The Kansas City Royals open the playoffs for the second straight season as part of the matchup between the Wild Card winner and the best team in the American League. This season, though, they’ll play the role the Angels did last season, and the Houston Astros will play the role of the team looking to upset them. The two teams met six times during the regular season with the Royals taking two of three at home while getting swept on the road, so for this series at least, home field advantage seems especially important to have. The Astros were just 33-48 on the road during the regular season, so in spite of winning the Wild Card game on the road, the Royals have to feel good about the matchup in Kansas City at the very least.
ALDS Preview: Royals vs. Houston Astros
