Zack Wheeler anchors the day as the top overall pitcher on the slate with a 2.64 ERA and a 11.73 K/9 that make him a solid cash-game anchor, especially against a Rangers lineup that’s struggled to square up right-handed pitching since the All-Star break. Quinn Priester presents a strong mid-tier pivot with long-start potential and a favorable Mets matchup, while Casey Mize offers salary relief with solid ground-ball ability against a DET offense that has shown life. The hitting pieces center around Shea Langeliers’s hot streak behind the dish, Jeremy Pena’sLHP-positive splits, and a Tigers stack featuring Langeliers, McKinstry, Torkelson, and Riley Greene, plus budget outfielders like Tyler Soderstrom and Kerry Carpenter. A Royals mini-stack and a Royals-White Sox exposure give multiple ways to capture upside on the eight/ nine-game DK slate, with value plays like Kyle Isbel and Cade Povich offering cheap paths to diversifying builds.

Key stacks include Detroit (Carpenter, McKinstry, Torkelson, Greene) and Oakland (Langeliers, Rooker, Soderstrom, Kurtz), with KC and Houston also highlighted for per-dollar upside. The article emphasizes tracking injury news and lineup changes as always, and it notes DK’s added Royals-Twins game expands a few players’ eligibility, creating salary-lighting pivots. Weather looks clean with minimal delay risk, so live lineups should be close to the optimal projections for the 1:05 PM EST start.

The Kansas City Royals pulled off a thrilling 7-4 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in a nail-biting game that went into extra innings. Kyle Isbel delivered a pivotal RBI double in the 10th inning, capping a five-run rally that propelled the Royals to a series win. Vinnie Pasquantino also made a significant impact, tying the game with a crucial single in the eighth. Toronto's attempts to respond, including RBI singles by Nathan Lukes and Addison Barger, were not enough to overcome the Royals' late-game surge.

This victory marks the Royals' impressive ninth consecutive win in series finales, solidifying their record to 56-56 and showcasing their resilience in high-pressure situations. Hunter Harvey earned the win, improving to 1-0, while Seranthony Domínguez took the loss for Toronto. The Blue Jays, despite their strong season, faced their first home series loss against Kansas City, highlighting the unpredictability of baseball.

Kyle Wright has signed a one-year contract worth $1.8 million with the Kansas City Royals, avoiding salary arbitration. This deal maintains his previous salary as he continues to recover from shoulder surgery.

Despite not pitching in 2024, the Royals are optimistic about his potential for the 2025 rotation. The team, which boasted a strong pitching lineup last season, will see competition for spots following recent trades and player agreements.

The Kansas City Royals are actively exploring trade options for hitters, including Los Angeles Angels outfielder Taylor Ward. Recent discussions have included potential trades involving Royals pitcher Brady Singer and Reds infielder Jonathan India, although no deals are imminent.

Ward, who had a solid performance in 2024, remains a key piece for the Angels as they aim for competitiveness in 2025. The Royals see him as a significant upgrade in their outfield, while the Angels are also making moves to strengthen their roster.

Gerrit Cole showcased his postseason prowess, leading the New York Yankees to a 3-1 win over the Kansas City Royals, securing a spot in the American League Championship Series. Cole allowed only one run over seven innings, while the Yankees' bullpen extended their scoreless streak to 15⅔ innings this postseason.

Juan Soto, Gleyber Torres, and Giancarlo Stanton contributed crucial runs for New York, who will face either Cleveland or Detroit next. Meanwhile, Kansas City's offense struggled, managing only five runs in the final three games of the series, despite a promising season turnaround.