The Chicago White Sox play host to the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday afternoon in the finale of the mid-week series between the AL Central foes from Guaranteed Rate Field. The two have split the first two games of the series, with the Royals springing the upset in the opener and Chicago bouncing back nicely on Tuesday night. Considering the gap in the standings between these two, it would be interesting to see the Royals spring the upset in the series, though they won't back down in this one.
The Royals have been one of the worst teams in baseball all season long and of late, it has been clear that this team and organization have thrown in the towel. The trade deadline saw them operate as sellers in the market, trading away some of their only key pieces as they continue to play towards the future. The Royals sit in last place in the NL Central and with a 4-6 record in their last ten games, they haven't shown signs of getting much better. A win on Monday night was instrumental to their mentality and confidence, though giving it right back on Tuesday leaves question marks as to how this team might react in the finale. Adding in their struggles on the road, this could be a challenge.
Injuries have hit Kansas City hard of late and adding in their injuries as well, it continues to be a challenge. POsitionally, the Royals continue to be without Adalberto Mondesi (knee) and Edward Olivares (quadricep), while Bobby Witt Jr. (hand) at least appears to be probable for the series finale. Adding in two relievers also being ruled out and the bullpen woes could continue as well.
Salvy and Doz get us right back in it.#TogetherRoyal pic.twitter.com/1AEf9mdNDm
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) August 3, 2022
According to MLB.com, the Royals will lean on one of their younger arms to close out the series strong, as Brady Singer takes the mound. Singer has had a great season, coming into this one with a -3 record and 3.51 ERA, exhibiting much of what made him a first-round draft pick only a few years ago. He hasn't allowed more than a single run in any of his last three starts and is coming off of a seven-inning, no-run performance the last time out. If he can channel that confidence on the mound
The lineup continues to be a major concern for this group and between injuries and trades, that's only likely to continue to hurt them into Wednesday. The Royals rank in the bottom five of baseball in runs scored, OPS, and home runs, but even their low strikeout rate hasn't been enough for them to find much success. Salvador Perez (14 HRs) remains the lone danger in the lineup, especially as they miss Andrew Benintendi (.320 average). The return of Witt Jr. (51 RBI) could eb crucial if the Royals aim to pull the upset in this one.