Special thanks to Matt Wilson from Baseball Digest for taking over for me the last couple weeks while I was on vacation.
With two weeks remaining in the season the Royals take to the road and will travel to Detroit for a three game series and Cleveland for a four game series. Here are a few Royals which could be fantasy options for the week.
Zach Greinke is scheduled to pitch Monday against Detroit and Sunday against Cleveland making him a two start pitcher this week. Last year he had one of the best statistical seasons a pitcher could have. It was so good that it was almost unsustainable for any pitcher. Greinke obviously has not been the caliber of pitcher he was last year but he has been a quality fantasy option. His last four starts he is 1-1 with an ERA of 4.33 and 1.306 WHIP. He struck out 16 in those starts while walking 13. In five starts this season against the Indians and Tigers he has a record of 2-0 with an ERA of 3.36. Continue to roll with Greinke for the final two weeks.
Joakim Soria is the bright spot for the Royals this season. He has been one of the top closers. Soria has not given up a run since July 28, which is up to 20 scoreless innings. Soria has converted 39 of 41 save opportunities. On the season, he has a 1.62 ERA with 67 strikeouts through 61 innings. Hopefully the Royals will need his services over the final two weeks to give your team some saves.
Billy Butler is having his most productive month of the season while raising his batting average to .318. Over the last 10 games he is batting .378 with three home runs and knocking in eight RBI’s. Butler is not the typical power hitting first baseman or designated hitter but he is putting together a nice season. Keep in mind he is only 24 years old and could break out the power stroke within a couple years. Butler should be active in most fantasy formats. He should continue to hit well this week. This season against the Tigers and Indians he is batting .392 with one home run and 17 RBI’s through 27 games.
Alex Gordon is still not worth starting in any league. Over the last 11 games, he is batting .265 with one home run and three RBI’s. He is worth holding onto because of his upside. Gordon has enough talent to be among the possible breakout list of players who will turn 27 next season.
No other Royals are worth giving your fantasy team the help you need for the final two weeks. Best of luck and hope you had a successful fantasy baseball season.
