KC Royals Home For Three Against Nationals

The KC Royals will make a brief return to Kauffman Stadium where they’ll play three games against one of the best National League teams in the Washington Nationals. Kansas City is coming off a 1-5 west coast trip where their starters and offense struggled.

There won’t be much time to pity themselves as the Nats come to the K at 17-7 plus sweeping our I-70 foes in St. Louis. It should be another tough series versus another tough NL East team before heading back on the road.

Probable Pitching Match-Ups
Monday, 7:15 pm – LHP Gio Gonzalez (1-1, 1.42 ERA) v. RHP Edinson Volquez  (3-1, 3.64 ERA)
Tuesday, 7:15 pm – RHP Tanner Roark  (2-2, 2.03 ERA) v. RHP Chris Young  (1-4, 6.12 ERA)
Wednesday, 1:15 pm – RHP Stephen Strasburg  (4-0, 2.25 ERA) v. RHP Kris Medlen  (1-2, 4.87 ERA)

Comments on Pitching Match-Ups – On paper this series looks extremely lopsided in favor of Washington given how low the three pitchers ERA are they’ll employ. The KC Royals will start with steady Eddie before throwing two pitchers who’ve been shaky at times early on.

Game 1: Gonzlaez will face the toughest line-up he’s seen in 2016 given that he’s faced the Braves, Twins and Phillies twice depending on which Kansas CIty Royals line-up comes to play. Volquez is coming off his first defeat on Tuesday night in Anaheim where he allowed a homerun to former KC Royals prospect Johnny Giavotella, he’ll also look to extend his winning streak versus NL East foes that dates back to 2013 (nine starts).

Game 2: Roark spent time as a starter and reliever last season but due to offseason moves he’s been in their rotation all season and contributing. It’s no secret that Young has struggled but it’s been against good opponents for the most part which will again be the case during this start can he find a groove?

Game 3: Strasberg is finally playing up to the potential that many had for him as he’s unbeaten and posting a sub-three ERA early on. Medlen was a tough luck loser for the KC Royals on Friday night as the only hit he (and the bullpen) allowed was a Seth Smith home run.