On June 18, the Kansas City Royals (35-38) are set to face the Texas Rangers (36-37) in Arlington, TX. The Royals secured a 6-1 victory in the first game, ending the Rangers' four-game winning streak. Key performances came from Salvador Perez, who hit two home runs, and Bobby Witt Jr., who also contributed to the scoring. This win snapped a six-game losing streak for Kansas City, while Texas has won seven of its last nine games after a previous slump.

The pitching matchup features Kris Bubic for the Royals, boasting a solid 1.92 ERA despite a less-than-stellar last outing. In contrast, Patrick Corbin takes the mound for the Rangers, with a 3.66 ERA and a more stable recent performance. Both teams are looking to build momentum, making this matchup critical for their respective seasons.

Jac Caglianone, the Kansas City Royals' highly-touted rookie, impressed in his major league debut despite starting with an 0-for-5 performance. He quickly found his rhythm, recording his first hit in a crucial moment and contributing an RBI that extended the Royals' lead. The hit showcased his typical power, hitting the ball at 91.4 mph, but it marked a significant milestone after dominating in the minors.

At only 22, Caglianone's rapid ascent through the Royals' system caught attention after he posted exceptional batting averages in Double-A and Triple-A. His ability to hit hard was evident even in losses, as he recorded some of the hardest-hit balls in his debut. With family in attendance cheering him on, Caglianone's future in the majors looks bright as he adjusts to the big stage.

As June rolls in, it's prime time for fantasy baseball managers to evaluate their teams. In particular, those languishing in the standings should consider making impactful trades or pickups to spark a turnaround. Notably, several unluckiest hitters are primed for a breakout, including Juan Soto, who, despite a .233 average with the New York Mets, boasts impressive metrics like a .301 expected batting average, suggesting he could rebound. Similarly, Adley Rutschman has a .263 expected average yet is batting just .214, indicating an impending surge. Bryan Reynolds is another underappreciated player facing misfortune but performing well with a high hard-hit rate, while Salvador Perez's age seems to be catching up with him, despite solid underlying metrics. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on these players as potential buy-low candidates to enhance their rosters.

As we approach Week 9 of the 2025 season, fantasy baseball managers face crucial decisions on player roster management. Notable names like Ryan Pressly and Brady Singer are under scrutiny, with Pressly's recent demotion from the closer role signaling a potential cut for many owners. His stats, including a troubling 5.40 ERA and minimal strikeouts, make him a candidate for the drop list. Similarly, Singer's inconsistent performances in Cincinnati raise concerns; a 4.88 ERA with ineffective pitches suggests he may only serve as a streaming option in deeper leagues.

Conversely, players like Michael Harris II and Salvador Perez show potential for improvement despite their struggles. Harris has underperformed with a .226 average but possesses promising expected numbers that point to possible resurgence as the season progresses. Perez, too, has been unlucky, with a .294 xBA hinting that better days could lie ahead. Managers are advised to hold onto these players a bit longer, assessing their performance as summer heats up.

The Kansas City Royals have surged dramatically since mid-April, boasting a remarkable 16 wins in their last 18 games as of May 9, 2025. After a tough start where they lost eight of nine games, they rebounded with a crucial victory over the Detroit Tigers on Easter Sunday, setting the stage for their impressive run. They’ve achieved notable series victories against teams like the Houston Astros, Tampa Bay Rays, and Chicago White Sox, elevating their record to 24-16.

Key contributors include first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino, shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., and catcher Salvador Perez, each making significant impacts at the plate. On the mound, Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha have been standout performers, while Cole Ragans, despite having the highest ERA in the rotation at 3.79, shows promise for improvement. The Royals' recent success is a testament to their resilience and potential for further achievements in the season ahead.