Kansas City Royals Rewind: Lorenzo Cain Continues to Amaze

Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Last week, the Kansas City Royals claim of being the best team in the American League took quite a bit of a hit. They were swept by the Houston Astros, who were their greatest threats to taking over as the top American League squad. Fortunately, the Royals were able to maintain their lead over the Minnesota Twins, splitting the four game series.

Obviously, this was not the type of performance that the Royals had hoped for. After their solid performance last week, and with the four game set against the Twins, it was a time to gain as much separation as possible. Instead, while the Royals did not slip back to the rest of the division, that separation just did not happen.

Of course, there were mitigating circumstances with this week. Eric Hosmer missed the series in Houston with a finger injury, and Alcides Escobar was also dealing with an injury of his own. Likewise, the Royals shorthanded rotation did not do themselves any favors this week.

Yet, even with these problems, the Royals are still in first place, and are the obvious favorites to win the American League Central. There is still plenty of work that needs to be done on the roster, and another three months to go in the season, but this is still a nice start.

Before we turn the page entirely on the week that was, let us take a final look back at the Kansas City Royals performances for the week. Let us begin with those who struggled during Week 13.

Next: An inauspicious debut