Despite making some moves to position themselves further into the contention category, the Royals still find themselves with an uphill battle if they want to make their second consecutive postseason.
They're certainly playing better baseball of late, going 14-9 so far in the month of July, but it's not all up to them. Sitting 4.0 games back of the final American League Wild Card spot with three teams standing in their way of that coveted playoff position, things aren't entirely in their control. They'll need a bit of help.
Perhaps that help could come from some familiar foes, who the Royals will end up seeing several times before the season ends.