Preview: Royals and Red Sox Clash in Crucial Series with Playoff Implications

In a crucial Wild Card battle, the Royals will aim to defend their home turf.

Mathey Gibson | Aug 5, 2024

Jul 14, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers (11) tags out Kansas City Royals center fielder Garrett Hampson (2) during the ninth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports / Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

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The Kansas City Royals will welcome the Boston Red Sox to Kauffman Stadium for a pivotal three-game series starting Monday. Both teams are on the cusp of the AL Wild Card race, making this matchup critical for their postseason aspirations.

Currently, the Royals sit just 0.5 games out of the Wild Card spot, while the Red Sox are trailing by 2.5 games. Although they belong to different divisions, the outcomes of these games could significantly influence the playoff picture for both squads.

Opponent Preview: Boston Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox have emerged as one of the American League's surprise teams this season, boasting a 59-51 record despite a largely inexperienced roster. After a slow start post-All-Star break, the Sox regained momentum with a series win over the Mariners at Fenway and maintained their strong form by winning two out of three games against the Texas Rangers, capped by a decisive 7-2 victory on Sunday. Led by All-Stars Jarren Duran and Rafael Devers, Boston could make a playoff push sooner than expected. The team also has a wealth of talented prospects waiting for potential call-ups, including MLB Pipeline's No. 7 overall player, shortstop Marcello Mayer.

Royals Overview

The Royals have emerged as playoff contenders in 2024 after years of struggling near the bottom of the standings. They currently hold a 63-50 record, largely thanks to the stellar performance of MVP candidate Bobby Witt Jr., who has been on fire since the All-Star break, showcasing a potent mix of speed and power that have made him one of the most feared hitters in baseball.

Kansas City also made key acquisitions at the trade deadline, including starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen and veteran utility infielder Paul DeJong, adding depth and experience to their roster. The Royals' recent success includes a sweep of the White Sox and a solid series against the Tigers.

The Royals' pitching staff has been impressive, with a 3.74 ERA, a 1.25 WHIP, and a .241 opponent batting average. Offensively, they have scored 536 runs, boasting a .253 batting average and a .310 on-base percentage. Bobby Witt Jr. leads the team with a .344 batting average, 20 home runs, and 79 RBIs.

Pitching Matchup

Brady Singer (8-6) will take the mound for the Royals to open the series. Singer has rediscovered the form that made him the staff ace in 2022. In 22 starts this season, he holds a 2.88 ERA, a 1.16 WHIP, and has struck out 8.3 batters per nine innings. In his last outing, Singer secured a win against the White Sox, allowing three earned runs over seven innings.

The Red Sox will send left-hander James Paxton (8-3) to the mound for his 20th start of the season. In his last outing on Tuesday against the Seattle Mariners, Paxton tossed 4 1/3 innings, giving up three earned runs on six hits. The 35-year-old has pitched in 19 games this season, posting an ERA of 4.52, a 1.41 strikeout-to-walk ratio, and a WHIP of 1.463.

Paxton has recorded six quality starts in his 19 appearances this season. He has lasted five or more innings in 12 of his starts, averaging 4.9 innings per appearance. Notably, he has managed four outings without allowing an earned run.

The Royals have been dominant against American League opponents, winning nine of their last 10 games. Monday's game marks the fourth meeting between these two teams this season, promising an exciting showdown.

Scenario 1: Royals sweep Boston (3-0)