Game CXXII: Royals at White Sox

The Royals fall from grace since their world championship in 2015 has not been smooth. After two mediocre seasons in 2016 and 2017, the wheels finally fell off in 2018.

And it isn’t hyperbolic to say that the wheels fell off, as they currently sit at 47 games below .500.

Similarly, James Shields’ fall from grace since his 18th AL MVP finish 2014 has been a tad rough.

Since 2015, no pitcher with at least 600 IP has had a higher ERA than that of James Shields.

In fact, the bloated 4.41 ERA that he will take to the mound in tonight’s contest is actually significantly better than the 4.79 he has carried since 2015.

The Royals will look to take advantage while sending Jakob Junis to the mound, who is coming off back-to-back eight strikeout performances. Junis looks to continue rebounding from his miserable June and July.

Here are your lineups for tonight’s action as the Royals open up a new seven-game road trip.