Spring Training Game XXIX Open Thread - Royals versus Athletics

Standing 2.5 games back in the race for the Cactus League crown, the Kansas City Royals head to Hohokam Stadium in Mesa, Arizona to face off against the Oak Land Athletics. The second-place A’s have a game on the Royals in the standings, and just four days of games remain on the Cactus League slate before teams scatter to finish their exhibition schedule in anticipation of the season’s open this Sunday and Monday. If the Royals wish to gain ground and throw another Cactus League parade, winning today is imperative.

Jason Vargas will take the mound in what will be a crucial game for the Royals. The 34-year-old southpaw owns a 5.40 ERA in 13.1 spring training innings spread across five starts. He has struck out ten while walking eight. That’s not particularly good.

Andrew Triggs will start for Oak Land. He throws with his right hand. He was a 27-year-old rookie last year. A converted reliever, Triggs was claimed off of waivers by Oakland last season. Armed with a sinker, slider, cutter, and improving change and throwing from a low arm slot, Triggs could prove a problem for the Royals.

These will be the Royals today:

And the Athletics will look like this:

The game can be heard but not watched. It will be on 610 AM starting at 3:05 PM CDT. Vaya con Dios.