In his first MLB plate appearance, Teel drew a walk against 2024 All-Star Seth Lugo in the bottom of the second inning. Two innings later, Teel collected the first hit of his MLB career, flicking an opposite-field single off of Lugo to load the bases.

After a series win against the Cardinals in St. Louis, things were looking good for the Royals on their weeklong, six game road trip. Already 2-1 on the trip, a winning road trip felt guaranteed as they were on their way to the southside of Chicago to take on the worst team in the American League.