The Kansas City Royals step into their April 22 home matchup against the Colorado Rockies with a 9–14 record, a modest position that still reflects progress in what was expected to be a transitional season. Though the team has faced its fair share of early adversity, there are glimpses of promise, particularly in their pitching, which has kept them competitive in close games despite an offense that continues to underperform. Kansas City’s recent one-game winning streak may be modest on paper, but given the state of the Rockies, it offers a prime opportunity for the Royals to build momentum and inch closer to .500. Their performance at Kauffman Stadium, where they’ve struggled against the spread with a 3–10 ATS record, hasn’t yielded many headline wins, but the club has shown defensive grit and flashes of dominance on the mound. That mound presence will be reinforced Tuesday night by left-hander Kris Bubic, who enters the game with a 2–1 record and an impressive 1.88 ERA—emerging as the early ace of the Royals’ staff. Bubic has demonstrated growth in every area of his game, from command to pitch sequencing, and has consistently neutralized opposing hitters by staying ahead in counts and inducing soft contact. Against a Rockies lineup that ranks near the bottom in runs scored and team batting average, Bubic’s control and ability to pitch deep into games may serve as a serious advantage. He’s allowed just one home run across his first several starts and has been particularly effective against right-handed batters, which bodes well considering Colorado’s offensive balance.

With Kansas City’s bullpen showing competence—anchored by relievers like James McArthur and John Schreiber—manager Matt Quatraro can lean on his starter to bridge the game to the late innings with confidence. This game is set up for Bubic to control the tempo and give the Royals a fighting chance with even a modest amount of run support. Offensively, the Royals continue to search for answers. They are currently dead last in Major League Baseball with just 2.9 runs per game, and much of the burden has fallen on the shoulders of Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez. Witt, the franchise’s young cornerstone, has flashed elite athleticism and offensive tools, but he’s lacked consistent help around him. Perez remains the heart of the clubhouse and provides valuable power potential, but the lineup behind them has been inconsistent, failing to capitalize on scoring opportunities and extending innings. Kansas City’s offensive woes stem not only from power shortages but also from an inability to manufacture runs through smart baserunning and timely contact. They are not built for slugfests but have the capacity to thrive in low-scoring, strategically managed games—which fits well with Bubic’s pitching style and the general strengths of their defense. On that end, the Royals have quietly excelled, ranking in the top tier in runs allowed per game and showcasing improved fundamentals across the infield. With the Rockies struggling mightily, especially on the road, Kansas City has a prime opportunity to string together wins, correct its home-field narrative, and begin reshaping the outlook of their 2025 campaign. If their pitching holds and the offense can break through even modestly, the Royals could take full advantage of a demoralized Colorado club and secure a much-needed series-opening victory.