Kansas City Royals’ pitcher Michael Lorenzen, recently back from the injured list, left the game against the Washington Nationals in the third inning after being activated for his first start since August 27th. Lorenzen, recovering from a left hamstring issue, showcased his skills by striking out two batters, retiring seven, and not allowing any hits over 28 pitches before departing with a 1-0 lead during Nasim Nuñez’s at-bat following a visit from the training staff. Daniel Lynch IV took over and continued with a scoreless frame.

With a record of 7-6 and an ERA of 3.43, Lorenzen’s return marked a significant moment for the Royals. The team, with a record of 83-74, currently holds the second AL wild card spot, edging ahead of Detroit (83-74) due to a superior head-to-head record and being two games ahead of both Minnesota and Seattle in the standings.

The Royals began their series in Washington with a 1-0 victory in 10 innings on Tuesday, breaking a seven-game losing streak and solidifying their hold on the second wild card position. Looking ahead, the team will conclude the season with a three-game series against Atlanta, who are closely trailing by just half a game for the final NL wild card spot.

This game showcased the Royals’ determination to secure a spot in the postseason, with each match crucial in determining their playoff fate. The return of Lorenzen provided a boost to the team’s pitching rotation and morale, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive end to the season.