"Three aces rotation": Royals starting staff ranks high among contenders

It's been a solid season so far for the Kansas City Royals.

With a 65-55 record, they currently lead the race for the third and final American League Wild Card spot. They've been largely carried by their starting rotation.

That rotation consists of Seth Lugo, Cole Ragans, Brady Singer, Michael Wacha, and Michael Lorenzen. Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report called it a "three aces rotation" and ranked the Royals second on his Top 10 rotations list.

"After replacing Alec Marsh with Michael Lorenzen at the trade deadline, this rotation just might be good enough to not only carry the Royals to October, but possibly also as the AL Central champions."

The rotation of the Royals has been one of the best in Major League Baseball this season. While it doesn't exactly have the big names you would normally look for, you can't sleep on them.

They spent money in the offseason to improve their rotation, and the moves have paid off.

It's been a long time since the Royals were contenders. They last reached the postseason in 2015, when they won their second World Series title.

Kansas City often plays second fiddle to the St. Louis Cardinals in the Missouri-state rivalry, also known as the "I-70 rivalry." But this year, it's the Royals who have the edge over the Cardinals.

This is a team that could certainly be dangerous in October. And it's only fitting that it comes 10 years after their improbable run to their first World Series since 1985.

More MLB: Royals star pitcher expected to receive multi-year deal this offseason