What we learned (and new concerns) from KC Royals’ I-70 series vs. Cardinals
The Kansas City Royals’ biggest issue this season has been a struggling offense.
And it’s not close.
The Royals have scored four or fewer runs in 40 of 48 games (83.3%). The lack of run support has spoiled terrific starts from the rotation.
On Saturday, the Royals logged four hits and still lost 1-0 to the St. Louis Cardinals. Noah Cameron, a St. Joseph native, allowed two hits and the lone run. He pitched 6 ⅓ innings and was saddled with the loss.
It’s been the theme all season. And now, the Royals are nearing a point where the offense must pick it up.
In Sunday’s finale, the Royals found just enough offense. Drew Waters recorded a pinch-hit triple in the seventh and Maikel Garcia followed with an RBI single. KC won 2-1 and snapped a four-game losing streak.
“That’s how we play,” Garcia said. “(Waters) wasn’t in the game, but he came in late and got a pinch hit. He got a triple and I have to do my job and bring the guy to home plate. I know we are struggling as a team, but we’re still going and we’re still working.”
Still, Royals manager Matt Quatraro knows more work needs to be done.
“We always want to improve,” Quatraro said. “You know, every guy is doing what they need to try to do — and collectively, when talking about a team approach. At the same time, you have a plan and they have a plan. You have to figure out how to make those adjustments. But we have seen some pretty darn good pitching, too.”
Pitching will continue to be a hot topic.
On the KC side ... the Royals will be without All-Star duo Seth Lugo and Cole Ragans in the short term. Both are on the 15-day injured list and will miss scheduled starts on a looming six-game road trip against the San Francisco Giants and red-hot Minnesota Twins.
The pitching staff has carried the Royals this season. Prior to Sunday’s game, Royals starters sported a combined 3.03 ERA, ranking third in the majors.
Now, the offense will have to carry the load. KC has been outscored 18-9 during its last five games.
Here are key takeaways from the I-70 series...
Will Royals find offensive solution?
The Royals’ search for consistent offense is ongoing. On Sunday, the club got production from reserve outfielder Dairon Blanco.
Blanco laced an RBI double down the first-base line. He drove home Hunter Renfroe, who began the fourth inning with a leadoff double. The run broke the seal on a 13-inning scoreless drought.
“Those are huge hits and no margin for error,” Quatraro said. “It’s a 2-1 game. Two out, two-strike double from Blanco.”
In the series, KC scored five runs. There were opportunities that fell by the wayside. On Saturday, Drew Waters was doubled up in the eighth inning after representing the tying run.
Waters redeemed himself Sunday. He ripped a first-pitch fastball off Cardinals reliever Chris Roycroft to begin the seventh-inning comeback.
“That’s a tough pinch-hit assignment,” Quatraro said. “He was ready to go in a perfect spot. Getting on third with nobody out is the best scenario we could’ve hoped for there.”
However, the Royals need more from the middle of the order. Salvador Perez finished 2-for-4 with two singles. Bobby Witt Jr. and Vinnie Pasquantino were a combined 1-for-8 on Sunday.
“Keep fighting,” Garcia said of the victory. “You know, we have to play hard every single game and every single pitch. Just go there and compete.”
Royals’ pitching depth will be tested
The Royals are still figuring out a plan to replace Ragans and Lugo, two anchors of the starting rotation.
“Those guys are huge to our club,” starter Michael Wacha said. “You know, we got guys. Noah, you saw what he is capable of last night. And, you know, whoever fills the other spot, we go out there, take the ball and we are confident.”
Wacha allowed one earned run in five innings Sunday. He surrendered a solo homer to Cardinals outfielder Alec Burleson and earned a no-decision.
He owns a 2.86 ERA this season.
Expect Cameron to draw another start on the road trip. He could pitch in Lugo’s spot Friday night against the Twins. For now, the Royals haven’t listed a starter to fill Ragans’ slot on Wednesday against the Giants.
It’s possible the Royals decide to throw a bullpen game. Guys like Daniel Lynch IV and Jonathan Bowlan have starting experience. They could be candidates to throw a couple innings.
“We’ll just have to see how we get through these days,’ Quatraro said on Saturday. “Then Thursday being an off-day, there’s a potential to bullpen it or come up with something else in the interim. We’re not going to get too far ahead of ourselves.”
The Royals could decide to promote a minor-league starter as well. However, that would require opening a 40-man roster spot. The lone Triple-A starter on the 40-man right now is Luinder Avila.
Fellow MLB starters Alec Marsh and Kyle Wright are still sidelined on the injured list.
What’s next?
The Royals embark on a six-game road trip beginning Monday in San Francisco. It will be a homecoming for Kris Bubic as he makes the start in the series opener.
Bubic grew up attending Giants games. He last pitched at Oracle Park in 2023 and recorded nine strikeouts.
Bubic will face fellow left-hander Robbie Ray on Monday. Michael Lorenzen is lined up to pitch Tuesday’s game against right-hander Hayden Birdsong.
This story was originally published May 18, 2025 at 4:03 PM.
