{"id":60968,"date":"2023-08-23T10:14:21","date_gmt":"2023-08-23T14:14:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=60968"},"modified":"2023-08-23T10:14:21","modified_gmt":"2023-08-23T14:14:21","slug":"royals-and-athletics-set-to-battle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2023\/08\/23\/royals-and-athletics-set-to-battle\/","title":{"rendered":"Royals and Athletics Set to Battle"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2023\/08\/18\/cubs-vs-royals-taillon-and-ragans-set-to-battle\/\" target=\"_self\">Kansas City Royals<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2023\/08\/16\/athletics-vs-cardinals-blackburn-and-liberatore-battle\/\" target=\"_self\">Oakland Athletics<\/a> are gearing up for an exciting clash at the Oakland Coliseum. With both teams looking to make a statement, this game promises to be a thrilling showdown. The starting pitchers for the matchup are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=martiad01,martin009adr,martin011adr&amp;search=Adri\u00e1n+Mart\u00ednez&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-23_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Adri\u00e1n Mart\u00ednez<\/a> for the Athletics and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/r\/raganco01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-23_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cole Ragans<\/a> for the Royals. Mart\u00ednez, with a record of 0-1 and an ERA of 5.85, will be aiming to secure his first win of the season. On the other side, Ragans holds a record of 4-4 and an ERA of 4.08, hoping to deliver a strong performance for the Royals.<\/p>\n<p>[pickup_prop id=&#8221;34488&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h2>Royals and Athletics Set to Battle<\/h2>\n<p>The Athletics currently hold a record of 36-90, placing them fifth in the American League West division. While their overall record may not reflect their potential, the Athletics have shown signs of improvement lately, winning three out of their last ten games. They will enter this matchup with a two-game winning streak, looking to build on their recent successes. With Mart\u00ednez on the mound, the Athletics will seek to capitalize on his pitching skills to bolster their chances of victory.<\/p>\n<p>The Royals, with a record of 40-88, find themselves in a similar position as the Athletics. Sitting in fifth place in the American League Central division, the Royals are determined to turn their season around. Although they have faced some struggles, they have won two out of their last ten games and will be looking to bounce back from a four-game losing streak. Ragans will play a pivotal role for the Royals as he aims to lead his team to victory and make a strong statement on the mound.<\/p>\n<p>[metabet_core_game_tile query=&#8221;530608&#8243; size=&#8221;350&#215;300&#8243; site_id=&#8221;lastwordonsports&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>The game will take place at the Oakland Coliseum on August 23rd, with a scheduled start time of 12:37 PM Pacific. Fans can catch the action live on NBCS-CA.<\/p>\n<h3>Key Points to Watch Out for in the Game<\/h3>\n<p>&#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=wittbo02,wittbo01&amp;search=Bobby+Witt&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-23_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bobby Witt<\/a> Jr., the shortstop for the Royals, continues to impress with his power-hitting abilities, leading the team in home runs (25) and runs batted in (80). Keep an eye on him as he looks to make an impact in this matchup.<br \/>\n&#8211; The Athletics have been dealing with a number of injuries, including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/f\/felipan01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-23_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Angel Felipe<\/a> (RP), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/l\/lovelri01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-23_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Richard Lovelady<\/a> (RP), and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/k\/kaprija01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-23_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">James Kaprielian<\/a> (SP), among others. Their absence may have an effect on the team&#8217;s performance, so it will be interesting to see how the Athletics adapt.<br \/>\n&#8211; The Royals&#8217; starting pitcher, Cole Ragans, has been solid on the mound, boasting a record of 4-4 and an ERA of 4.08. His performance will be crucial in determining the outcome of the game.<br \/>\n&#8211; The Athletics have a streak of two consecutive wins, demonstrating positive momentum. They will look to extend this streak and continue their winning ways against the Royals.<\/p>\n<h3>Injuries<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Oakland Athletics:<\/strong> Angel Felipe (RP, Elbow, D15), Richard Lovelady (RP, Arm, D15), James Kaprielian (SP, Shoulder, D60), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/p\/pruitau01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-23_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Austin Pruitt<\/a> (RP, Forearm, D15), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=millema03,miller001mas,miller005mas&amp;search=Mason+Miller&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-23_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mason Miller<\/a> (SP, Elbow, D60), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/b\/bledajj01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-23_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">JJ Bleday<\/a> (CF, Knee, D10), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/r\/rucindr01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-23_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Drew Rucinski<\/a> (SP, Illness, D60), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=jacksza02,jacksza01&amp;search=Zach+Jackson&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-23_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Zach Jackson<\/a> (RP, Elbow, D60), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=medinlu02,medinlu01,medina005lui,medina004lui,medina010lui&amp;search=Luis+Medina&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-23_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Luis Medina<\/a> (SP, Finger, D15), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/r\/riosya01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-23_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Yacksel R\u00edos<\/a> (RP, Finger, D60), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/t\/tarnofr01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-23_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Freddy Tarnok<\/a> (SP, Calf, D15)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Kansas City Royals:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/register\/player.fcgi?id=lynch-008dan&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-23_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Daniel Lynch<\/a> (SP, Shoulder, D15), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/b\/brentja01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-23_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jake Brentz<\/a> (RP, Elbow, D60), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/p\/pasquvi01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-23_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Vinnie Pasquantino<\/a> (1B, Shoulder, D60), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/b\/bubickr01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-23_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kris Bubic<\/a> (SP, Flexor, D60), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/p\/prattni01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-23_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nick Pratto<\/a> (1B, Groin, D10), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/s\/staumjo01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-23_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Josh Staumont<\/a> (RP, Neck, D60), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/k\/kellebr01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-23_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Brad Keller<\/a> (SP, Shoulder, D60), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=taylojo02,taylor013jos&amp;search=Josh+Taylor&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-23_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Josh Taylor<\/a> (RP, Shoulder, D60)<\/p>\n<p>Main photo credits:<\/p>\n<p>Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Kansas City Royals and Oakland Athletics are gearing up for an exciting clash at the Oakland Coliseum. With both teams looking to make a statement, this game promises to be a thrilling showdown. The starting pitchers for the matchup are Adri\u00e1n Mart\u00ednez for the Athletics and Cole Ragans for the Royals. Mart\u00ednez, with a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4389,"featured_media":60969,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[12,15],"tags":[5557,2583,2530,5889,6369,1109,3435,2831,4487,2879],"class_list":["post-60968","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-royals","category-athletics","tag-adrian-martinez","tag-bobby-witt-jr","tag-brad-keller","tag-cole-ragans","tag-daniel-lynch","tag-james-kaprielian","tag-jj-bleday","tag-josh-taylor","tag-luis-medina","tag-yacksel-rios"],"modified_by":"Troy Brock","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60968","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4389"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=60968"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60968\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/60969"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=60968"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=60968"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=60968"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}