Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported that the Kansas City Royals are expected to keep several of their top trade candidates beyond the trade deadline.

Kansas City got a strong Seth Lugo start and a stolen run, and still left Target Field on the wrong end of another one-run night.

After bullpen struggles forced a change in Kansas City, unexpected arm in Alex Lange has emerged as a shutdown force, securing crucial saves and stabilizing the late-inning rotation.

The Royals need their pitchers to step up to get above .500.