Royals vs. Twins – What You Need To Know

Minnesota Twins (0-3, 5th in American League Central) at Kansas City Royals (1-1, 3rd in American League Central)

The Royals are set to host their first division rival of 2016 in the Minnesota Twins after a two game split against the National League champion New York Mets. Kansas City faced two stellar pitchers but now turn their attention to a division foe looking to rebound after a tough opening series.

Probable Pitching Match-Ups
Friday, 7:15 pm – RHP Ervin Santana v. RHP Yordano Ventura
Saturday, 6:15 pm – LHP Tommy Milone v. RHP Ian Kennedy
Sunday, 1:15 pm – RHP Ricky Nolasco v. RHP Edinson Volquez

Comments on Pitching Match-Ups – All of these names are familiar with the exception of the one making his Royals debut on Saturday night.

Game 1: Santana will face the team that helped make him a lot of money before taking off after one good season. Ventura will make his 2016 debut for the club where hopefully he can make waves.
Game 2: Milone has given Kansas City fits for years, moreso last season than any. Opposite of Milone, Ian Kennedy is set to make his Royals debut.
Game 3: Nolasco was one of the big ticket signings last offseason, who proceeded to lay an egg during his first year in Minneapolis. To be fair, he did only thrown 37 innings. On the other side, Volquez was good but not great on Sunday night as he gutted through six scoreless innings in the opener.

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Series Outlook –  Minnesota has limped to an 0-3 start headed into their first series with the Kansas City, similar to the 1-5 record they owned last spring when they took on the 6-0 Royals. If you will remember with me, they grabbed two out of three from the scorching hot Royals.

I don’t expect these Twins to take two of three, while at the same time, not denying that Paul Molitor‘s team has improved their roster. After facing the likes of Matt Harvey and Noah Syndergaard, hopefully the offense comes alive after getting shutout on Tuesday.

Regardless of how this series goes these two clubs should be in hot persuit of one another all summer long.

Prediction – Royals take two of three.

2015 Meetings
Kansas City won the season series against Minnesota 11-7.

Franchise History
Minnesota holds an all-time lead of 380-354 between these two franchises.

TV/Radio Coverage
FOX Sports Kansas City will broadcast Friday and Saturday’s game with Ryan Lefebvre and Rex Hudler. Joel Goldberg and Royals Hall of Famer Jeff Montgomery host Royals Live before and after the games.

On the Royals Radio Network (610 Sports in KC) will be Royals Hall of Famer/2007 Ford C. Frick Award winner Denny Matthews who’s joined in the booth by Steve Physioc and Steve Stewart.

Next: Kyle Zimmer Enduring Another Nagging Injury

Game Notes:
Minnesota Twins
Kansas City Royals