Three Keys To The Royals Winning On Opening Day

[Jackson Huxel]

Image courtesy of © Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

The Kansas City Royals are set to open their 2026 campaign at Truist Park on Friday, after a one-day weather delay. While the Atlanta Braves are perennial powerhouses, the Royals enter this matchup with a unique window of opportunity.

Here are the three keys for the Royals to secure an Opening Day victory and start the season 1-0.

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1. Capitalize on the "Next Man Up" Rotation

The Braves' rotation has been decimated by injuries early this spring. With Spencer Strider (oblique) and Spencer Schwellenbach  (elbow) both starting the year on the IL, the Royals have managed to avoid two of Atlanta’s most electric arms.

While veteran Chris Sale remains a formidable Opening Day opponent, the Royals' lineup, led by Bobby Witt, Jr. and Vinnie Pasquantino, must stay aggressive early. If the Royals can chase Sale before the fifth inning, they’ll force a Braves bullpen that is still settling into its 2026 roles to carry the load.

2. Let Cole Ragans Set the Tone

The Royals have their own ace ready to go. Cole Ragans has evolved into one of the most dominant left-handers in the American League. To beat Atlanta, Ragans needs to utilize his high-velocity fastball to neutralize the power of Ronald Acuna Jr. and Matt Olson.

Atlanta’s lineup is notoriously aggressive. If Ragans can establish his changeup for strikes early, he can keep the Braves' hitters off-balance and prevent the "big inning" that Truist Park is known for.

3. Minimize Damage from the Bottom of the Order

The top of the Braves' lineup is a gauntlet, but their depth has been tested by recent injuries and offseason departures. Projections suggest the bottom third of the Atlanta order could be a "wasteland" compared to their usual standards.

The Royals' pitching staff must avoid "gift" baserunners to the 7-8-9 hitters. By forcing the bottom of the order to earn their way on, the Royals ensure that when the lineup flips back to Acuña and Riley, there are fewer runners on base for them to drive home.

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Game Info

Matchup: Kansas City Royals vs. Atlanta Braves

• Date: Friday, March 27, 2026

• Time: 7:15 PM ET

• Location: Truist Park, Atlanta, GA

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