Finally, the Guardians will play an AL Central team for the first time since early April when they played… also the Royals… and took a three-game series.
The Guardians are 18-17, 12th in team wRC+ at 99 (what a difference a weekend can make!), 23rd in baserunning runs above average at -0.9, 10th in Defense at -1.1, ninth in starting pitcher ERA at 3.79 (4.26 FIP), and 18th in bullpen ERA at 4.18 (4.03 FIP).
The Royals are 15-19, 23rd in team wRC+ at 94, 11th in baserunning runs above average at 0.5,
9th in Defense at 0.6, 14th in starting pitcher ERA at 4.01 (4.16 FIP), and 27th in bullpen ERA at 5.03 (4.89 FIP).
On paper, the Guardians look like the better team, but it’s close. The key would seem to be to get into the Royals’ bullpen as early as possible and take advantage of opportunities from that point on.
MATCHUPS:
Game One: Michael Wacha, RHP 3.13 ERA (3.93 FIP) vs. Tanner Bibee 4.08 ERA (4.36 FIP)
Game Two: Noah Cameron, LHP 5.40 ERA (4.47 FIP) vs. Gavin Williams 2.70 ERA (3.89 FIP)
Game Three: Cole Ragans, LHP 5.29 ERA (6.81 FIP) vs. Joey Cantillo 3.67 ERA (4.43 FIP)
The Royals’ offense is led by Kyle Isbel 121 wRC+, Jac Caglianone 109 wRC+, Bobby Witt Jr 108 wRC+, Maikel Garcia 108 wRC+, Carter Jensen 106 wRC+ and Lane Thomas 105 wRC+.
The Guardians’ hitters feature Chase DeLauter 162 wRC+, Daniel Schneemann 147 wRC+, Austin Hedges 127 wRC+, David Fry 126 wRC+, Angel Martinez 116 wRC+, Rhys Hoskins 113 wRC+, Jose Ramirez 110 wRC+ and Brayan Rocchio 108 wRC+. It will be a big week for Hoskins and Fry to continue to dominate lefties and for Angel Martinez to get it going from that side, as well.
