Athletics begin final road series against Royals amid playoff struggles

The Oakland Athletics are set to face the Kansas City Royals for their last four-game road series of the season. The A's recently concluded a mixed homestand, including a sweep by the Tampa Bay Rays and a series win against the Texas Rangers. With a record of 51-74, the Royals are closely matched with the A's as they both aim to avoid the bottom of the league standings. Rookie Mason Barnett will start for Oakland as they seek to secure back-to-back series victories, a feat they haven't accomplished since June.

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