KC Royals set for AL Wild Card series vs. Baltimore Orioles: Key storylines to follow

Kansas City Royals captain Salvador Perez entered Monday’s news conference ahead of the American League Wild Card series in a great mood.

Perez was jovial as he reflected on the club’s postseason journey. He shared insight into the long drought between playoff appearances. And he revealed some tidbits of recent conversations with former teammates Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas and Lorenzo Cain.

The trio stood alongside Perez during the Royals’ last postseason run. Perez was an emerging star during those days. Now, he is the elder statesman looking to lead a new crop of Royals to the World Series again.

“It’s a lot of sacrifice,” Perez said. “It’s kind of hard to lose 100 games. You know, I have been in that situation a couple of times in my career after we won the World Series. So, even last year, I think it was 106 losses. And now, we were able to make the playoffs the next year.”

Perez leads the Royals into a familiar environment. In 2014, KC played the Baltimore Orioles in the ALCS at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Each game was a close encounter between two emerging teams.

Ten years later, the Royals and Orioles will meet again. Game 1 of their AL Wild Card series will begin on Tuesday, Oct. 1, at 3:08 p.m. Central on ESPN 2.

The Royals will start left-handed ace Cole Ragans in the series opener. The Orioles will counter with former Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes.

The Orioles took the regular-season series with four victories this season. The Royals dropped two of three games in early April at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Orioles outscored the Royals 29-27 in the season series.

The AL Wild Card series could be a low-scoring affair. Here are a few storylines to follow prior to the action.

Will Vinnie Pasquantino be medically cleared?

The Royals are hoping to get standout slugger Vinnie Pasquantino back in the lineup. On Monday, Pasquantino was initially scheduled to have a live batting practice session, but inclement weather changed those plans.

Instead, Pasquantino did indoor work in the batting cage. He hit off a pitching machine and did a few more hitting drills. Royals manager Matt Quatraro said the team will continue to evaluate Pasquantino before making a determination on whether he will return in time for Game 1.

“We are going to see how he comes out of that in the morning before we make our decision,” Quatraro said.

Pasquantino holds a key role in the lineup. He offers protection for Bobby Witt Jr. and is an elite run producer. This season, Pasquantino hit .262 with 19 home runs and 97 RBIs in 131 games.

In late August, Pasquantino broke his right thumb against the Houston Astros. He was attempting to field an incoming throw when his glove collided with Astros catcher Yainer Diaz running down the first-base line.

Pasquantino was placed on the 10-day injured list and underwent successful surgery. He was given a timeline of 6-8 weeks of recovery. However, Pasquantino has put himself in a position to return quicker than expected.

He made significant strides in recent weeks. He took live batting practice twice at Nationals Park and Truist Park. He faced live pitching and simulated multiple at-bats in those sessions.

Quatraro confirmed that Pasquantino would only serve as a designated hitter if he gained medical clearance.

“He will not be able to play first base if he is cleared at all,” Quatraro said.

Several Royals are hopeful to see Pasquantino return. He will provide an immediate boost to an offense that has recently struggled with runners in scoring position.

“He’s a huge piece just because of what he’s done,” Witt said. “He produced on the field and (also) off the field. Just his presence is huge.”

The Royals have utilized Perez and veteran Yuli Gurriel at first base. The club will likely maintain that duo at the position during the playoffs.

Cole Ragans set for third matchup with Orioles

Ragans reflected on his stellar 2024 campaign on Monday. However, there was one start that still lingers on his mind.

On April 20, Ragans allowed seven earned runs in 1 ⅔ innings against the Orioles at Kauffman Stadium. It was his shortest start of the season and arguably his worst since joining the Royals from the Texas Rangers.

“I don’t forget the second one,” Ragans said bluntly. “I mean, you don’t forget. It just wasn’t a good day. I just didn’t execute. I remember pretty much all my outings and I could tell you how all of them went. I don’t think it’s going to affect how I prepare or anything. Everybody is good in the playoffs, so we’ll just prepare like all season.”

Ragans will start opposite Burnes for the third time this season. The previous meetings highlighted both players in early April.

The pitchers earned a no decision in their April 3 matchup. However, Burnes picked up the victory during the second encounter at Kauffman Stadium.

The stakes will be higher in Tuesday’s matchup. And, Ragans is ready to take the baseball on the national stage.

“My goal all year is just to win,” Ragans said. “Nothing changes just because it’s the playoffs.”

Gunnar Henderson, Bobby Witt Jr. meet again in playoffs

There is a lot of history between Witt and Baltimore Orioles star Gunnar Henderson.

They came up together and have known each other for years. They played on the same youth circuits and have now guided two resurgent teams back to the playoffs.

Witt, who recently won the AL batting title, is excited for the upcoming matchup. He praised Henderson and enjoys watching the dynamic shortstop.

“It’s a lot of fun to see and keep up with him,” Witt said. “We did the summer showcases together and we did everything together. So, it’s pretty cool.”

Witt went second overall in the 2019 MLB Draft. Henderson joined him as the Orioles drafted him 42nd overall in the second round. Each has ascended into MLB stardom while leading their club this season.

Henderson hit .281 with 37 homers and 92 RBIs this season. He earned the starting nod in the MLB All-Star Game. He also joined Witt in the T-Mobile Home Run Derby at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.

“Watching him in the high school stuff, he was obviously the number one player in the country and he was that for a reason,” Henderson said. “He did a lot of things exceptionally well and ultimately you are seeing it at the big-league level as well.”

Playoff rewind: Royals began 2014 journey exactly 10 years ago

The Royals have drawn comparisons to the 2014 squad throughout the season. Both clubs snapped long playoff droughts and entered as Wild Card teams.

A decade ago, the Royals defeated the Oakland Athletics 9-8 in epic fashion. The game went into extra innings before the Royals won in the 12th frame.

Perez singled down the left-field line as Christian Colon came around to score. It was the start of the Royals’ magical playoff run and one Royals fans will never forget.

Can the Royals rekindle their magic on Tuesday? Perez is excited to try as the Royals are set for the biggest game of the season.

“Excited to be back,” Perez said. “We have been waiting to be back to the playoffs for a long time here. Super excited for the group that we have and we will see what happens tomorrow.”