New York seeks to extend winning streak against struggling Kansas City team
Category: Sports
The New York Mets will host the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 7:10 p.m. ET at Citi Field, marking a key matchup for both teams as they look to improve their disappointing seasons. The Mets enter the game with a record of 38-53, having recently won two consecutive games against the Atlanta Braves, whereas the Royals sit at 37-54, both teams languishing in the last place of their respective divisions.
This game is particularly important as both teams have struggled throughout the 2026 season. The Mets, with a staggering $354 million Opening Day payroll—more than double that of the Royals—have not lived up to expectations, with players like Bo Bichette and Francisco Lindor performing below average. Meanwhile, the Royals have shown flashes of offensive potential, recently scoring 15 runs against the Phillies, but they too have faced their share of challenges.
Tonight's matchup features Royals pitcher Seth Lugo, a former Met, who has a record of 3-6 with a 4.20 ERA this season. Lugo has struggled with consistency, allowing 12 home runs in 17 appearances and entering this game with a concerning expected ERA of 5.34. The Mets are expected to counter with left-handed pitcher Cionel Pérez, who has a 3-3 record and a 5.50 ERA.
The Mets will be looking to capitalize on Lugo's recent struggles, especially considering their recent offensive success. In their last two games against the Braves, the Mets scored 17 runs, with key contributions from Juan Soto and Luis Torrens. Soto, who has hit 19 home runs this season, is considered a strong candidate for a home run prop bet, particularly against Lugo.
In a notable roster move, the Mets activated Jorge Polanco from the 60-day injured list, where he had been recovering from Achilles bursitis and a wrist contusion. Polanco will bat sixth in the lineup, directly behind Carson Benge. To make room for Polanco, the Mets optioned Ronny Mauricio to Triple-A Syracuse and designated Guillermo Zuñiga and Alex Carrillo for assignment.
Both teams have had a rough season, with the Mets currently holding a -60 run differential and the Royals at -71. This matchup comes at a time when both teams are desperate for a turnaround. The Mets have been particularly disappointing this season, especially in light of their high payroll, which has not translated into wins. The struggles of key players like Lindor and Bichette have compounded the team's difficulties.
On the other hand, the Royals have shown signs of life, particularly in their recent games. They moved Jac Caglianone out of the top four batting spots and brought Salvador Perez back into a more prominent role in the lineup. The Royals' ability to score runs, as evidenced by their 15-run outburst against the Phillies, gives them hope as they face the Mets.
Tonight’s game marks the first meeting of the season between these two teams, and both clubs will be eager to establish an early edge in their three-game series. The Mets will aim to build on their recent momentum, hoping that their offense can continue to produce against a struggling Lugo.
Looking ahead, the Mets have a chance to gain ground in their division if they can secure a series win against the Royals. With their recent victories, they may find themselves rejuvenated and ready to take on the challenges ahead. The Royals, conversely, will be looking to leverage their recent offensive success to turn their season around.
As the series progresses, both teams will need to address their pitching issues. The Mets will likely rely on their bullpen heavily, especially after using many arms in their previous games. The addition of Matt Seelinger to the active roster provides the Mets with another option out of the bullpen, which could be beneficial in the later innings.
Fans can catch the game live on SNY and Royals.TV, with streaming options available on DIRECTV and MLB.TV. With both teams desperate for a win, tonight’s matchup will likely be an exciting contest as the Mets and Royals clash at Citi Field.
In the meantime, the Mets will look to continue their winning streak, hoping that the return of Polanco and the recent performances of Soto and Torrens can spark a late-season surge.