Kansas City Royals Week Eight Review: Who’s Hot, Who’s Not

Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

It was a very difficult week for the Kansas City Royals. Flying high after their excellent performance last week, the Royals ended up going 1-4, being swept by the New York Yankees and splitting a weather shortened series with the Chicago Cubs. To make matters worse, the Royals also lost their lead in the American League Central, falling a half game behind the surprising Minnesota Twins.

There were quite a few culprits as to why the Royals struggled. The pitching staff, for the most part, had their worst week thus far. The offense slumped at the same time, a recipe for disaster if there ever was one. Needless to say, the struggles over the past week were truly a team effort.

While the Royals had to send Danny Duffy to the disabled list this week, they also got back Alex Rios. Since Duffy had been struggling himself, as had the Royals right fielders, this seemed as though it could be a boost for the team. Perhaps it will be next week, as the Royals look to rebound against the Cleveland Indians and the Texas Rangers.

Before we turn the page on last week, hopefully turning to a better chapter in the Kansas City Royals season, let us look back on the week that was. We will begin, as usual, by looking at the players who struggled most in the past week, before ending on a positive note with those whose performance shined for the Royals. Unfortunately, as is to be expected given that 1-4 record, there were a lot more candidates for the cold side.

Next: A rough week for the AL All-Star vote leader