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After a successful series against the Texas Rangers at Kauffman Stadium over Easter weekend, the Kansas City Royals play their first road game today at Jacob’s Field Progressive Field today in Cleveland. Like at Kauffman Stadium, a limited number of fans will be allowed in the stands—up to 30% capacity, which is about 11,000.
Unlike the Royals, though, Cleveland is not really trying their best for this season. Ownership parted ways with star shortstop Francisco Lindor because he was “too expensive,” only to be the only team in baseball to run an opening day payroll of under $50 million. In my opinion, this kind of blatant disregard for a competitive payroll deserves an ill fate, especially since Cleveland ostensibly stands to be competitive within the American League Central.
In other words, I hope Cleveland loses a lot of games for their hubris, and I would like nothing more for the Royals to sweep Cleveland in their home opening series. They would deserve it. Today, the Royals will send Danny Duffy to the mound in hopes of getting their first competent start out of their rotation, and will put Kyle Isbel on the bench in favor of a right-heavy lineup against lefty Logan Allen.
Royals lineup
Here's how we're taking the field behind Danny Duffy this afternoon in Cleveland.#TogetherRoyal pic.twitter.com/gXJ4XbhNur
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) April 5, 2021
Cleveland lineup
Our first lineup to play in front of the hometown crowd in 561 days.#OurCLE pic.twitter.com/S4Lk8Nb8iD
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) April 5, 2021