The Kansas City Royals have positioned themselves favorably for the postseason after securing a convincing 4-2 win against the New York Yankees in Game 2. Although the scoreline suggests a close match, the Royals displayed dominance, led by Salvador Perez’s pivotal home run in the fourth inning that energized the team. Additionally, the bullpen showcased improvement after a tough previous outing.
The series now moves to Kauffman Stadium, where Royals fans will have the opportunity to witness two playoff games. Seven months ago, the return of MLB playoffs to this venue seemed unlikely, but it is now a reality.
There were several key takeaways from the Royals’ win, along with emerging storylines. With the series tied at 1-1, excitement in Kansas City is palpable, and fans can expect a host of opinions regarding the team’s roster — both optimistic and pessimistic.
Following the victory, here are some prominent overreactions that fans may make, along with considerations on their validity.
One assertion is that Garrett Hampson saved the season with his performance. Manager Matt Quatraro’s decision to field a right-handed heavy lineup against Yankees pitcher Carlos Rodón drew some skepticism from fans, particularly regarding third baseman Maikel Garcia’s leadoff role. Despite some criticism, Hampson proved impactful, registering two hits, an RBI, and scoring another run in his first postseason start. Though he didn’t play a large portion of the game, his contributions added to the Royals’ overall success that evening.
Another point of contention is whether Maikel Garcia is the best leadoff option in the ALDS. Having last played in that position on August 31, earlier struggles in that role led to a change in approach. However, Quatraro’s trust in Garcia paid off as he delivered four hits and an RBI in the Monday night game. His performance, particularly his ability to steal bases, suggests he may have found his footing just in time for the postseason.
The claim that Cole Ragans is not the playoff ace, on the other hand, is more nuanced. Ragans had a decent outing, but his four walks across four innings raised concerns about his command. He threw significantly more balls than strikes, and while he faced a tough opponent in the Yankees, this performance may not completely define his capability as a reliable pitcher in critical games. The lefty’s earlier standout performance against the Baltimore Orioles remains a point of optimism for future games in the series.
Lastly, there are worries that Bobby Witt Jr. is avoiding the postseason spotlight. Witt has had an impressive season, achieving feats reminiscent of Royals legend George Brett. However, following consecutive hitless games against the Yankees and three strikeouts in Game 2, some doubt has emerged. Nevertheless, his earlier struggles in Yankee Stadium could be a factor, and the transition to Kauffman Stadium may provide the boost he needs to regain his form.