEXT

Kansas City will look to snap their four-game losing streak Friday night with ace of staff Julian Garcia on the mound. Garcia is coming off a 13-strikeout performance in his last outing at home against Milwaukee. Right-hander Cristian Lopez, who was initially slated to start Thursday’s game, will get the ball for Cleburne. Monarchs fans can hear the game on The Bet KC 1660 AM and the Audacy app.

Monarchs Bats Stay Hot In Losing Effort

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CLEBURNE, Texas — The Kansas City Monarchs scored double-digit runs for the third time this season, but it wasn’t enough to top the Cleburne Railroaders.

Cleburne scored seven runs across the fifth and sixth innings to pull away in a 14-10 victory from La Moderna Field.

The result moves the Monarchs (22-12) into a virtual tie with Sioux City for first place in the American Association West.

Jaylyn Williams went 3-for-4 with two RBIs for Kansas City. Josh Bissonette drove in three runs in a 2-for-4 performance. The Monarchs collected 12 hits in the defeat.

Cleburne (20-16) scored four unearned runs in the fifth on a pair of dropped fly balls from Monarchs fielders. Dustin Peterson, Korry Howell and Kyle Martin homered for Cleburne, with Martin legging out an inside-the-park home run in the first inning.

The loss is the third straight for Kansas City, the first time all season the Monarchs have lost three games in a row. They are 8-3 coming off losses this season.

UP NEXT

Josh Hendrickson will look to right the ship as the Monarchs’ starting pitcher Thursday night. Cristian Lopez will pitch for Cleburne. First pitch is scheduled for 7:06 p.m.

Monarchs Blast Four Home Runs In Losing Effort

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CLEBURNE, Texas — The Kansas City Monarchs left the yard four times but couldn’t outscore the Cleburne Railroaders Tuesday night. Cleburne out-slugged Kansas City 10-6 to claim the first game of the team’s six game series from La Moderna Field.

Ross Adolph homered twice for the Monarchs, the third multi-home run game by a Kansas City player this season. Blake Rutherford and Robbie Glendinning delivered back-to-back bombs in the defeat. All four Monarchs home runs were solo shots.

Kansas City (22-11) led 2-0 early and tied the game at three in the top of the fourth, but Cleburne (19-16) scored five runs in the sixth inning to take control of the game. Railroaders center fielder Corry Howell finished the game with four RBIs, two each on a home run and a triple.

Monarchs starter Jackson Goddard took the loss, allowing four runs in 4.2 innings of work. Kade Mechals earned the win for Cleburne, tossing six innings and surrendering three runs.

The Monarchs still hold the best record in the American Association by a half-game over their division rivals, Sioux City (23-13).

UP NEXT

Kansas City and Cleburne meet again Wednesday night at 7:06 p.m. Daniel Martinez will start for the Monarchs against Cleburne’s Derek Craft. Fans can hear the game on 1660 AM The Bet KC and the Audacy app.

Isiah Gilliam

Monarchs Star Gilliam Heading To Mexican League

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Isiah Gilliam

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Isiah Gilliam established himself as the best player in the American Association. Now he’s taking his talents south of the border. 

The Kansas City Monarchs’ star outfielder has signed with Tabasco in the Mexican League, the Monarchs announced Tuesday. 

At the time of his departure, Gilliam led the AAPB with a .389 batting average, .478 on-base percentage and .770 slugging percentage. His 1.248 OPS ranks nearly 100 points above second place in the league. 

“Isiah Gilliam’s not only the best player in this league, he could be the best player in Partner League baseball,” Monarchs manager Joe Calfapietra said. “We knew he was going to get an opportunity, it was just when and where. We’re incredibly excited for him.”

Gilliam was on a tear leading up to his signing. Over his final 10 games with Kansas City, Gilliam hit .465 with a 1.445 OPS, four home runs and 13 RBIs. 

Six 2025 Monarchs have now had their contracts transferred away from the team. Four have moved on to affiliated organizations with two, Gilliam and slugger Jhailyn Ortiz, heading to the Mexican League.

“We wish Isiah all the best,” Calfapietra said. “This is a great thing for him and his career. We’re so happy he’s gotten this opportunity, and to have him in a Kansas City Monarchs uniform.”

The switch-hitting outfielder joined the Monarchs for the stretch run in 2024 and immediately became one of the team’s top hitters. He blasted six home runs in 31 games while hitting .333 with a 1.025 OPS.

Gilliam, 28, was a 20th-round draft pick by the Yankees in 2015 out of Chipola College in Florida. He reached Double-A with the Yankees before moving to the Reds as a free agent and cracking Triple-A in 2022.

The Georgia native became a Mariners prospect for the 2023 season and put up the best season of his career: 25 home runs and an .893 OPS over 122 games between Double-A Arkansas and Triple-A Tacoma.

The Monarchs (22-10) hold the best record in the American Association heading into a nine-game road trip. Their next home game is KU Night on June 27th followed by Ted Lasso Night on June 28th. Tickets are available at MonarchsBaseball.com.

Monarchs Fall In Father’s Day Thriller

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. – The Kansas City Monarchs fell just short in a Father’s Day thriller. A go-ahead sacrifice fly in the 10th inning gave the Milwaukee Milkmen a 7-6 win in extra innings.

Sunday’s finale featured five lead changes and four different tie scores. The Monarchs battled back several times, but couldn’t get the deciding run.

Jorge Bonifacio excelled in the loss. The former Kansas City Royal gave the Monarchs a 2-0 lead in the first inning with a two-run blast. 

The bomb was Bonifacio’s fourth round-tripper of the season, measuring 412 feet.

The veteran outfielder snuck an RBI single to score Joshuan Sandoval to give Kansas City (23-9) a 5-4 advantage. His biggest at-bat came with an RBI sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth to force extras.

Bonifacio finished 2-for-4 with 4 RBIs, tying his season high.

Patrick Pridgen was stellar to open his first start since May 20th. The right-hander fanned six batters across the early innings with his wicked fastball.

Pridgen hung six strikeouts across four innings.

Milwaukee (14-19) grabbed its first lead off an RBI single by Chase Estep in the fifth inning to make it 3-2. Estep had another big hit in the seventh inning with a game-tying single to right-center field.

Glenn Santiago gave the Milkmen a 6-5 lead in the 8th inning with a two-run single.

Clutch relief pitching from Milwaukee decided the game. Denny Bentley escaped a bases-loaded jam in the ninth, Logan Snow retired three batters in a row to close the 10th.

UP NEXT

The Monarchs travel to Texas to take on the Cleburne Railroaders for a six-game series, beginning Tuesday at 7:06 pm. Listen to every Monarchs game live on the radio on The Bet KC 1630 AM.



Garcia, Glendinning Guide Monarchs Past Milkmen

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Julian Garcia prevailed in an all-star pitching matchup with his best performance as a Kansas City Monarch.

The right-hander hurled a career-high 13 strikeouts in a series-clinching victory. Kansas City downed the Milwaukee Milkmen, 3-2, at Legends Field. 

Garcia dominated Milwaukee’s lineup with a combination of wipeout sliders, heavy fastballs and a stellar demeanor.

“I locked in around the second inning,” Garcia said. “It was a good game all around. The bats got going, the defense behind me. It’s always fun on a Saturday night here.”

Garcia posted 7.0 innings with just two walks surrendered. The right-hander posted multiple strikeouts in five of his seven innings. 

Robbie Glendinning provided the game-winning hit in the eighth inning. The Australian smacked a go-ahead RBI single to give the Monarchs the pivotal last blow.

“We’ve got dogs, we’re never down,” Garcia said. “If something happens, we’re going to be there to pick each other up.”

Garcia breezed through his second time through the lineup card. Garcia struck out four consecutive Milkmen to record six strikeouts from the third to fifth innings.

“If I got ahead with my fastball, the slider was working,” Garcia said. “If I got ahead with the slider, I used a couple of cutters in there. It was a good couple of sequences.

Milwaukee starter Jhordany Mezquita did his best to keep the Milkmen in the game. The opposing starter delivered a quality start of six innings and just two runs against.

Glendinning’s hits were important, with go-ahead RBIs in the fourth and eighth innings. The former Kansas City Royals prospect finished 2-for-3 in the victory.

UP NEXT

The Monarchs close out their three-game series with the Milkmen on Father’s Day at 1:05. Kansas City’s Patrick Pridgen starts against Milwaukee’s Matt Walker.



Monarchs’ Brentz Signs With Chicago Cubs

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. — A former Royal is heading from the Kansas City Monarchs back to affiliated ball. 

Lefty pitcher Jake Brentz has signed with the Chicago Cubs organization, the Monarchs announced Thursday. 

Brentz was one of the Monarchs’ top relievers to start the 2025 season, striking out 17 batters and walking just five over 12.1 innings of work. He also impressed with his stuff, averaging 95.7 mph on his fastball, the best mark among left-handers in the American Association.

“It’s really great to see Jake get this opportunity.” Monarchs manager Joe Calfapietra said. “He’s worked so hard since coming into our clubhouse. He has great velocity, in the zone, his stuff is really good. We’re excited to see him get with a really good organization, and hopefully move up the ladder and make it back to the major leagues.”

Brentz, a St. Louis County native, owns 85 MLB strikeouts across 80 big-league appearances, all with the Royals. He led the team with 72 appearances in 2021, producing a 3.66 ERA and striking out 10.7 batters per nine innings. 

Originally an 11th-round draft pick by Toronto out of Parkway South High School, Brentz has played 196 MiLB games with four organizations. 

Brentz is the fourth Kansas City player to move on to an MLB organization this season, after Matt Higgins (Phillies), Josh Bortka (Twins) and Peyton Holt (Reds). Another Monarch, slugger Jhailyn Ortiz, was picked up by a Mexican League team. 

“We have a lot of talent with this club. Obviously it’s showing up in the wins and losses so far this season, and it’s showing up on other organizations, whether it’s major-league organizations or Mexico,” Calfapietra said. “We’re grateful and thankful that our players have opportunities to advance in the game of baseball.”

The Monarchs (21-9) hold the best record in the American Association. They’re home this weekend, including Jurassic Ballpark Night Saturday at 6:35 p.m. Fans can get tickets at MonarchsBaseball.com.

Monarchs Blast Past Milkmen

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. – The Kansas City Monarchs’ ability to respond to adversity has been brilliant all season. The Monarchs dispatched the Milwaukee Milkmen, 12-3, at Legends Field. Kansas City improved to 8-1 following a loss this season.

“This team’s pretty unfazed. We know who we are, we know what we can do,” Adolph said. “Even after a loss, I think we’re even more determined to come out and win.”

Adolph put on his best performance of the season. The returning outfielder delivered three doubles as part of a 3-for-5 performance.

Adolph spanked an RBI two-bagger off the Home Run Patio wall to make it 4-0 Kansas City in the third inning.

“I was focused on not trying to do too much, stay within myself,” Adolph said. “I wanted to drive the ball the other way and do what needs to be done.”

His best play of the night came defensively. Former Monarch Myker Adolfo demolished a towering line drive to the center field wall. Adolph hustled back and made an over-the-shoulder catch, potentially robbing the Milwaukee slugger (13-18) of a home run.

“I was trying to stay within myself, be an athlete out there,” Adolph said. “I trusted my instincts.”

It put Josh Hendrickson in a position to thrive in his sixth start. The Monarchs’ (21-9) arm hurled six innings of one-run ball with four strikeouts.

Hendrickson (3-1) posted six complete innings for his third time in four starts.

The Monarchs’ bats were stellar throughout. Kansas City crushed six doubles and a home run, a 423-foot blast by Robbie Glendinning in the sixth inning.

Monarchs right-hander Rane Pfeifer finished off the performance with a scoreless ninth inning in his professional debut.

UP NEXT

The Monarchs clash for Jurassic Ballpark night at Legends Field on Saturday night. First pitch is slated for 6:35 pm, tickets are available at monarchsbaseball.com.