Series Preview: Guardians at Royals
Four games to prove to Mike Petriello who is the most interesting team
The Guardians arrive in Kansas City today for a four-game series at the conclusion of 13 straight games and a seven game road trip.
The Guardians are 51-27 with a +108 run differential, and ninth in MLB with a 109 wRC+, 22nd in baserunning at -3.4, eighth in Defensive WAR at 1.4, 29th in starting pitcher FIP at 4.68, and first in bullpen FIP at 3.03.
The Royals are 44-38 with a +48 run differential, and 21st in MLB with a 94 wRC+, fourth in baserunning at 5.4, fifth in Defensive WAR at 8.1, fourth in starting pitcher FIP at 3.62, and 24th in bullpen FIP at 4.33.
Matchups:
Ben Lively, RHP vs. Michael Wacha, RHP Thursday, June 27th, 8:10PM EST
Triston McKenzie, RHP vs Alec Marsh, RHP, Friday, June 28th, 8:10PM EST
Tanner Bibee, RHP vs Cole Ragans, LHP, Saturday, June 29th, 4:10PM EST
Logan Allen, LHP vs. Seth Lugo, RHP Sunday, June 30th, 2:10PM EST
Analysis: Saturday's matchup is shaping up to be a doozy with two of the AL's top starting pitchers facing off. The other matchups rely on the Guardians getting Kansas City starters out of the game early and getting to the Royals pen while hoping their starters can finally find their footing and hand the game over to a dominant pen with a lead. I keep thinking McKenzie and Allen are gonna finally turn a corner; this would be a great weekend for that.