Despite battling through one of the most injury-riddled first halves in recent memory, the Los Angeles Dodgers have remarkably climbed back to the top of baseball’s standings. Now entering what appears to be a softer stretch of schedule, they’ll test their hard-earned momentum against a surprisingly formidable Royals squad in Kansas City.
Dodgers’ Improbable Ascent
With a makeshift rotation and bullpen that’s seen 14 different pitchers land on the IL this season, and offensive slumps plaguing even their biggest stars, the Dodgers’ 51-31 record (tied with Detroit for MLB’s best) defies logic. Their recent surge has opened a six-game NL West lead over San Diego, built through:
- Gritty pitching performances from unexpected contributors
- Timely hitting during offensive dry spells
- A brutal June schedule that makes their current Rockies-Royals-White Sox stretch feel like relief
Friday’s Pitching Matchup: Rising Star vs. Comeback Kid
Dodgers: Dustin May (RHP)
- Recent struggles: Allowed 3 HR (all solo) vs. Nationals last start
- Key concern: 5.40 ERA over last 5 starts
- Silver lining: Royals’ lineup has minimal experience against him (only Mark Canha: 3-8)
Royals: Noah Cameron (LHP)
- Historic start: Just 2nd pitcher since 1893 with ≤1 ER in first 4 starts (min. 6.1 IP)
- Current form: 2.08 ERA, 0.965 WHIP through 8 games
- Local angle: Grew up just 60 minutes from Kauffman Stadium
Offensive Droughts on Both Sides
Dodgers’ Slumping Stars
- Freddie Freeman: Showing signs of life after Coors Field series
- Max Muncy: Only consistent power threat lately (X HR since June 1)
- Others: Betts/Ohtani/Smith collectively hitting .XXX over past two weeks
Royals’ Scoring Woes
- 1 run total in last 3 games
- 4 runs in last 5 games
- Bobby Witt Jr.’s slump: .276 OBP last 30 games (though leads MLB with 27 doubles)
Why This Series Matters
- For LAD: Chance to pad division lead before All-Star break
- For KC: Opportunity to prove their 4th-ranked team ERA (3.XX) can stifle elite lineups
- X-factor: Royals’ bullpen (X ERA) vs. Dodgers’ late-game struggles (X blown saves)
Game 1 Details
📅 Date: Friday, June 28
⏰ First pitch: 5:10 PM PT / 7:10 PM CT
📍 Location: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City
📺 TV: SportsNet LA
📻 Radio: AM 570 (Dodgers) / KCSP 610 (Royals)
Prediction: In a battle of lineups searching for rhythm, Cameron’s precision outduels May’s power stuff in a 3-2 Royals win. Witt Jr. breaks his slump with a go-ahead double.
“This is exactly the type of series where the Dodgers’ depth gets tested,” noted MLB Network’s Dan Plesac. “Can their stars wake up against this sneaky-good Royals staff?”
With both teams fighting different kinds of adversity, this weekend series may come down to which club’s temporary weaknesses prove more exploitable. For the Dodgers, it’s another chance to prove their resilience; for the Royals, a measuring stick against baseball’s best.