Athletics vs Royals starting pitchers
- Cole Ragans for Kansas City Royals
Athletics vs Royals game preview
In the upcoming matchup between the Oakland Athletics and Kansas City Royals, the mound will be occupied by Cole Ragans for the Royals. Ragans, who enters this game with a 2-3 record and an ERA of 4.22, will look to leverage his promising strikeout numbers — he's amassed 57 Ks so far — to keep the Athletics' hitters in check. Sporting a WHIP of 1.29, Ragans has shown potential to control the game, but he'll need to be on top of his game given the challenges posed by the Athletics’ lineup.
On the side of the Oakland Athletics, the offensive numbers this season have been a mixed bag, with a noteworthy strength in acquiring bases on balls, ranked 9th, but struggling significantly with a team batting average standing at .218, ranked 29th in the league. Key players like Abraham Toro and Brent Rooker have been bright spots, with Toro leading the team with a .288 batting average and Rooker leading in home runs and RBIs. With the team's overall ability to draw walks and manufacture home runs, the Athletics may find it possible to capitalize on any lapses in Ragans' control, cultivating critical scoring opportunities despite their general batting challenges.
The Kansas City Royals have displayed a somewhat more robust offensive capability, positioned nicely with a team batting average of .239. Salvador Perez has been a critical piece of the Royals’ batting lineup, leading with a stellar .323 batting average along with team-highs in home runs and RBIs. The Royals have shown a balance in speed and power, sitting comfortably with 47 stolen bases and a decent scoring position, which could prove vital in exploiting any weaknesses in the Athletics' pitching staff and defensive alignments. As they face the Athletics, integrating aggressive baserunning and clutch hitting from leaders like Perez will be key to their strategy for securing a win.
Kansas City Royals injuries
- Carlos Hernandez (RP): 15-Day-IL
- Jake Brentz (RP): 15-Day-IL
- Josh Taylor (RP): 60-Day-IL
- Jordan Lyles (RP): Out
- Kris Bubic (SP): 60-Day-IL
Oakland Athletics injuries
- Osvaldo Bido (SP): Day-To-Day
- Norge Ruiz (SP): Out
- Scott Alexander (RP): 15-Day-IL
- Jack Perkins (SP): Day-To-Day
- Joe Boyle (SP): 15-Day-IL
Athletics vs Royals predictions
I'm telling you, the Oakland Athletics are going to get some serious thump from their lineup today. J.D. Davis is going to come out swinging, I'm projecting him to go 2-for-4 with a homer and a couple of RBIs. And don't sleep on Zack Gelof, the kid's got pop - I think he'll rack up three hits and a stolen base. And then there's Brent Rooker, the guy's a beast - I'm calling a multi-hit game with a run scored for him. The A's are gonna put some crooked numbers on the board, mark my words.
On the other side, the Kansas City Royals are counting on their young guns to bring the heat. I think Hunter Renfroe is due for a big game - I'm projecting him to go deep and drive in a couple of runs. And don't underestimate Vinnie Pasquantino, the kid's got a sweet swing - I think he'll notch a couple of hits and a run scored. And then there's Salvador Perez, the veteran catcher is still got it - I'm calling for a multi-hit game from him. The Royals' bats are gonna be loud today.
So, when it's all said and done, I think the Royals' bats are gonna be just a little too much for the A's. I'm predicting a high-scoring affair, but in the end, I like the Royals to take it 8-6. Cole Ragans is gonna have to bring his A-game to keep up with the Royals' offense, and even then, it might not be enough. The A's will bring the thunder, but the Royals will bring the W.
