The Tampa Bay Rays and Kansas City Royals are set to face off in a three game series in Kansas City.<\/p>\n
The Rays enter play with a 43-35 record, 2 games back of the New York Yankes but with a 2.5 game lead in the Wild Card chase. The Royals meanwhile are 38-40 and sit 10.5 games back of the Detroit Tigers and 2.5 games back in the Wild Card hunt.<\/p>\n
The Royals have been led this season by Bobby Witt Jr, who is hitting .286\/.343\/.490 with 10 HR and 21 SB, registering a 123 wRC+ and accruing 3.9 fWAR. Maikel Garcia has also been solid (138 wRC+ | 2.4 fWAR). The rest of the lineup has struggled however leading to the Royals below .500 record.<\/p>\n
On the pitching side of things, Kris Bubic may receive some Cy Young votes for his performance thus far, while Cole Ragans and Michael Wacha have also been excellent members of the starting rotation. <\/p>\n
Frivolities
\nThe top players by career bWAR to have played for the Rays and Royals:<\/p>\n
Ben Zobrist
\nJohnny Damon
\nJames Shields
\nCarlos Pena
\nDavid DeJesus<\/p>\n
The Rays best player offensively against the Royals all-time (min. 25 PA):
Jonny Gomes: .380\/.484\/.980 with 9 HR over 62 PA
The next four are Tino Martinez, Paul Sorrento, C.J. Cron, & Mallex Smith<\/p>\n
The Rays most previous transacation with the Royals:
\u2014 8\/27\/20: Rays traded Lucius Fox to Kansas City for Brett Phillips<\/p>\n
The Rays first transaction with the Royals:
\u2014 12\/13\/99: Rays acquire Damian Rolls from Kansas City for cash considerations<\/p>\n