Royals, Guardians still battling to remain in playoff race

The Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Guardians expected to be playing important games in early September.

Both clubs' quest for the postseason continues Monday, when they begin a four-game set in Cleveland.

Royals right-hander Ryan Bergert (2-1, 2.61 ERA) faces Guardians right-hander Slade Cecconi (5-6, 4.78) in the start of what could be a knockout series for one of their squads.

"What could be more fun?" Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. "We want to be able to control our own fate and play the teams you've got to beat. Sign us up."

Kansas City (73-70) and Cleveland (72-70) are both pursuing the third and final American League wild-card spot, currently held by the Seattle Mariners (75-68). The Texas Rangers (74-70) are also part of the mix going into the last three weeks of the regular season.

"It's huge," Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said. "We have to win every series and find a way to win close games on the road. We're ready to head home and do more."

Cleveland leapt past Tampa Bay over the weekend by winning three straight at the Rays, including back-to-back victories by one run Saturday and Sunday. Closer Cade Smith picked up saves in both, giving him 11 in 16 opportunities this year.

The finale featured Plant City, Fla., native Parker Messick starting for the Guardians. The left-hander gave up one run in six innings, giving him a 2-0 record and sparkling 1.93 ERA through four starts in the majors.

"There have been a lot of really cool things thrown at me all at once," Messick said. "I've already experienced stuff that a lot of people may never experience in their career. Then you go straight into a hometown start. It's really cool."

Cecconi appeared to be a solid part of Cleveland's rotation early in the summer, but things have unraveled since. He hasn't won in eight starts since beating the Athletics on July 18, going 0-2 with a 6.14 ERA.

Bergert has made six starts since being acquired from the San Diego Padres at the trade deadline, posting a 1-1 record and 2.43 ERA while giving up 22 hits over 33 1/3 innings.

Cecconi and Bergert are making their initial appearances against their respective opponent.

Kansas City took two of three games over the Minnesota Twins before flying into Cleveland. Two-time All-Star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. has missed two straight contests, but an MRI on Saturday revealed no structural damage.

Quatraro said the injury has "come out of nowhere," but doesn't think Witt will require an injured list stay.

"We just have to wait for the symptoms to resolve," he said.

Royals starter Michael Lorenzen suffered his career-high 10th loss Sunday, being socked for four runs in 5 1/3 innings against the Twins. Byron Buxton and Kody Clemens each homered off the veteran righty.

It wrapped up a disappointing 4-5 homestand for Kansas City.

"I put the team in a hole early," Lorenzen said. "Those homers will hurt you."