The Kansas City Royals sit three games behind the Seattle Mariners for the final AL Wild Card spot, and their path forward won’t be easy.
They’ve just started the first of four straight series against postseason-bound teams, with the toughest matchup looming this weekend when they travel to Philadelphia to face the 84-win Phillies.
Monday was a rough night, as Cleveland routed them to open the stretch. Still, they got some news that could make their trip to Philadelphia a little more manageable. The Phillies announced that both Trea Turner and Alec Bohm were placed on the 10-day injured list, leaving them without their starting shortstop and third baseman.
Even with Turner and Bohm sidelined, Philadelphia remains dangerous. But losing those two—on top of already missing ace Zack Wheeler—creates a window of opportunity for Kansas City, whose own pitching staff has been decimated, with Michael Wacha joining three other original starters on the IL.
Turner is the bigger blow for Philadelphia, as he’s having an MVP-caliber season. He ranks fourth in MLB in fWAR at 6.7, batting .305 with 15 home runs, 69 RBI, 36 steals, and a 125 wRC+ over 140 games. Bohm hasn’t been as impactful, but he’s still contributed in 111 games, hitting .272 with 51 RBI and a near-league-average 94 wRC+.
The Royals may also catch a break by likely avoiding Phillies pitchers Cristopher Sánchez and Jesús Luzardo, both set to start earlier this week against the Mets. Still, Philadelphia’s rotation leads the majors in cumulative fWAR and ranks top three in ERA, FIP, strikeouts per nine, and walks per nine, so Kansas City’s inconsistent offense will still be tested.
Despite missing Turner and Bohm, the Phillies lineup—anchored by Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, and J.T. Realmuto—remains one of the toughest in baseball. The challenge ahead for Kansas City is significant, and Friday’s series opener at Citizens Bank Park (5:45 p.m. CT) will set the tone.