The Phillies appeared to turn things around at least a bit last weekend with a 4-2 homestand, but the club dropped two-of-three this week in Atlanta. and now carry a six-game lead in the NL East into Kansas City for a weekend set with the Royals. The club is just two games over .500 on the road this season and just four games over .500 against teams with a winning record.
The Royals are a formidable opponent, having won seven of their last 10 while sitting just two games off the pace in the AL Central.
Where: Kauffman Stadium, Friday through Sunday.
Pitching Match-ups and Start Times: RHP Taijuan Walker (3-4, 5.69) vs. RHP Michael Wacha (10-6, 3.33)on Friday at 8:10 p.m. TBD vs. RHP Brady Singer (9-8, 3.18) on Saturday at 7:10 p.m. TBD vs. RHP Seth Lugo (14-7, 3.02).
Series: The two teams have not met this season. Overall, the Phillies lead the all-time series 10-8.
Phillies Update (74-53) - The offense sputtered again in Atlanta, leaving the door open for the Braves to still have a shot at overtaking the Phillies for the division title. It's likely Austin Hays is called up this weekend, though it's unclear what the club and Rob Thomson will do regarding a corresponding roster move. Weston Wilson has performed well, so it's unlikely he'll be the odd man out. Ranger Suarez could also rejoin the team and start Saturday's contest. Suárez has been on the injured list since July 24 with lower back tightness. Prior to his injury, the left-hander had struggled in the month of July, posting a 6.61 ERA in three starts
Royals Update (71-56) - Former Phillie Michael Lorenzen tossed a gem on Wednesday for the Royals, tossing seven shutout frames to help the club to a win over the Angels. Beginning Friday against the Phillies, the Royals enter a daunting 20-game stretch, where every opponent currently holds a playoff spot. Despite the challenge ahead, Kansas City is positioned well, tied for second in the AL Central with the Twins—though Minnesota holds the tiebreaker. The Royals are just 2 1/2 games back of the first-place Guardians, whom they'll meet early next week.
In the Wild Card race, the Royals have some breathing room, holding a 3 1/2-game lead over the Red Sox for the final spot.
Notable Injuries: Phillies -- OF Austin Hays (hamstring), RHP Spencer Turnbull (shoulder), SP Ranger Suarez (back), and RHP Dylan Covey (shoulder) are on the injured list.
Royals -- RP Hunter Harvey (back), RP Josh Taylor (biceps), and SP Kyle Wright (shoulder) are on the injured list.
What's Next: The Phillies will return to Philly to host a three-game set against the Astros starting Monday.
