The Kansas City Royals enter Sunday’s finale against the Los Angeles Dodgers at 38–44 and eager to wrap up their homestand on a high note after showing flashes of potential throughout the series. With young lefty Kris Bubic set to start, the Royals have a legitimate chance to contain the Dodgers’ potent offense thanks to Bubic’s breakout campaign in which he’s compiled a 6–5 record and a sparkling 2.18 ERA, showcasing improved command, an elevated strikeout rate, and a refined changeup that has baffled hitters from both sides of the plate. His ability to generate weak contact and keep hitters off balance will be vital against a Dodgers lineup that thrives on exploiting mistakes, especially with sluggers like Shohei Ohtani and Will Smith lurking in the heart of the order. The Royals’ defense, especially their infield anchored by Bobby Witt Jr., will need to be sharp in supporting Bubic, as Los Angeles rarely squanders extra opportunities. Offensively, Kansas City has begun to find a better rhythm in recent weeks, and they will lean heavily on Maikel Garcia, who’s batting .311 with a .485 slugging percentage and consistently provides quality at-bats at the top of the order. Witt Jr. continues to blossom into a franchise cornerstone with a .285 average and .491 slugging clip, and his elite baserunning can apply pressure and manufacture runs even when the bats are quiet.

The Royals’ lineup may not be as deep as the Dodgers’, but when they get traffic on the bases, they’ve proven capable of turning momentum with timely hits and aggressive play. One key will be producing early offense—jumping on whoever the Dodgers start before their elite bullpen can shut the door—as well as taking advantage of any defensive lapses or missed locations. Kansas City’s bullpen has been a bright spot in an otherwise uneven season, ranking among the league’s best in ERA and showing an ability to navigate high-leverage innings, particularly at home. The Royals have also improved their play at Kauffman Stadium recently, covering the run line in four of their last six home games, suggesting they’ve grown more comfortable and competitive in front of their fans. Manager Matt Quatraro will likely lean into strategic baserunning, matchup-based pinch hitting, and small-ball tactics to squeeze every ounce of production against a team that rarely gives anything away. While the odds are stacked against them when facing one of the league’s juggernauts, the Royals have shown they can compete with top-tier clubs when their pitching holds and the offense capitalizes on chances. A win here would not only give them a rare series victory over a top team but also serve as a confidence boost heading into July. For a franchise in the process of rebuilding and reestablishing its identity, these moments against premier competition are critical steps forward, and the Royals will look to prove they belong in the conversation with baseball’s more polished contenders.