The Royals are back at it Thursday afternoon looking for a fifth straight win, and that would make it six of seven, against an Athletics club that used to call Kansas City home. Now the A’s sit in the ugly spot no team wants: the only one without a win.
Kansas City sends Randy Dobnak to the mound, along with the beard and the hair that have become part of the package. It’s his seventh start of the season, and he comes in off a sharp outing against the Angels on August 15.
Dobnak didn’t get a decision in that 1-0 loss, but he worked 5-and-2/3 innings, struck out six, walked two, allowed four hits, and didn’t give up a run. The problem, as it often has been, was simple: no support.
On the year, Dobnak is 2-1 with a 1.73 ERA, 3.66 FIP, 1.296 WHIP, 25 strikeouts, and 16 walks across 41-and-2/3 innings. The idea of him sticking around beyond this season is appealing enough, though probably in a back-end role.
If the Royals are mapping out 2027, the thought here is Dobnak fits better as a fourth or fifth starter than as someone near the front of the rotation. And if you want to dream a little bigger, there’s nothing wrong with hoping the club adds a starter who can bump everybody down a slot.
Of course, some fans don’t want to hear about next year on August 20. Fair enough.
But the standings are what they are, and the window has slammed shut. So the mind wanders.
The Athletics counter with left-hander Gage Jump, a 23-year-old rookie who has been one of the few bright spots in a miserable season. Jump is 5-7 with a 4.50 ERA, 3.78 FIP, and 1.449 WHIP, with 85 strikeouts and 37 walks over 15 starts and 78 innings. The A’s drafted him just two years ago out of LSU.
Kansas City’s lineup against the lefty has Carter Jensen getting the afternoon off, with Luke Maile catching, Salvador Perez at first, and Vinnie Pasquantino serving as the DH. Starling Marte is no longer available off the bench after the Royals released him this morning.
No current Royal has faced Jump before.
With Pasquantino and Maikel Garcia back in the lineup over the last few games, the Royals at least look like they have 7/9 of a decent lineup. Looking ahead, the wish list is clear enough: a different left fielder next year, and Salvy settling into a permanent backup role. Kyle Isbel and Tyler Tolbert could handle center field in a platoon.
As for the A’s, Lawrence Butler has struggled, Nick Kurtz is out again, and he still hasn’t played since July 31 even though he’s only on the 10-day IL. It wouldn’t be a shock if they shut him down completely.
That’s where things stand for a matchup between the Royals and the worst team in baseball.
In Other News...
Royals Fans Just Got A Tough Reminder About Scott Barlow
Scott Barlows return to the Royals organization has ended much the way his 2025 season has gone overall: without much momentum. After signing a minor league deal in early July, Barlow was released by Kansas Citys Triple-A affiliate following a stretch in which he continued to battle both command and velocity, the same issues that have followed him through stops with the Athletics and the Royals top farm team.
For Royals fans, it is a tough reminder of how quickly a once-trusted arm can lose his footing. Barlow still has a path back to a contender, though, since a team in the playoff race could still take a chance on him with another minor league deal before the postseason eligibility deadline. [Read more 🡒]
Royals May Regret Letting This Veteran Arm Get Away
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Morgan elected free agency after being designated for assignment by the Royals, and New York is bringing him in as extra pitching insurance with the postseason approaching. He has already been used in the majors several times this season, which is exactly the kind of practical experience contenders tend to value this time of year, and it leaves Kansas City wondering whether it let a useful arm slip away. [Read more 🡒]
Royals Suddenly Have A New Infield Problem To Solve
Maikel Garcias latest setback gives the Royals another infield wrinkle to manage, and it comes at a time when they were already trying to keep the lineup and roster moving with as little disruption as possible. Garcia landed back on the Injured List after suffering a hamstring strain while rounding third base, a frustrating turn for a player the club had been counting on to provide stability around the infield.
Matthew Lugo was brought up from Omaha to fill Garcias roster spot, while the Royals also made a pitching shuffle by optioning Carlos Durn and recalling Jose Cuas. For a club trying to stay flexible, the moves make sense on paper, but Garcias absence leaves another question hanging over how Kansas City will piece together the infield in the near term. [Read more 🡒]