I spent some time this morning remembering the Royals’ last series in Colorado. That was two years ago; the Rockies are in roughly the same place now as they were then, on pace for about 100 losses. The Royals, obviously, are in a very different place. Back then, they were competing for a playoff spot and wanted to steal a couple of wins against an “easy” opponent. The Rockies ended up taking 2 out of 3 thanks in part to a home run that was not and the inability of Garrett Hampson to either get a bunt down or do anything with a 3-0 count.
Last night the Royals lost in part because Royals first basemen always range too far to their right and Michael Massey got a little too nonchalant on a throw to Michael Wacha covering the bag. So it goes. Tonight is a new night, though, and the Royals get to face a new pitcher. Maybe they can’t hit this one!
First, Luinder Avila will be going for Kansas City. I will continue to insist that he is miscast as a starter and the 2027 Royals would be better served by having him trying to pitch in high-leverage bullpen situations. But they’ve also got Randy Dobnak taking up a rotation spot, so they’re kind of stuck with it, at least for now. Perhaps J.J. Picollo can flip Luke Maile for a couple of starting pitchers; until then, Avila needs to do the best he can with the situations he is given.
The Rockies will use right-handed Ryan Feltner. Feltner struggles mightily with the longball, and not just at home. But he also struggles with walks and not getting very many strikeouts. The only pitch he can consistently use effectively is his changeup, but it’s his third-most thrown out of six. He reminds me of Noah Cameron in that he leads the way with a four-seamer, which is also his worst pitch both stuff- and results-wise. He has a sinker that’s much better that he throws far less often, for some reason.
I think if you had told me Tyler Tolbert was going to get as many starts as he has, I would have expected the Royals to have an even worse record. Especially if you had told me they’d be at shortstop. I can’t say I really expected Isaac Collins to be batting fifth at any point since the Royals acquired him until now. I have really enjoyed watching John Rave hit since he switched from a leg lift to a toe tap. I hope he keeps it up, I’m rooting for the guy.
