Chicago Cubs @ Kansas City Royals – Series Preview (August 7-9): Overview, Game and Broadcast Info, Starting Pitchers, W2W4
The Cubs (67-49) finished their homestand on a high note, sweeping the Dodgers and winning the final four games to finish with a 5-2 record. They have moved a season-high 18 games over .500 as MVP candidate Pete Crow-Armstrong leads the way with spectacular play after spectacular play. The schedule now gets a little bit softer, beginning with a trip to Kauffman Stadium to battle the Royals over the weekend.
This season has not gone well for the Royals, who are in dead last in the American League Central and are one of the worst teams in baseball. It’s a big disappointment after they finished with a winning record last season and were at least on the fringes of the playoff race.
The Royals’ offense is not great, with a team .709 team OPS that ranks 21st in baseball. Bobby Witt Jr. is far and away the most talented player on the roster, and he just returned from injury. Outfielder Jac Caglianone is the biggest power threat with 18 homers, which tells you this is not a team with a lot of pop.
The pitching staff in KC has struggled even more than the lineup, with a 4.80 team ERA that is third-worst in all of baseball. The starting rotation has been a bit more presentable with a 4.44 ERA, but the Cubs will miss their best starter, old Cardinals foe Michael Wacha.
The bullpen has been a major issue for the Royals with a 5.37 ERA that is only better than the Athletics. Closer Alex Lange has really scuffled with a 6.11 ERA, although Daniel Lynch IV has been a real bright spot with a 1.96 ERA.
The Cubs have to be careful with this matchup, because it’s been demonstrated numerous times this season that bad teams can steal a series from good ones. That being said, it will be a disappointing outcome if they don’t win at least two of three by feasting on this mediocre pitching staff.
Game Time and Broadcast Info
- Friday, August 7 at 7:10pm CT on Marquee.
- Saturday, August 8 at 7:10pm CT on Marquee.
- Sunday, August 9 at 1:10pm CT on Marquee.
Starting Pitchers
| Date | Pitcher | Age | T | ERA | W/L | FIP | K/BB |
| 8/7 | Kevin Gausman | 35 | R | 4.38 | 5-10 | 3.50 | 3.53 |
| Daniel Lynch | 29 | L | 1.96 | 4-2 | 3.05 | 2.92 | |
| 8/8 | Clay Holmes | 33 | R | 2.39 | 4-4 | 3.21 | 2.50 |
| Seth Lugo | 36 | R | 4.41 | 4-7 | 4.26 | 2.20 | |
| 8/9 | Matthew Boyd | 35 | L | 3.59 | 7-1 | 3.82 | 3.15 |
| Randy Dobnak | 31 | R | 1.16 | 2-0 | 4.22 | 1.15 |
What to Watch For
- Gausman and Holmes are making their Cubs debuts after being acquired at the trade deadline.
- Nico Hoerner collected eight hits on the homestand and is hitting for more power.
- PCA has eight hits in his last four games, including two home runs.
- Ian Happ continues to struggle without a hit in August (0-for-16).
