Overview

• Kansas City was officially knocked out when the Guardians beat the Tigers on Tuesday, leaving the Royals at 79-78 with five games remaining.
• The Royals collected 15 hits in the series opener, winning 8-4 as Maikel Garcia, Adam Frazier and Bobby Witt Jr. led the offense.
• Cole Ragans, in his second start since returning from a rotator cuff strain, struck out 10 over five innings.
• Manager Matt Quatraro said he expects his club to keep pushing through the final week despite elimination.
• Wednesday’s matchup features Royals right-hander Stephen Kolek against Angels left-hander Yusei Kikuchi, with Los Angeles having lost 10 of its past 11.