Royals offense is in midst of an ugly streak. It’s highlighting a major problem
The Kansas City Royals can’t get out of their own way. And their struggling offense is becoming a major concern.
On Thursday, the Royals (8-12) continued to spin their wheels offensively against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. KC squandered multiple scoring chances in a 6-1 loss to its American League Central rival.
Here are a few examples.
In the fourth inning, the Royals had a prime scoring opportunity. KC loaded the bases against Tigers starter Reese Olson as Michael Massey, Maikel Garcia and Cavan Biggio got aboard with one out.
Detroit (11-8) held a three-run lead, but the Royals were in a favorable spot to cut into the deficit. KC sent outfielder Drew Waters to the plate. Waters, who was recalled from Triple-A Omaha this month, saw three pitches against Olson.
He went down swinging on an 86.4 mph changeup.
Next, Kyle Isbel headed to bat. He didn’t fare better, flying out on a first-pitch slider to end the scoring threat.
The Royals were turned away and stranded three runners.
“We want to cash in every one of those opportunities,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “And when you don’t, it’s not the end goal.”
Two innings later, the Royals faced a similar situation. There were two runners aboard and again the Royals were held scoreless. This time, Waters flew out and Isbel struck out against Tigers reliever Tyler Holton.
KC had runners in scoring position in five innings and had little to show for it. The Royals finished 1-for-12 on the night with runners in scoring position and left 10 men on base.
“We need to do a better job of trying to come up with those hits,” Quatraro said. “It’s not for lack of effort or approach.”
Garcia produced the lone run. He drilled an RBI single off Tigers reliever Beau Brieske in the eighth inning.
Royals starter Michael Lorenzen didn’t enough receive run support. He allowed four runs in 4 ⅔ innings while issuing three walks. The Tigers took advantage of an ill-timed walk in the fourth as designated hitter Spencer Torkelson hit a two-run double.
“I think the hitters showed that I didn’t have life on anything tonight,” Lorenzen said. “There was no chases and when I made a good pitch, they were kind of all over it. Just fix that and keep going.”
Later, Tigers star Riley Greene added an RBI single. He finished 3-for-4 with two RBIs. Lorenzen suffered his third loss.
Here’s why that four-run mark was concerning.
Four runs is a magic number for KC opponents
The Royals offense continues to be a puzzling question during the 2025 campaign.
KC has scored four or fewer runs in 18 of 20 games. Put another way, the Royals haven’t scored five-or-more runs since April 4 against the Baltimore Orioles.
That’s an active streak of 13 consecutive games, the longest in the majors.
“Definitely frustrated,” Massey said. “We come here to win every day and you know that’s the expectation we have as a team. Obviously, we are not doing that right now.”
The franchise record is 19 consecutive games set June 5-26 during the 2018 season.
The Royals entered Thursday with only one regular starter (Bobby Witt Jr.) batting .300 or better and only four players total hitting above .215.
“It’s been a tough road trip, but I’m optimistic we can get this going.,” Massey said. “We’ve got the guys in here. So, just need some momentum.”
Royals hitting coach Alec Zumwalt was also ejected late in the game.
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Here are more notable aspects of Thursday’s game:
Michael Massey records three hits
The Royals need productive at-bats. On Thursday, Massey finished 3-for-4 as he showed positive signs at the plate.
Massey entered with one hit on the 10-game road trip. Prior to the game, his last hit came on April 12 against the Cleveland Guardians.
“It felt good to see it fall and I gotta keep grinding,” Massey said. “You know, it’s not an easy game. I always tell people, if you want to feel good about yourself, this is probably not the game to play. It’s tough, it’s a grind, but it’s worth it.”
All three singles were not hit particularly hard. Instead, Massey worked the count and found a way to contribute on a tough offensive night.
He collected three of the Royals’ seven hits in the game.
“You look at tonight, my quality of contact wasn’t great, but you get three hits,” Massey said. “Two nights ago in New York, I hit a line drive and flyout to the wall and you are 0-for-4. You get caught up in those outcomes, individually and as a team, I think that’s where you start hitting those peaks and valleys.”
What’s next: The Royals continue their weekend series against the Detroit Tigers on Friday night. KC ace Cole Ragans (1-0, 2.28 ERA) aims for a fourth consecutive start with 10 or more strikeouts while right-hander Jackson Jobe (1-0, 3.00 ERA) starts for the Tigers.
This story was originally published April 17, 2025 at 8:39 PM.
