As I have traditionally write my threads and recaps on Saturdays, I don’t think I’ve ever gotten to write the first thread of a season before, but I’m taking over Fridays this year, too, so I am stoked to present to you the first Royals lineup of 2026!
I’m a little disappointed we won’t get our first “look” at Isaac Collins in today’s game – projected starters almost never enter as reserves
in the back half of the game, the perks of being a veteran. The lineup is also missing projected starters Kyle Isbel and Jonathan India, but does feature a Non-Roster Invitee trying to find a utility spot on the team in Kevin Newman.
There is also no Carter Jensen in the lineup, but he figures to get tons of playing time when Salvy heads off to play for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic at the beginning of March. Jac Caglianone doesn’t just get the start in right field, but he’s batting fifth, which is higher than he ever got last year.
Maikel Garcia gets the first shot to be the lead-off hitter for the Royals. Does that mean he has the inside track for the job once the games start mattering? Only time will tell.
Stephen Kolek will be the starting pitcher today and be the only one expected to go two innings. Eric Cerantola and Shane Panizini both made it onto my lists of the most important relief pitchers and starting pitchers, respectively. Helcris Olivárez is a minor league free agent signing with a big fastball in search of some command and control. Jose Cuas should be familiar to most of you, and Beck Way was part of the return for Andrew Benintendi in 2022. I don’t know much about Hunter Patteson or Ben Sears, but perhaps we’ll learn a little bit about them today!
Setting aside all of that, baseball is here! You can listen to the game locally at 96.5 FM, on the MLB At-Bat app, or via the Royals website! What a time to be alive!
