:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60632457/usa-today-9393146.0.0.0.jpg)
With the World Champion Kansas City Royals' chances to repeat as World Champs fading faster than a McFly sibling in a photo while your mom puts the moves on you, they look to get right against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, owners of the third-worst record in the American League. The trade deadline looms at the end of this week, and the makeup of the Royals roster could go in any number of ways depending on the outcome of this series.
If the Angels sweep the Royals like they did back in May, players like Edinson Volquez, Luke Hochevar, and Kendrys Morales could be donning different uniforms by the start of the next work week.
If the Royals sweep, more precious prospects could be moved to rebuilding clubs while the 25-man roster is bolstered by rental properties.
The more likely outcome of a series split one way or the other will serve to cement the Royals' feet, putting a serious move in one direction or another at serious risk.
In the first of the three-game tilt, the Angels will send southpaw starter Hector Santiago to the mound. Their lineup will look like this:
.@HecSantiago53 and the #Angels open a three-game set with the Royals at Kauffman Stadium: https://t.co/3fP4tn69s0 pic.twitter.com/yoigwkd98f
— Angels (@Angels) July 25, 2016
The Royals' season rests on Ian Kennedy's shoulders tonight. A win can keep the team together for another night. The hometown boys will align themselves in the following order:
Ian Kennedy, #Royals open up a series vs. the Angels. https://t.co/q93Iypvu2K pic.twitter.com/Pyor8S0oY3
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) July 25, 2016
This will be a WAR!