Royals Recap
Hosted by Big Dill
About This Episode
Generated sports podcast with host Big Dill based on prompt: Kansas City Royals daily updates. If they played a game yesterday give me the highlights.
Transcript
Welcome to Big Dill Sports, where we dive deep into the latest and greatest in the world of baseball. I'm Dillon, and today we're breaking down the Kansas City Royals' recent performances and looking ahead to the final stretch of their season.
Let's start by recapping Sunday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays. The Royals fell 8–5 in their last home game at Kauffman Stadium. Michael Wacha, on the mound, gave up six runs over five innings. The Blue Jays took advantage early with George Springer's two-out double and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s clutch hit in the fifth. Despite the loss, the Royals displayed some offensive spark. Carter Jensen continued his impressive run with a two-run single, while Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez added to the tally in a fifth-inning rally. Jac Caglianone also made his mark with his first major-league triple and scored to tighten the game, but the Jays pulled away with two insurance runs in the eighth.
Now, with Monday as an off-day, the Royals are in California gearing up for a series against the Los Angeles Angels. This match-up is crucial as Kansas City stands at 78-78, looking to finish above .500 for the first time since 2015. They've got six games to make it happen, starting with the Angels on Tuesday evening.
There are some challenges, especially with injuries impacting the pitching staff. Seth Lugo has been shut down for the season due to a lingering groin issue. Manager Matt Quatraro has expressed the need to manage innings carefully, particularly with Michael Wacha's recent struggles. They'll be relying on Michael Lorenzen and Bobby Witt Jr. to handle the starting duties, while Jackson Kowar and James McArthur will be key in high-pressure relief situations.
On a positive note, let’s talk about the offensive eruption Kansas City displayed last week with a franchise-record 27-hit showcase. They demolished the Blue Jays 20–1, setting season highs in both hits and runs. Vinnie Pasquantino led the way, going 4-for-4 with two doubles and two RBIs. His remarkable end-of-season performance has people buzzing about his potential as team MVP.
Now, let's highlight our 'Big Dill' player of the episode. Left-handed prospect Noah Cameron closed his home schedule on a high note. With a 3.00 ERA over seven starts at Kauffman Stadium, he’s made a strong case for Rookie of the Year. Bobby Witt Jr. rightly points out Cameron’s consistency and skill, suggesting he's a true contender. With two road starts left, he'll look to finish strong and push his candidacy even further.
As the Royals gear up for these final games, there's more at stake than just a winning record. Though out of playoff contention, a strong finish is essential for the team’s morale and future. Manager Matt Quatraro emphasized the importance of finishing above .500, as it speaks to the growth and resilience of this young team.
Facing tough competition, including the formidable Shohei Ohtani, the Royals have their work cut out. But with their potential on full display, there’s much to be excited about.
That wraps up today’s Royals Recap on Big Dill Sports. Thanks for tuning in! Remember, every game is a chance to see the next 'big dill' emerge. Until next time, keep passionate about the game, and I’ll catch you on the field.
## Game Recap
The Kansas City Royals did not take the field on September 22, marking their first off-day since completing their final home series. Their most recent contest came on Sunday, September 21, when they fell 8–5 to the Toronto Blue Jays in Kauffman Stadium. Starter Michael Wacha yielded six runs on eight hits over five innings, walking one and striking out four, as Toronto built early leads with a pair of three-run innings highlighted by George Springer’s two-out double in the second and a two-run double by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the fifth ([royalsreview.com](https://www.royalsreview.com/2025-royals-game-recaps/87833/royals-drop-home-finale-8-5-against-toronto)). Offensively, Carter Jensen continued his late-season surge with a two-run single in the fourth, while Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez each delivered RBI singles in the fifth. Jac Caglianone collected his first major-league triple and scored in the sixth, cutting the deficit to one before the Blue Jays added two insurance runs in the eighth inning ([royalsreview.com](https://www.royalsreview.com/2025-royals-game-recaps/87833/royals-drop-home-finale-8-5-against-toronto)).
## Off-Day & Upcoming Schedule
After Sunday’s loss, the Royals took Monday, September 22, off to travel to California for the final road trip of the season. They will open a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium on Tuesday, September 23, marking the start of their final six games. Kansas City enters this series at an even 78–78, aiming to finish above .500 for the first time since 2015 and secure back-to-back winning campaigns. Tuesday’s first pitch is scheduled for 9:38 p.m. ET, with the club sending a healthy rotation to California in hopes of snapping their two-game losing streak ([royalsreview.com](https://www.royalsreview.com/2025-royals-game-recaps/87833/royals-drop-home-finale-8-5-against-toronto)).
## Pitching Updates & Injury News
Pitcher Seth Lugo has been officially shut down for the remainder of the 2025 campaign due to slow recovery from his recent groin issue. Manager Matt Quatraro stated, “He’s not going to pitch again. It’s not getting better quickly enough to do anything meaningful for him to come out here and force it. So he’s going to be shut down” ([royalsreview.com](https://www.royalsreview.com/royals-news-notes-links/87853/kansas-city-royals-news-seth-lugo-shut-down-carter-jensen-rakes)). Michael Wacha’s struggles in Sunday’s finale compounded the staff’s challenges; after his outing, Quatraro noted the need to manage innings carefully, especially with Lugo sidelined. As a result, the Royals will lean heavily on their uninjured starters Michael Lorenzen and Bobby Witt Jr. between now and season’s end, while bullpen arms Jackson Kowar and James McArthur are expected to handle high-leverage situations in California ([royalsreview.com](https://www.royalsreview.com/royals-news-notes-links/87853/kansas-city-royals-news-seth-lugo-shut-down-carter-jensen-rakes)).
## Offensive Feats & Record Performance
Despite recent inconsistencies, the Royals showcased their offensive potential earlier in the week with a franchise-record 27-hit outburst in a 20–1 rout of Toronto on Friday, September 19. That historic night was powered by 20 runs—also a season high—and featured a 4-for-4 performance by Vinnie Pasquantino, including two doubles and two RBIs. Pasquantino reflected on the barrage, saying, “I mean, tonight was a little ridiculous with the way balls were flying. I’ve never seen a team hit like that off a position player… Guys weren’t trying to get big” ([royalsreview.com](https://www.royalsreview.com/royals-news-notes-links/87853/kansas-city-royals-news-seth-lugo-shut-down-carter-jensen-rakes)). That game stands as the club’s highest run total since the franchise’s inception, and it remains a highlight as the Royals chase a .500-plus finish. Pasquantino’s performance has vaulted him into team MVP conversations, boasting a .298/.365/.522 slash line over his last 30 games.
## Prospect Spotlight: Noah Cameron & Rookie of the Year Push
Left-handed prospect Noah Cameron made his final home start of the year this past weekend, delivering a mature performance against Toronto that drew a standing ovation from home fans. “Mom was crying, of course. So it was cool just to get that standing ovation from the home crowd,” Cameron said. The emotional outing closed his home tenure with a 3.00 ERA over seven starts at Kauffman Stadium, highlighting his growth since being called up in August ([royalsreview.com](https://www.royalsreview.com/royals-news-notes-links/87853/kansas-city-royals-news-seth-lugo-shut-down-carter-jensen-rakes)). Bobby Witt Jr. has been vocally supporting Cameron’s Rookie of the Year case, stating, “I don’t know what else he needs to do to get in that consideration” after Cameron limited opponents to an average of three runs over his last five home starts ([royalsreview.com](https://www.royalsreview.com/royals-news-notes-links/87853/kansas-city-royals-news-seth-lugo-shut-down-carter-jensen-rakes)). With Cameron set to make two more road starts before season’s end, his candidacy will hinge on strong finishes in Oakland and Anaheim.
## Season Context & Outlook
Entering their final six games at 78–78, Kansas City is on the cusp of securing back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 2014–15. Manager Matt Quatraro emphasized the significance: “You fight tooth and nail for every inch in this game, and when you have a chance to be better than .500, that means something,” he said. “That’s not what we set our goals to be—to just be a .500 or better team—but it certainly means something to me. It means something to the organization” ([royalsreview.com](https://www.royalsreview.com/royals-news-notes-links/87853/kansas-city-royals-news-seth-lugo-shut-down-carter-jensen-rakes)). While the Royals have been mathematically eliminated from postseason contention, they still have pride and a future narrative at stake, as a winning record would validate the development of their young core and bolster confidence heading into the offseason. Key matchups against divisional opponents in California, including All-Star slugger Shohei Ohtani of the Angels, will test Kansas City’s resolve and give their prospects a final audition on the road.
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