The Kansas City Royals find themselves in a precarious position as the MLB season reaches its climax. After a promising victory over the Cleveland Guardians on August 27, the Royals surged into a first-place tie in their division with a 6 1/2 game cushion in a playoff spot. However, the team has since endured a dramatic downturn, characterized by two separate seven-game losing streaks and culminating in a 7-16 record since their high point in late August.
The Royals are now locked in a nail-biting race for a playoff berth, tied with the Detroit Tigers for the second and third wild-card spots. Adding to the tension, the Minnesota Twins are just a game behind, making every remaining game crucial.
One of the major struggles for the Royals has been their performance on the road. They currently hold a 37-38 road record and face a daunting six-game road trip against the Washington Nationals and the Atlanta Braves to close out the season. With their playoff hopes hanging in the balance, these away games will be pivotal. SportsLine estimates the Royals' playoff chances at 60.5%, but the odds can shift dramatically with every game result.
Offensive Woes
Since August 27, the Royals' batting woes have been stark. The team’s batting average has plummeted to .206/.273/.317 with an average of just 3.04 runs per game. Before this period, their figures stood at a more robust .258/.314/.425, averaging 4.88 runs per game. The absence of Vinnie Pasquantino due to an injury has also been a significant blow to their offensive capabilities.
Bobby Witt Jr. has been one silver lining for the team. From June 30 to August 27, Witt Jr. posted incredible stats—a .416/.467/.774 slash line, with 17 doubles, three triples, 15 home runs, 41 RBIs, and 50 runs in 48 games. Despite the team's struggles, Witt Jr. has managed to maintain an above-average performance as measured by weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+). Even in the last 23 games, Witt Jr. has posted a respectable .261/.340/.500.
Pitching Troubles
Pitching has also been a significant challenge for the Royals. Lucas Erceg, who had been flawless in his first 11 outings with a 0.00 ERA, has seen a drastic decline. Since August 27, Erceg’s ERA has ballooned to 7.45, and his WHIP stands at 1.55. He has blown two saves and taken three losses during this period, contributing to the collective woes of the Royals' bullpen. In the last 23 games, the bullpen has posted a 4.33 ERA, suffered seven losses, and blown four saves.
The challenging schedule has certainly been a factor. The Royals faced opponents with winning records in 17 of their last 23 contests, including being swept by the 77-79 San Francisco Giants. Despite these formidable opponents, head coach and team members dismiss any excuses, indicating that "We had a tough schedule" and "we lost to a playoff contender" aren't valid justifications for their recent performance.
Looking Ahead
As the Royals embark on their final road trip of the regular season, they aim for their first postseason appearance since winning the World Series title in 2015. The path ahead is fraught with challenges, but the team's resilience will be tested. With the Tigers and Twins also in the mix, every game, every pitch, and every at-bat will be crucial. For the Royals, the days of coasting are long gone, and the coming road games will determine whether they can overcome their recent slump and clinch that coveted playoff spot.