2 different probable KC Royals opponents emerge as MLB Playoffs take shape

Mired in a four-game losing streak, the KC Royals are clinging to a playoff spot as the season enters its final 10 days and the club gets ready to play its last nine games of the regular season. The current occupant of the projected No. 5 seed in the American League playoffs, the Royals are two games up on the Minnesota Twins and the Detroit Tigers for the final AL Wild Card berth.

How does the remaining schedule shake out for the KC Royals?

Kansas City has the toughest remaining strength of schedule (.491) among those clubs, while the Tigers have the easiest remaining schedule (.425), which includes a trio of three-game series against the Orioles, Rays and White Sox. The Twins finish up with the Orioles, Red Sox and Marlins. The teams have a combined winning percentage of .484.

Kansas City finishes its regular season with three home games San Francisco, which just won its series against the Orioles in Baltimore, before going on the road for three at Washington and three at Atlanta. The Royals are three games behind Baltimore for the top Wild Card spot and No. 4 overall AL seed. If they overtake the O’s for the top Wild Card spot, the Wild Card Series would be played at Kaufmann Stadium; otherwise, the Royals will start the playoffs on the road.

The Yankees have a four-game lead over the Orioles in the AL, and the Astros are five in front of the Mariners in the AL West. This narrows down the possible opponents for the Royals in the MLB Playoffs to Baltimore and Houston. The Orioles sit five games in front of Minnesota and Detroit, respectively, for the final playoff spot.

With the postseason picture becoming clearer and clearer, the Royals have two likely opponents in October. Who should the Royals rather face in the playoffs?