Preview, Predictions, Where to Watch (9/12/25)

The Philadelphia Phillies host the Kansas City Royals tonight at Citizens Bank Park to open a three-game interleague series in mid-September.

Philadelphia enters with its division race essentially wrapped up after sweeping a four-game set against the New York Mets. The Phillies now hold an 11-game lead over New York with just 15 games remaining. Barring a collapse, they’re on track for a second straight NL East crown. But, as last year’s NLDS showed, that’s no guarantee of postseason success.

The Royals, meanwhile, sit just above .500 and remain in the AL Wild Card chase, trailing the Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners by five games. But their schedule offers little relief: after this series in Philadelphia, they face both Seattle and the Toronto Blue Jays.

Walker Buehler gets the start for the Phillies. Signed to a minor league deal in August after being released by Boston, the former Los Angeles Dodgers ace was called up today. He’s 7–7 with a 5.45 ERA and will mainly be tasked with eating up innings as Philadelphia manages its rotation down the stretch, especially with Zack Wheeler out for the year. With their offensive depth and division cushion, the Phillies can afford to treat this start as a bridge game.

Kansas City’s Michael Lorenzen (5–10, 4.63 ERA) takes the mound for the other side. Since returning from the injured list in mid-August, he’s 0–2 with a 4.74 ERA across five starts. That gives Philadelphia’s bats every opportunity to generate offense, regardless of how Buehler performs in his return.

Prediction

Expect a game with plenty of offense. Even if Buehler struggles in his Phillies debut, Philadelphia’s bats should give him cover against Lorenzen and the Royals’ pitching staff. The Phillies’ lineup has enough firepower to break through.

Prediction: Phillies 7, Royals 4

Starting Lineups

Kansas City Royals

1. Mike Yastrzemski — RF

2. Bobby Witt Jr. — SS

3. Vinnie Pasquantino — 1B

4. Maikel Garcia — 3B

5. Salvador Perez — C

6. Adam Frazier — LF

7. Michael Massey — 2B

8. Jac Caglianone — DH

9. Kyle Isbel — CF

Starting Pitcher: Michael Lorenzen (RHP) — 5–10, 4.63 ERA

Philadelphia Phillies

1. Harrison Bader — CF

2. Kyle Schwarber — DH

3. Bryce Harper — 1B

4. Brandon Marsh — LF

5. Otto Kemp — 3B

6. Max Kepler — RF

7. Edmundo Sosa — SS

8. Bryson Stott — 2B

9. Rafael Marchan — C

Starting Pitcher: Walker Buehler (RHP) — 7–7, 4.63 ERA

How to Watch Royals vs. Phillies

First pitch for tonight’s game between the Kansas City Royals and Philadelphia Phillies is set for 6:45 PM Eastern at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

The game airs live on NBC Sports Philadelphia and FanDuel Sports Network Kansas City.

Out-of-market viewers can stream the game on MLB.TV.

Kansas City Royals vs. Philadelphia Phillies

Date: Friday, September 12, 2025

First Pitch: 6:45 PM Eastern

Venue: Citizens Bank Park — Philadelphia, PA

TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia, FanDuel Sports Network Kansas City

Streaming: MLB.TV (out‑of‑market)