Royals are best in MLB at shutting down one premier spot in opposing lineups

TL;DR

The Kansas City Royals excel at neutralizing cleanup hitters in opposing lineups, making them the best in MLB in this regard. Despite a challenging season, their pitching staff has shown significant effectiveness.

Key points

Royals excel at shutting down opposing cleanup hitters
Best team in MLB for neutralizing power hitters
Effective pitching staff contributes to their success

Kansas City RoyalsMLB

Royals are best in MLB at shutting down one premier spot in opposing lineups originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Kansas City Royals haven't had the best season so far, but it's not been due to their pitching staff. For the most part, the Royals have gotten plenty of success from their pitching this year.

There's one spot in opposing teams' lineups that the Royals have had immense success at shutting down this season. And it's within the top-four spots of the order.

According to Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller, the Royals are the best team in Major League Baseball when it comes to shutting down cleanup hitters, which, traditionally, are some of the best power-hitters in the sport.

Royals are MLB's best at shutting down cleanup hitters

"Kansas City Royals: Shutting down cleanup hitters," Miller writes. "Royals pitching, however, has been lights out against that portion of the opponents' lineup, allowing just a .252 on-base percentage that ranks best in the majors."

The Royals have allowed just a .252 on-base percentage to cleanup hitters this season, which is a very low mark for any spot in the lineup, but especially for the cleanup spot.

One of the main reasons for the success against cleanup hitters has been the starting rotation. Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha, and all have shut down cleanup hitters this season, with OPS's below .450 when facing players hitting fourth for their teams.

Q&A

How do the Kansas City Royals rank in shutting down opposing cleanup hitters?

The Kansas City Royals are ranked as the best team in MLB for shutting down cleanup hitters this season.

What has contributed to the Royals' success against opposing lineups?

The Royals' success against opposing lineups is largely attributed to their effective pitching staff.

What does it mean to shut down a cleanup hitter in baseball?

Shutting down a cleanup hitter refers to effectively neutralizing one of the best power hitters in the lineup, typically positioned fourth in the batting order.