Royals playoff odds have collapsed to 1.8%, turning the rest of the season into a test of upside in KC’s pipeline. Jac Caglianone’s June promotion is a flashpoint: a rough 3-for-17 return and a 38 wRC+ temper expectations even as his ceiling tantalizes dynasty rosters.

India and Isbel spark sporadic offense while the rest of KC’s lineup struggles; Maile offers steady catching depth. Caglianone’s World Baseball Classic Italy decision and rehab story add a roadmap for KC’s next wave and future value for fantasy rosters.

The 2005 Twins leaned on an elite pitching staff to offset a languid offensive campaign. Minnesota finished 83-79, a finish marred by an 83-79 mark that lagged the White Sox, while the lineup posted an 88 OPS+. Only Torii Hunter and Joe Mauer surpassed 100 OPS+ among players with 350+ plate appearances, underscoring a run-suppressing attack. Johan Santana, Brad Radke, Carlos Silva, Kyle Lohse and Joe Mays anchored the rotation; the bullpen—Nathan, Crain, Rincon, Mulholland, Romero, Guerrier—was a late-season bright spot. Francisco Liriano flashed promise, Detroit games hinting at a breakout in 2006. Off-field, Carl Pohlad’s Twins Hall of Fame nod added nostalgia to a season defined by pitching depth and pending offensive returns.

Fantasy takeaway: this era proved that pitching depth could mask a weak lineup, making owners value SPs and bullpen stability. Hunter’s steady counting stats and Mauer’s coming breakout were focal points, while the bullpen suggested future saves and holds opportunities. The 2005 narrative set the stage for a rebuild centered on elite arms and late-blooming hitters.

Seattle survived a 12-inning marathon to beat Los Angeles 7-6, riding a lockdown bullpen and late offensive surge. The M’s scuffled early but found pressure in the middle innings, tying the game in the 11th on Polanco’s RBI double and carving out the eventual winner in extras behind steady contact from the top of the order. A bunt-loaded rally set the stage for the rookie to push Seattle over the edge, capping a resilient, team-wide execution night.

Key pieces paced Seattle: Rodríguez and Crawford produced prime baserunning and timely hits, Raleigh worked the walk and plate discipline, and Miller plus the bullpen quietly stitched together a long relief outing that kept Angels off balance. The win extends Seattle’s late-season push, showing depth from the youngsters and veterans alike as they grind through a brutal September slate.