Matchday: Friday, June 13, 2025
First Pitch: 8:10 PM ET
Venue: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, MO
Broadcast: Bally Sports Kansas City, NBC Sports California, MLB.TV
Overview: Athletics vs. Royals – AL Matchup at Kauffman Stadium
The Kansas City Royals (34-35) host the Athletics (26-44) in the first meeting of the season between these two clubs. Kansas City enters the matchup looking to bounce back after a three-game losing streak, while Oakland is also struggling, having lost four of their last five games.
Both teams are aiming to gain momentum as they approach the midpoint of the season, with Kansas City holding a 19-16 home record, while Oakland has gone 14-21 on the road.
Kansas City Royals: Home Field Advantage & Offensive Depth
The Royals have been competitive at home, relying on their balanced offensive attack led by Bobby Witt Jr. and Vinnie Pasquantino. Witt has been a standout performer, hitting .283 with eight home runs and 37 RBIs, while Pasquantino is riding a hot streak, batting .425 over his last 10 games.
Key Players to Watch:
- Bobby Witt Jr. – .283 AVG, 8 HR, 37 RBI; Royals’ top offensive weapon
- Vinnie Pasquantino – .425 AVG in last 10 games; 2 HR, 7 RBI
- Maikel Garcia – .302 AVG; leads team in batting average
Starting Pitcher:
- TBD – Royals have yet to announce their starter
Injury Report:
- Out: Cole Ragans (rotator cuff), Michael Massey (ankle), Hunter Harvey (shoulder), Alec Marsh (shoulder), James McArthur (elbow), Sam Long (elbow), Kyle Wright (shoulder)
Athletics: Seeking Road Success
The Athletics have struggled this season but have shown flashes of potential. Brent Rooker has been their most consistent hitter, leading the team with 15 home runs and a .498 slugging percentage. Max Muncy has also contributed, hitting three home runs in his last 10 games.
Key Players to Watch:
- Brent Rooker – 15 HR, .498 SLG; Athletics’ biggest power threat
- Max Muncy – 3 HR, 7 RBI in last 10 games
- Lawrence Butler – .259 AVG, 22 doubles, 9 HR
Starting Pitcher:
- TBD – Athletics have yet to announce their starter
Injury Report:
- Out: Jacob Wilson (undisclosed), Mason Miller (elbow), Esteury Ruiz (hamstring), Paul Blackburn (shoulder)
Head-to-Head: Royals vs. Athletics
- Season Series: First meeting of 2025
- Last Meeting: Royals won 5-4 (September 2024)
- At Kauffman Stadium: Royals are 19-16 at home
Tactical Breakdown & Prediction
Kansas City will look to capitalize on their home-field advantage, relying on Witt and Pasquantino to drive in runs. Oakland, meanwhile, must get a strong outing from their pitching staff and avoid defensive mistakes.
Game Odds
Athletics 8
Kansas City Royals – 161
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, June 12, 2025
