Royals vs White Sox game 43 thread
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - APRIL 15: at Seth Lugo #67 of the Kansas City Royals looks on against the Detroit Tigers Comerica Park on April 15, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) | Getty Images After a tough loss on the South Side last night, the boys in blue are back at it again this evening.
Game two of the series is very important if they want to get back home with an even record or better on this road trip. This might be the most favorable pitching matchup of the the three game set. Seth Lugo has been possibly the most consistent starter for Kansas City thus far giving up 2 or fewer runs in six out of eight starts and getting 6 or more innings that often as well.
He is coming off of a 4 inning start that did not go so well, so looking to get back on track. The White Sox starter is Noah Shultz, a 22 year-old lefty who is very interesting, but not established yet. His 4.
68 ERA is not great and a lot of that has to do with a 5. 76 BB/9 innings rate. Royals hitters need to be selective against him and take any free passes that he gives.
Left handed pitching has been a problem for the Royals for a couple of years now, and so far this year the team is posting a 91 wRC+ when facing a southpaw compared to a 100 against right handed foes. To adjust to the lefty, Lane Thomas is slotted third and Salvy is back in his cleanup spot despite recent struggles. Starling Marte and Nick Lofting will also get starts, meaning that Isbel, Caglianone, and Massey will be on the bench tonight.