Royals Look to Take Advantage of Dodgers’ Recent Slide as Skubal Makes Home Debut
The Los Angeles Dodgers enter their matchup with the Kansas City Royals in an unfamiliar stretch of form. Los Angeles has dropped eight of its last 10 games, creating an opportunity for Kansas City to face the defending champions while they are searching for answers.
Despite the rough stretch, the Dodgers still have a significant cushion in the National League West. They remain 7.5 games ahead of the Arizona Diamondbacks, meaning their division lead is far from being in serious danger.
Still, the Royals will be hoping to capitalize on the Dodgers’ current struggles.
Skubal Makes His First Home Start for Los Angeles
All eyes will be on Tarik Skubal as he prepares to make his first home start for the Dodgers.
Kansas City is already familiar with Skubal from his time with the Detroit Tigers. His first appearance for Los Angeles suggested that the change of teams has not dramatically altered the way he attacks hitters. His pitch selection remained similar to what fans saw during his time in Detroit.
Skubal has not thrown as many innings as usual this season, but his performance across the available statistics continues to indicate that he is one of the most difficult pitchers in baseball to hit.
That makes the assignment particularly challenging for Kansas City.
The Royals will also have to deal with a Dodgers lineup that features stars such as Shohei Ohtani. Even with Los Angeles struggling over its last several games, there is still enough talent on the roster to make the Dodgers a dangerous opponent on any night.
Noah Cameron Gives Royals Reason for Optimism
Kansas City will counter with Noah Cameron, who has been enjoying an excellent stretch on the mound.
Cameron has allowed just one run over his last 23 innings, covering three starts. His recent performances have given the Royals another dependable option at the front of their pitching staff.
There is some context behind those numbers. Two of his three recent starts came against the Minnesota Twins, while the other was against the Detroit Tigers. That means his recent success has largely come against familiar American League Central opponents.
Even so, Cameron has looked impressive.
If he can continue that form against Los Angeles, the Royals could have a genuine chance of putting pressure on the Dodgers. Another benefit would be the possibility of Cameron working deep into the game, which could help Kansas City limit the workload on its bullpen.
Can Kansas City Steal a Win?
The timing could be ideal for the Royals.
Los Angeles remains one of baseball’s most talented teams, but an 2-8 record over its last 10 games indicates that the Dodgers aren’t playing at their usual level right now.
Kansas City doesn’t need to dominate from start to finish. A strong outing from Cameron, timely hitting and a few mistakes from the Dodgers could be enough to give the Royals an opportunity.
The challenge, of course, is doing it against a team loaded with elite players.
Game Information
The matchup is scheduled to begin at 9:10 p.m. Central Time, making it a late-night game for Royals fans.
The game can be followed through Royals.TV and 96.5 The Fan/Royals Radio Network. Viewers in the Los Angeles area should check their local listings for current SportsNet LA availability.
Expected Starting Lineups
Kansas City Royals
- MJ Melendez — 2B
- Bobby Witt Jr. — SS
- Salvador Perez — C
- Vinnie Pasquantino — 1B
- Hunter Renfroe — RF
- Nicki Lopez — 3B
- Adam Frazier — LF
- Michael Massey — DH
- Drew Waters — CF
Starting Pitcher: Noah Cameron
Los Angeles Dodgers
- Shohei Ohtani — DH
- Mookie Betts — RF
- Freddie Freeman — 1B
- Will Smith — C
- Max Muncy — 3B
- Teoscar Hernández — LF
- James Outman — CF
- Miguel Rojas — SS
- Tommy Edman — 2B
Starting Pitcher: Tarik Skubal
