Royries Open Final Homestand Against White Sox Amid Struggles

Kansas City begins its last homestand of 2026 after dropping 14 of its last 19 games, with Tony Gonsolin activated for the bullpen.

The Kansas City Royals opened their final homestand of the season on September 22 against the Chicago White Sox at Kauffman Stadium. The game arrives at the end of a rough stretch, with Kansas City having lost 14 of its last 19 contests.

Manager Matt Quatraro and general manager JJ Picollo spoke to reporters before the series opener. Among the roster moves, right-hander Tony Gonsolin was activated and will work out of the bullpen for now. Gonsolin has made 78 career starts among his 86 big-league appearances, all with the Dodgers, and the Royals hold a club option on him for 2027.

Picollo also addressed the offseason, indicating the front office expects a busy winter beyond simply rebuilding the bullpen. He said the club wants to move quickly on deals ahead of a possible lockout.

On the farm, pitching prospect David Shields is slated to begin the 2027 season at Double-A, while Kendry Chourio is expected to reach Double-A at some point during the year, though Picollo stopped short of saying he would open there.

Catcher Carter Jensen, whom Picollo described as a "baseball rat," remains in the conversation for the leadoff spot next season, though that could depend on how the rest of the roster takes shape.