Stale, Banged-up Royals Can't Seem To Get Ahead

(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Kansas City showed promise in various situations through the first three months of the season, including interleague play, filling voids left by multiple injured players and, of course, pitching.

But, it seems like the injury-plagued team celebrating its 40th birthday may be in too deep of a hole to get out and prosper.

Undoubtedly, the team has been able to learn a lot of from its mishaps already this year, and, although they seemed to be on the right track the past couple of years, injuries can ruin any team the way they have ravaged this one.

The biggest positive characteristic about the Royals is their ability to look ahead with promise, and that’s all guys can do for now.

Even with players like Gordon and Aviles back in the lineup contributing after the break, it’s going to take some time for them to get back into the normal swing of things.

Gordon’s hip was a devastating injury, as evidenced by his time out (three to four monts) and, like most of the injuries suffered by Kansas City players, it has foreshadowed how the rest of the season is going to unfold for the Royals.

Of course, there is still a chance the Royals step up their play following the All-Star festivities, but it’s not going to be easy for them to win even the so-so AL Central. Making a run at the playoffs isn't impossible, but it's pretty close.

But they aren’t giving up anytime soon.

Fans should expect to see Kansas City come out and work its hardest every night — and hopefully it will pick up a couple more vital win streaks before the mid-July All-Star break — but this year, that's not going to be enough

A couple wins here and there will make a huge difference, but they need to take advantage of series played against weak teams, like recent interleague play vs. the Astros and Pirates that could have easily been sweeps (although the Royals swept the Reds earlier this month), and struggling division opponents (they are plenty).

Other than that, Hillman's men just need to remain focused and hope that when their roughed up lineup begins to return, players like Gordon are able to positively contribute.

And hopefully, they do.

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