3 Big Observations From the Royals' Season-Opening Series vs. Twins
By Joe Summers
2. The Royals Might Have a Top-Five Starting Rotation
On Opening Day, Cole Ragans set a Royals' franchise record with nine strikeouts, seemingly cementing his status as a legitimate Cy Young candidate this year.
As it turns out, Ragans had the worst performance of any Royals starter this weekend! Seth Lugo and Brady Singer combined to throw 13 shutout innings, allowing just five hits and two walks in the process. There's a long season ahead, but the early returns on Kansas City's commitment to reshaping the rotation are as positive as they could possibly be. Shoot, even Jordan Lyles had a shutout inning in Sunday's win!
Starting Pitcher ERA by Team (2024):
— Preston Farr (@royalsminors) April 1, 2024
1. KCR - 0.95
2. BOS - 1.64
3. MIL - 2.40
4. BAL - 2.50
5. HOU - 2.66
Through one series, the Royals handily lead MLB in starting pitcher ERA. The bullpen collapsed on both Thursday and Saturday (more on that in a moment), but this rotation can keep Kansas City competitive all year long.
Singer's fabulous start was the most important one. He had a 5.52 ERA in 2023, but threw seven shutout innings with 10 strikeouts against the AL Central champions. If the Royals get "good" Singer this year, the playoffs are in reach.
I'm not expecting Kansas City to lead the majors in ERA, though anything close to this start will give Royals fans a reason to watch all summer long.