The Royals sat dead last in the American League Central on Aug. 6, but after a stretch of 20 wins in 35 games, they look much more promising.

In fact, Kansas City could finish as high as third for the first time since 2003.

The turnaround started two days after a disgruntled Yuniesky Betancourt was designated for assignment.

"We have been living in a losing culture here for many, many years," Ned Yost said. "In order for us to get over the hump, we have to have 25 guys that are solely invested in one goal, and that's turning this organization around to become a champion. That's it. It's not about, 'How much do I play?' It's not about, 'Do I have a job?'"