Gamethread LXXI – Athletics at Royals

The Royals have lost four in a row and six of their last seven. The offensive outburst that allowed them to take a series from the Cardinals in St. Louis feels a lifetime ago. Even worse, the offense is still struggling mightily despite getting to face an Athletics staff that is truly terrible.

But, as they say, today is another day.

The Royals will send Michael Lorenzen to the mound. After two straight terrible starts, causing many to call for him to be demoted to the bullpen, he was sensational in his last outing. The Royals need him to continue to be that version of himself because Cole Ragans is likely out for months with a rotator cuff strain. His last start was against the White Sox, who, despite winning more games of late, still aren’t a very good team. It’ll be good to show his new approach – which involved far fewer fastballs and far more changeups – can work against a more proven offense.

The Royals will face rookie left-hander Jacob Lopez. Despite still being eligible as a rookie, this is Lopez’s third straight season with appearances in the big leagues. The first two saw him pitch a handful of innings for the Rays. He hasn’t been good, in general, but he’s been sort of up and down this year for the Athletics. Over his last four games, three as starts and one as a bulk reliever, he has two excellent appearances and two awful ones. He strikes out a lot of guys but also walks a bunch and gives up a ton of home runs. He’s cut down on the walks lately, but that’s led to more home runs. Assuming the Royals will be able to take advantage of either flaw feels like a fool’s gambit, however.

Lineups

Jonathan India will not start in today’s contest after subluxating his shoulder in last night’s contest. According to MLB beat reporter Anne Rogers, however, he will be available off the bench. Nick Loftin will get his first start at second base of the season and, as one of the Royals’ hottest hitters, he’ll be batting sixth against the lefty starter.

The Athletics will use a very similar lineup as last night except substituting out their catcher.