The Kansas City Royals have done what they needed to do so far on this 10-game homestand. They have taken two of three from a bad Nationals team and took the first two from a bad White Sox team. While a sweep against Washington would’ve been nice, the Royals can redeem themselves by beating the White Sox this afternoon. B

Before this homestand started, after getting walked off last Sunday, I said the Royals need a 5-1 week this week, bare minimum and probably an 8-2 homestand to have a legit shot at the playoffs. A win today puts them in decent shape at hitting that goal.

Following a 3-1 win Friday night and a 6-2 victory last night, the Royals are 62-61 on the season, it’s the first time they’ve been above .500 since June 11th. Right-hander Ryan Bergert will get the ball to try and complete the series sweep. In his first two outings with Kansas City, Bergert has gone a career high 5 2/3 innings in each start, both times only allowing 2 runs.

Vinnie Pasquantino avoided a scare last night after leaving the game in the 2nd inning after his 1st inning at bat. It looked like he might’ve hurt his oblique swinging the bat, but he just had a heat related illness, and needed an IV. He said postgame he felt fine, he will DH today. Luke Maile, who last played last Sunday, will catch Ryan Bergert again today. Salvy will be at 1st base.

Here is the rest of the Royals lineup.

The Chicago White Sox are 44-79 on the season. They are just 2-7 versus the Royals and have lost all 6 games so far played in Kansas City. They also haven’t won a game in Kansas City since the 2023 season. With all that being said, they’ve been playing around .500 ball since the All-Star Break and some of their young, talented future pieces are getting plenty of playing time, some of them even playing well.

Right-hander Davis Martin will start for them today, the 28-year-old is 4-9 on the season and has a 4.17 ERA. Martin throws six pitches, but mainly relies on the big three of a four seam fastball, cutter and a changeup.

Luis Robert Jr. who has struggled this season, especially against the Royals is not in the starting lineup today. Here is the White Sox lineup behind Martin.

First pitch is set for 1:10 p.m. CT. The game can be watched on KCTV 5 and KSMO today, or on the FanDuel Sports Network.