Kansas City Royals vs Cleveland Guardians Picks and Predictions September 2nd 2024

Desperate to Get Back on Track, Royals Welcome Guardians

The Kansas City Royals have encountered a tempestuous stretch over the course of the last week, momentarily tasting the highest point of the American League Central standings prior to falling into a five-game series of failures. As they get back, the Royals will hope to switch their fortunes when they start a three-game series against the meeting Cleveland Guardians on Monday.

Royals’ Battles

The Royals (75-63) are falling off a baffling series clear because of the Houston Astros, coming full circle in a 7-2 misfortune on Sunday. The loss not just stretched out their horrible streak to five games yet in addition dropped them into a bind with the Minnesota Twins (74-62) for second spot in the AL Central, 3 1/2 games behind the division-driving Guardians (78-59).

Manager Matt Quatraro expressed his frustration after the tough series against Houston, stating, “The whole series was frustrating. We didn’t come out of here with any wins. That’s what we play for, to win every day. That stinks.”

Despite their recent struggles, the Royals remain hopeful, especially after bolstering their roster with several veteran additions, including Tommy Pham, Robbie Grossman, and Yuli Gurriel. Pham, who made his Royals debut on Sunday, went 2-for-5 and is eager to contribute to a playoff push.

“I just want to bring some consistency and, you know, help this team win as bad as possible,” Pham said. “Try to get in the postseason and make a long run.”

Guardians Finding Their Groove

Meanwhile, the Cleveland Guardians are coming off a successful series against the Pittsburgh Pirates, taking two out of three games, including a 6-1 victory on Sunday. The win left a strong impression on Pirates manager Derek Shelton, who praised the Guardians’ overall performance.

“They’re good, they’re athletic, and their bullpen is really good and can shorten the game,” Shelton said. “And the guy at third (Ramirez) is the best player in baseball that few people talk about, which is a shame.”

Indeed, Jose Ramirez has been a consistent force for Cleveland, hitting his 34th homer of the season in Sunday’s win. The Guardians also received a boost from rookie Kyle Manzardo, who was recalled from Triple-A Columbus before the game and promptly hit his first two career home runs.

“I knew coming back that I didn’t have one yet, so that was on my list of things to do,” Manzardo said. “It took a little weight off my shoulders. It was good.”

Monday’s Matchup

The series opener will feature a pair of right-handers on the mound. Cleveland’s Gavin Williams (2-7, 4.99 ERA) will face Kansas City’s Michael Wacha (11-6, 3.50 ERA).

Williams, a 25-year-old youngster, is hoping to bounce back after an extreme August in which he went 1-4 with a 6.56 ERA in five beginnings. He permitted two runs more than five innings in a 6-1 misfortune to the Royals last Tuesday. Notwithstanding his battles, Williams has shown guarantee out and about, where he has a 3.03 ERA contrasted with a 7.54 ERA at home.

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Bobby Witt Jr. will hope to expand on his new accomplishment against Williams, having gone 2-for-11 against him in past matchups. Witt hit his 30th homerun of the time on Sunday, turning into the primary Royals player to arrive at that achievement in continuous seasons.

On the other side, Wacha will be making his 25th start of the season and his second straight against the Guardians. Wacha allowed five runs on nine hits over six-plus innings in a no-decision against Cleveland on Wednesday. The 33-year-old veteran is one victory shy of reaching 100 wins for his career. Historically, Wacha has performed well against Cleveland, posting a 2-0 record with a 2.48 ERA in five career starts against them.

What’s at Stake

With the two groups competing for position in the firmly challenged AL Central, this series holds critical ramifications for their postseason yearnings. The Royals are desperate to end their terrible streak and recover their balance in the division race, while the Guardians mean to cement their lead and proceed with their push toward the end of the season games.

As the season enters its last stretch, each game counts, and the two groups will be hoping to say something in this essential series. The Royals will rest on their new veteran increases and the reliable creation of stars like Bobby Witt Jr., while the Guardians will depend on their fair assault major areas of strength for and to move their energy along.