The Kansas City Royals were a surprise contender last season, winning 86 games and clinching the second American League Wild Card spot. Entering play on Tuesday, they are 34-38, and while they are only three games out in the Wild Card race, they are 11 1/2 out in the AL Central. The offense has let them down this season and has been unable to pick up the starting rotation, which has held up its end of the bargain. In The Athletic’s latest power rankings, Kansas City has fallen four spots and sits at No. 21 out of all 30 Major League teams.