The Wild Card Race.
The Royals are 9 games back from winning an AL Wild Card. Although the Royals were a hot team in August, in September they have 4 losses and 1 win.
The Diamondbacks have realistic chances of winning a NL Wild Card. As of Monday morning, they were the third Wild Card, half a game ahead of the Padres. They need to win this series, and a sweep would be really nice.
In the Background. The Diamondbacks are better baserunners (which includes stealing and extra bases taken) than the Royals. This season through
30 August, the Diamondbacks had more Baserunning Runs (+12 vs negative 6).
The Obvious. The return of Corbin Burnes will boost the Diamondbacks chances of a Wild Card. He is expected to return and pitch in the second game of this series. Another boost will be the return of Soroka. He might return in the third game of this series.
The Subtle. Several Diamondbacks batters seem to be in a slump. When they break out, it will be a game-changer in a positive way.
The Difference that Matters. Winning games is the difference that matters.
Royals Players to Watch.
Former Diamondback, Josh Rojas. From 2019 to 2023, he was a utility player for the Diamondbacks, playing both infield and outfield. Currently, he plays most games at third base for the Royals. His OPS+ is 82.
Jac Caglianone. He plays right field. He is 23 years old, in his second MLB season. His breakout in batting is impressive. In June and August, his OPS was 1.036 (106 PAs) and 1.113 (98 PAs). In September (thru 4 September) he had 3 RBIs in 17 PAs.
Pitching Matchups.
Anticipated Diamondbacks Pitchers:
Relief pitcher Derek Law will start the first game of the series against the Giants. This season, he pitched 4.2 innings, with 3 strikeouts, and allowing only one earned run.
Corbin Burnes is expected to return from the injured list and start the second game of the series.
Soroka might return from the injured list and start the third game of the series. Or Gallen might return from the injured list and start the third game of the series.
Because the Royals batters are weak against left-handed pitchers (.708 OPS), expect to see left-handed Diamondbacks relievers Blake Walston and Brandyn Garcia.
Announced Royals Starters:
Noah Cameron is expected to start the first game of the series. He is left-handed, which will be an advantage to Diamondbacks batters (whose OPS is about 100 points higher against lefties). His 101 ERA+ reflects he is an average pitcher. He has 6 pitch types. His best is a curve (.203 wOBA) and his worst is a cutter (.356 wOBA).
Michael Wacha is expected to start the second game of the series. He is right-handed. His 123 ERA+ reflects he is an above average pitcher.
Daniel Lynch IV is expected to start the third game of the series. He is left-handed. He started the season as a short reliever. He switched from relieving to starting on 7 August. He has started 7 games. In his latest start, he allowed 5 earned runs in 5 innings pitched. Nevertheless, his ERA+ is 118.
Game start times follow:
Monday, 11:10 AM MST.
Tuesday, 4:40 PM MST.
Wednesday, 4:40 PM MST.
