The Kansas City Royals are facing an uphill battle as they strive for a playoff berth, a feat not accomplished since their 2015 World Series victory. Following a triumphant 13-1 win over the Cleveland Guardians on August 27, the Royals appeared to be on a firm path towards postseason contention, vaulting into a first-place tie in their division with a comfortable 6 1/2 game cushion for a playoff spot and just over a month remaining in the season.
However, the team's fortunes took a dramatic turn for the worse. The Royals have since endured two separate seven-game losing streaks, resulting in a woeful 7-16 record. This decline has left them tied with the Detroit Tigers for the second and third wild-card spots, with the Minnesota Twins trailing closely behind, just a game back. The final stretch of the season sees the Twins and Tigers with six home games each, while the Royals must navigate a six-game road trip facing the Washington Nationals and the Atlanta Braves.
Struggles on the Road
This season, the Royals have posted a 37-38 record on the road. Their recent performance has been particularly concerning, with a .206/.273/.317 batting line and an average of just 3.04 runs per game since August 27. This is a sharp decline from their earlier season form, where they hit .258/.314/.425 and averaged 4.88 runs per game.
The absence of key players has also played a significant role in the team’s downturn. Vinnie Pasquantino's sidelining due to injury has been a notable blow. Among the remaining players, only Bobby Witt Jr. has maintained an above-average performance by weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+). Witt Jr.'s pre-August 27 form was stellar, boasting a .416/.467/.774 slash line, with 17 doubles, three triples, 15 home runs, 41 RBIs, and 50 runs in 48 games. Despite a dip, he remains a key contributor, hitting .261/.340/.500 over the last 23 games.
Pitching Woes
The Royals' bullpen has also faltered significantly. Lucas Erceg, who was once a reliable force with a 0.00 ERA, 0.49 WHIP, and 15 strikeouts against one walk in his first 11 outings, has seen his numbers plummet. Since August 27, Erceg has recorded a 7.45 ERA and 1.55 WHIP, blowing two saves and taking three losses. The collective bullpen has a 4.33 ERA over the last 23 games, with seven bullpen losses and four blown saves. Facing teams with winning records in 17 of their last 23 games has further compounded the Royals' challenges.
High Stakes Ahead
With their playoff chances currently pegged at 60.5% by SportsLine, the Royals know that there is little room for error in their final push. Upcoming games against the Nationals and Braves will be critical. The team’s recent sweep at the hands of the sub-.500 San Francisco Giants only heightens the pressure.
The sense of urgency is palpable within the clubhouse. As one anonymous source indicated, "We had a tough schedule" and "we lost to a playoff contender" aren't valid excuses. This highlights the Royals’ understanding that overcoming adversity and elevating their game is essential.
As the Royals embark on their season-ending road trip, the stakes could not be higher. A return to the postseason would mark a significant achievement for a team that last tasted October glory in 2015. The road ahead is challenging, but the path to the playoffs is still within reach, provided they can recapture their earlier form and withstand the pressures of the final stretch.