Playoff push? Royals open 2nd half of 2024 MLB season with win vs. Chicago White Sox

The Kansas City Royals returned from the All-Star Break well rested and eager to make a postseason push.

On Friday, the Royals began a nine-game homestand with a 7-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox at Kauffman Stadium. KC improved to 53-45 as star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. propelled the offensive attack.

“We play our brand of baseball and I think a lot of things are gonna go right for us,” Witt said.

Witt, who is fresh off a terrific All-Star performance , didn’t waste time getting the Royals on the scoreboard. He blasted his 17th home run over the left-field wall in the first inning off White Sox starter Chris Flexen.

In his next at-bat, Witt delivered an RBI single that extended the Royals lead. He registered his MLB-leading 127th hit as third baseman Maikel Garcia scored.

However, Flexen would hold the Royals in check … until the fifth inning.

KC batted around in the frame. Garcia began the inning with a leadoff walk and second baseman Michael Massey opened the floodgates with a two-run single.

“Maikel taking the walk and the (sacrifice) bunt was big,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “Being able to extend the inning, (Hunter) Renfroe with two strikes gets the hit by pitch. Massey’s hit was the difference.”

Flexen issued four walks (one intentional) and hit a batter in the inning. The Royals took advantage of the free passes with a patient approach. Massey, alongside designated hitter Freddy Fermin, recorded the lone hits in the frame.

“We are just putting together good at-bats and doing the little things right,” Witt said. “When we do the little things right, (with) this team, the sky is the limit.”

The White Sox registered seven hits in the game.

Outfielder Tommy Pham started the game with a leadoff double. However, Royals starter Michael Wacha left him stranded on second base as he collected a 6-4-3 double play to end the inning.

“It took a little bit to find the groove there,” Wacha said. “It was kind of there for a little bit and it would go away.”

Still, Wacha didn’t face much trouble. And, when he did, he turned to the double plays and seven strikeouts to eliminate any offensive threat. As a result, Wacha improved to 7-6 and now sports a 3.55 ERA.

“Overall, yeah, the results were great,” Wacha said. “You know, I felt like I was able to make pitches whenever I needed to, get some strikeouts whenever I needed to and got some big-time double plays to get me out of those jams.”

Chicago fell to 27-72 as KC picked up its seventh victory in eight games over the American League Central rivals.

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Here are more notables from Friday’s game:

MJ Melendez provides injury update

The Royals placed outfielder MJ Melendez on the 10-day injured list during the All-Star Break due to a left ankle sprain.

Melendez injured his ankle against the Boston Red Sox last Sunday. He stepped awkwardly on the first base bag as he hustled to beat out an attempted double play.

“It’s feeling better, day by day, obviously,” Melendez said. “I was able to get in today and do a lot of rehab. (I got) some work in and did some stuff in the weight room. A lot of pool stuff and it’s getting better.”

The Royals expect Melendez to miss around two weeks. He landed on the injured list retroactively dating back to July 15.

In a corresponding move, KC recalled Drew Waters from Triple-A Omaha. He will be a part of the outfield mix while Melendez is on the shelf.

“Drew is going to be a part of the rotation,” Quatraro said. “He’s going to get in there and he’s going to play multiple outfield spots. Most likely pinch run and pinch hit. We are bringing him up here to help us win.”

What’s next on the KC Royals’ schedule?

The Royals will look for a series victory on Saturday night. KC will send right-hander Brady Singer to the mound against the White Sox at Kauffman Stadium.

Singer owns a 2.72 ERA in 10 home starts. He has limited opponents to a .204 batting average during the span. On April 5, Singer allowed one earned run in 6 ⅓ innings against Chicago at Guaranteed Rate Field.

The White Sox will start rookie Jonathan Cannon. He is 1-3 with a 4.41 ERA in 10 appearances (eight starts) this season.