MLB Game Preview: Kansas City Royals (42-47) vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (43-45)

The Kansas City Royals and Arizona Diamondbacks square off in Game 2 of a three-game weekend series at Chase Field, with both teams hovering near the .500 mark and looking to gain ground in their respective divisions. After a dominant 9–3 win by the Royals in Game 1, the pressure is on Arizona to respond and avoid a fourth straight home loss.

Game Details

Matchup	Kansas City Royals vs Arizona Diamondbacks
Date	Saturday, July 5, 2025
First Pitch	4:10 PM ET
Venue	Chase Field, Phoenix, AZ
Broadcast	FDSKC, ARID, MLB.tv
Season Series	Royals lead 1–0 (Game 2 of 3-game set)

Team Records & Recent Form

Team	Record	Last 10 Games	Division Rank
Kansas City Royals	42–47	4–6	4th in AL Central
Arizona Diamondbacks	43–45	3–7	3rd in NL West

• The Royals have won 3 of their last 4 and are 29–10 when out-hitting opponents.
• The D-backs have lost 3 straight and are 22–24 at home.

Pitching Matchup

Kansas City Royals: Michael Wacha (4–8, 3.62 ERA)

• 87.0 IP, 76 K, 1.28 WHIP
• Has lost 4 of his last 5 decisions
• Allowed 5 ER in his last start but owns a 2–1 record vs. Arizona with a 4.70 ERA

Arizona Diamondbacks: Ryne Nelson (4–2, 3.61 ERA)

• 84.2 IP, 71 K, 1.24 WHIP
• Coming off 6.2 IP, 2 ER, 7 K vs. Giants
• Career vs. Royals: 0–1, 6.55 ERA

Players to Watch

Kansas City Royals

• Vinnie Pasquantino: 2 HR, 6 RBI in Friday’s win; 14 HR on the season
• Bobby Witt Jr.: 16-for-43 (.372) over last 10 games with 4 doubles and 7 RBI
• Salvador Perez: Veteran leadership and power threat in the middle of the order
• Maikel Garcia: 18 stolen bases, 20 doubles – table-setter at the top

Arizona Diamondbacks

• Eugenio Suárez: 28 HR, .570 SLG – team leader in power production
• Ketel Marte: 5 HR, 9 RBI in last 10 games – heating up at the plate
• Corbin Carroll: Speed threat with 24 SB and elite defense in center field
• Geraldo Perdomo: .269 AVG, 18 doubles, 9 HR – steady contributor

Advanced Stats Snapshot

Stat Category	Royals	Diamondbacks
Team Batting Avg	.231 (last 10 games)	.234
Team ERA	3.99	4.95
Home Runs	92	108
Bullpen ERA	3.47 (2nd in MLB)	4.15
OBP	.312	.328 (3rd in NL)