The Kansas City Royals are grappling with a challenging and crucial phase as they vie for a coveted playoff berth. Following a triumphant victory over the Cleveland Guardians on August 27, the Royals catapulted themselves into a first-place tie in their division, enjoying a comfortable 6.5-game cushion in a playoff spot. Yet, the rollercoaster ride since has left the team in a precarious position.
Post-August 27 Downturn
Since August 27, the Royals have been mired in inconsistency, suffering through two separate seven-game losing streaks. This slump has resulted in a dismal 7-16 record over their last 23 games. Consequently, their once robust playoff cushion has evaporated, leaving them tied with the Detroit Tigers for the second and third wild-card spots, with the Minnesota Twins nipping at their heels just a game behind.
The road ahead is no less daunting. The Royals are set to finish their season with a six-game road trip, facing the Washington Nationals and the Atlanta Braves. Despite a year-long road record of 37-38, the Royals will need to dig deep to find consistency away from home. Meanwhile, the Twins and Tigers will conclude their seasons with six home games each, potentially giving them the home-field advantage during this critical stretch.
Offensive Woes and Injuries
Offensive struggles have plagued the Royals during this rough patch. Since August 27, their team batting line has plummeted to .206/.273/.317, averaging a meager 3.04 runs per game. This is a stark contrast to their pre-slump performance, where they hit .258/.314/.425 and averaged 4.88 runs per game.
In addition to the team's collective slump, the Royals have had to contend with injuries to key players. Vinnie Pasquantino's absence has been felt, leaving a noticeable void in the lineup. Only Bobby Witt Jr. has managed to keep his performance above league average by weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+). Witt Jr., who delivered an exceptional stretch from June 30 to August 27 with a .416/.467/.774 slash line, has cooled down slightly but remained productive, hitting .261/.340/.500 in the last 23 games.
Pitching Struggles Add to Woes
Pitching has also been an area of concern. Lucas Erceg's once stellar performance has nosedived since August 27. After a remarkable start characterized by a 0.00 ERA, 0.49 WHIP, and 15 strikeouts against a single walk in his first 11 outings, Erceg has struggled mightily. He now holds a 7.45 ERA and 1.55 WHIP, having blown two saves and taken three losses in this stretch.
The bullpen's collective performance mirrors Erceg's individual decline. In the last 23 games, the bullpen has posted a 4.33 ERA, suffered seven losses, and blown four saves. These struggles have compounded the Royals' woes, especially against formidable opponents. Of the last 23 contests, 17 were against teams with winning records, highlighting the daunting schedule they have faced.
Season on the Line
The Royals' recent series sweep against the 77-79 San Francisco Giants was a bitter pill to swallow. As the team heads into its season-ending road trip, the stakes couldn't be higher. Aiming for their first postseason appearance since their World Series triumph in 2015, the Royals must overcome formidable road challenges and reignite the form that had them soaring high in late August.
Despite a challenging journey ahead, SportsLine still pegs the Royals' playoff chances at 60.5%. The team will need to capitalize on every opportunity and rectify recent shortcomings. As they prepare for the road ahead, it’s clear that "We had a tough schedule" and "we lost to a playoff contender" won't suffice as explanations for any further disappointments. The Royals must summon the resilience and performance that saw them dominate earlier in the season to avoid a heart-wrenching fall from playoff contention.