The Kansas City Royals, with a 41-47 record, are set to begin a weekend series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, who are 43-44. This follows a four-game series the Royals split with the Seattle Mariners. Game 89 brings two struggling teams together as they fight to turn their seasons around.
Temperatures in Arizona are extremely high this week. At the time of writing, Phoenix is facing 103 degrees Fahrenheit, with temperatures expected to reach 115 degrees on July 9. Even the nighttime lows barely drop below 90. In comparison, Kansas City’s high for July 9 is expected to be just 91 degrees. While some might argue dry heat is better than humidity, the lack of nighttime relief in Phoenix adds to the challenge.
These conditions are nothing new for the Diamondbacks. Yet, it’s hard not to be amazed that teams can perform in such weather. Despite the heat, this game offers a key opportunity for Kansas City to get back on track.
The Royals and Diamondbacks have some parallels in recent years. Both teams are rebuilding around young stars and aiming for playoff success. Bobby Witt Jr. of the Royals and Corbin Carroll of the Diamondbacks were both drafted in 2019 and made their MLB debuts in 2022. These rising stars have played major roles in their teams’ playoff pushes, although in different seasons.
In 2023, the Diamondbacks reached the World Series with an 84-78 record, surprising many. The Royals, on the other hand, are still finding consistency. Both clubs are looking to build winning rosters around their talented young cores.
Arizona had utility player Garrett Hampson earlier this season, though he now plays for St. Louis. Meanwhile, Corbin Carroll has been out with an injury since mid-June, which has hurt the Diamondbacks’ offense. Adding to their challenges, ace pitcher Corbin Burnes is out for the season following Tommy John surgery. The rest of the pitching rotation has struggled, creating openings for opponents.
This could be a great chance for Kansas City to take a few games. Like Arizona, they’re not in peak form, but their starting pitcher gives them an edge.
Kris Bubic will take the mound for the Royals. He has been the team’s top pitcher this year and ranks among the top 10 in the league based on his overall performance. His control, strikeouts, and consistency have made him a standout during an otherwise tough season.
Arizona will start Eduardo Rodriguez. He has pitched 72 innings in 2025 with solid strikeout and walk numbers. However, his 5.13 ERA suggests some bad luck, likely influenced by high batting averages on balls in play and poor left-on-base percentages. These stats show he has potential but hasn’t seen great results.
Game 89 kicks off at 8:40 p.m. Central Time. Fans in Kansas City can watch on FanDuel Sports Network Kansas City. Out-of-market viewers can tune in via MLB Network. The game will also air on the Royals Radio Network for those who prefer to listen.
This series gives both teams a chance to reset and regain momentum. The Royals, led by their ace Bubic, could capitalize on Arizona’s current weaknesses. Both squads still have time to shift the tone of their 2025 campaigns. With young stars like Witt Jr. and Carroll at the core, fans of both teams have reason to stay hopeful.
