The Kansas City Royals wrap up another regular season home date when they welcome the Chicago White Sox to Kauffman Stadium on Wednesday, September 23, with first pitch scheduled for 7:40 PM ET. Seth Lugo gets the ball for Kansas City against Chicago's Bryan Hudson. With the calendar deep into September, every game carries weight in the standings, and the Royals will look to take care of business in front of their home crowd in what is shaping up to be a meaningful late-season Wednesday night contest.

Pitching Matchup: Seth Lugo vs. Bryan Hudson

Seth Lugo draws the start for the Royals. The right-hander has been one of Kansas City's most relied-upon arms in the rotation this season, and his ability to work efficiently through lineups is central to how the Royals build game plans. On the other side, the White Sox will send Bryan Hudson to the hill. Hudson, a left-hander, gives Chicago a different look, and Kansas City's right-handed hitters will need to make adjustments early to get to him.

Royals Starting Lineup

• Carter Jensen — C
• Bobby Witt Jr. — SS
• Jac Caglianone — RF
• Maikel Garcia — 3B
• Vinnie Pasquantino — 1B
• Salvador Perez — DH
• Michael Massey — 2B
• John Rave — CF
• Isaac Collins — LF

Keys to Watch for Kansas City

Bobby Witt Jr. Sets the Table

Batting second, Bobby Witt Jr. is the engine that drives this Kansas City offense. When Witt gets on base and uses his speed, the Royals create problems for opposing pitchers in a hurry. A strong game from Witt puts pressure on Hudson immediately and opens the door for the middle of the order.

Jac Caglianone and the Power Potential

Batting third, Caglianone slots into a spot in the order where he can do real damage. The rookie's raw power gives the Royals a genuine run-producing threat behind Witt, and facing a left-handed pitcher in Hudson sets up as a matchup worth watching closely.

Salvador Perez in the Heart of the Order

Salvy in the six-hole as the DH tells you this lineup has depth top to bottom. Perez is one of the most experienced hitters in the Royals clubhouse, and his ability to drive in runs late in games adds a dimension that opposing bullpens have to respect.

Lugo's Command

For Kansas City to win this game, Lugo needs to limit traffic on the bases and keep the White Sox lineup off-balance. If he can work deep into the game and keep the bullpen fresh, the Royals are in a strong position to close this one out.

Prediction

The Royals get the edge here. Kauffman Stadium, a strong lineup built around Witt and Caglianone, and Lugo on the mound gives Kansas City a favorable setup against a Chicago club that has had its struggles this season. Expect a well-pitched game with the Royals winning a mid-range scoring affair. Royals 5, White Sox 3.

Catch the game on Royals.TV or listen live on 96.5 The Fan and the Royals Radio Network.