Top Story: Brady Singer set to pitch biggest game of his KC Royals career tonight
Kansas City can clinch an MLB Playoffs spot if they play and win this evening.
Brady Singer, the undeniably talented Kansas City Royals starter, is better known for his inconsistent relationship with his third pitch than for his reliability, yet he has delivered some significant performances in his five years in the majors.
For example, during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, in his ninth start on September 10 against Cleveland, Singer threw a remarkable game, no-hitting the then-Indians for 23 outs before giving up a single to future teammate Carlos Santana with one out left in the eighth inning.
However, no game Singer has pitched since compares in significance to the one he is slated to throw tonight in Atlanta, weather permitting. The Royals are aiming for their first playoff berth since 2015, with the first pitch set for 6:20 p.m. CDT.
A win would secure one of the two remaining American League Wild Card spots for Kansas City (with Baltimore having already clinched the first). If they lose, the Royals will need to wait for the outcome of the Minnesota-Orioles game; a Baltimore victory would eliminate the Twins and guarantee at least the third Wild Card for the Royals. If both KC and Minnesota lose, the Royals can clinch with a win or a Twins loss over the last two days of the season.
While Royals fans are eager to reach the playoffs, everyone involved would undoubtedly prefer to do so with a victory tonight, and Singer is the one tasked with achieving that crucial win.
Had it not been Singer’s turn in the rotation, he might not have been manager Matt Quatraro’s first choice for such a pivotal game. He started the month of August with a strong record of 8-6 and a 2.88 ERA but has since struggled, going 1-6 with a 5.92 ERA over 48.2 innings and allowing 32 runs. It’s been over a month since his last win.
Additionally, his only previous start against the Braves was disastrous, giving up eight runs and four home runs at Kauffman Stadium early last season—a performance reminiscent of his recent outing against the Giants, where he again allowed four home runs.
Tonight’s game at Truist Park offers Singer an opportunity for redemption and a chance to lead the Royals to their most crucial win since their 2015 World Series clincher. A victory would also tie his career high with a tenth win.
As for the Braves, manager Brian Snitker faced tough decisions following the postponement of games against the Mets due to weather. The re-scheduling forced him to choose whether to stick with normal pitching rotations for Chris Sale and Max Fried or hold them for Monday’s doubleheader.
Fried will take the mound against the Royals tonight. Although he has never pitched against KC, he boasts a solid 3.42 ERA and 10 wins over 28 starts this season, effectively mixing a four-seam fastball and curveball with a variety of other pitches.
How can Kansas City Royals fans watch tonight’s game? The broadcast will be available on Bally Sports Kansas City and Bally Sports Southeast.