It’s time for a final push toward that third Wild Card slot.
As the Royals make a final push toward overtaking the Mariners for the third AL Wild Card spot, they welcome the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers to Kansas City to begin a nine-game homestand. In order to try to make up ground against the Mariners, they really need to win every series over this homestand. The Royals currently sit 3.0 games behind the 72-62 Mariners.
With Michael Massey back on the major league roster, he continues to play and will start in left field. India will play 2B and Frazier will hit DH. Here’s hoping that Yaz can continue his *ridiculous* run at the top of the lineup. What a midseason acquisition, for real. Yaz has a 154 wRC+ and 1.1 fWAR as a Royal in only 24 games/87 plate appearances.
It won’t be easy for the Royals tonight. Seth Lugo will make the start, who was last seen getting slapped around by these same Tigers for six runs allowed in only 4.1 innings. I really think he’s got some kind of injury/malady, but the starting pitching depth is perhaps a little thin. The Royals just called up Stephen Kolek to take Michael Wacha’s place as he goes on the Paternity List (congrats to him!).
The Tigers will send Chris Paddack to the mound, who was ALSO last seen pitching against the Royals last week. He went five innings and gave up only one run. He’s been inconsistent in his short time as a Tiger – he’s alternating good starts with crappy starts. If the pattern continues (haha let’s be real about this), tonight will be a crappy start for him. Here’s hoping.
Notable playoff chase games:
Pirates vs Red Sox (woof)
Mariners vs Guardians
Yankees vs White Sox (woof)
It will be an uphill climb. The Boys Need To Play Some Ball.
Gametime is 7:10pm US Central at Kauffman Stadium. You can watch on FanDuel Sports Network Kansas City or listen on the Royals Radio Network.
Lineups:
Category: General Sports
