Take the Crown
After taking care of business against the Texas Rangers at Fenway Park the Red Sox are hitting the road again, starting with a trip to visit the Kansas City Royals.
Making a number of investments before the 2024 season – and of course in Bobby Witt Jr. – the Royals bought themselves back into a contention window. And they’ve been hot of late. At 23-16, which would be first in the AL East, KC sits at third in the AL Central. While Boston is 2 games out of first, the Royals are 2.5 back of the division leading Detroit Tigers.
Winners of six straight and nine of their last ten, they enter with a +16 run differential, comparable to the Red Sox +19.
The offense for KC has been a bit rough. Aside from Bobby Witt Jr. (.308/.380/.507) And Maikel Garcia (.323/.392/.496) none of the regulars have an OPS over .700. Hunter Renfroe has yet to homer on the season. He’s hit 30+ home runs twice and one more season hit 29.
Of course, Trevor Story has been mired in a dreadful slump hitting just .111/.172./111 Over his last 13 games. So offense across the two teams hasn’t been universally distributed.
Probable Pitching Matchups
Friday May 9: Hunter Dobbins (3.78 ERA / 4.17 FIP) vs. Michael Lorenzen (4.23 ERA / 5.18 FIP)
Saturday May 10: Garrett Crochet (2.02 ERA / 2.83 FIP) vs. Cole Ragans (3.79 ERA / 2.36 FIP)
Sunday May 11: Lucas Giolito (8.38 ERA / 4.85 FIP) vs. Seth Lugo (2.84 ERA / 4.37 FIP)
When/Where to Watch
Friday May 9: 7:40 PM ET on NESN
Saturday May 10: 7:10 PM ET on NESN
Sunday May 11: 2:10 PM ET on NESN