Kansas City Royals: Fifth Postseason Picture Update

A New Addition

Chicago White Sox

Overall record (through Sunday): 54-81

Last week: 2-4

This week: Vs. Cleveland (Mon.-Thu.); vs. San Francisco Giants (Fri.-Sun.)

The White Sox put up little resistance in a midweek sweep by the Twins. Chicago did give the Kansas City Royals an assist with a pair of wins over the Rays during the weekend.

Sunday’s game showcased possible 2018 ace Lucas Giolito. The right-hander struck out 10 while giving up just one run on three hits over seven frames. This team has taken its lumps over the last month or so, but the White Sox will be a team to reckon with in the coming years.

Oakland Athletics

Overall record (through Sunday): 58-78

Last week: 0-6

This week: Vs. Los Angeles Angels (Mon.-Wed.); off Thursday; vs. Houston Astros (Fri.-Sun., includes doubleheader Saturday from April 16 rainout)

Oakland did absolutely nothing to help the Kansas City Royals and a majority of the teams in the Wild Card hunt. The Athletics did do the Angels and Mariners a favor by taking six losses this week in their six games against their West Division opponents.

Los Angeles is probably more than happy to have three more games against Oakland this week. The Athletics were the only winless team in the American League last week. In fact, they were the only team with fewer than two victories in what was a generally balanced week.

Detroit Tigers

Overall record (through Sunday): 58-78

Last week: 2-5

This week: Vs. Kansas City Royals (Mon.-Wed.); off Thursday; at Toronto (Fri.-Sun.)

Detroit’s weekend series against Cleveland illustrated two things: Detroit is quite bad and Cleveland is quite good. The amount of each that determined the four-game sweep will be better known this week.

The Kansas City Royals come to town for three games beginning with a Monday afternoon tilt. Gone are many of the Tigers who defined this team over the past several years, meaning the Royals should fully expect a second straight series win.

Toronto Blue Jays

Overall record (through Sunday): 63-74

Last week: 2-5

This week: At Boston Red Sox (Mon.-Wed.); off Thursday; vs. Detroit Tigers (Fri.-Sun.)

The Blue Jays joined an exclusive group this week. Toronto falls into the same category as Chicago, Oakland and Detroit, as teams that will almost certainly not make the playoffs.

It’s not a group anyone wants to be a part of, especially a team like the Blue Jays. Toronto had high aspirations entering the season and didn’t do an adequate job of off-loading pieces at the trade deadline. Unlike the White Sox, this team could be in for a painful rebuild.