KC Royals Series Preview: Reeling Royals host Braves

The KC Royals return home after a grueling stretch which saw them  go 4-11 against the Angels, Mariners, Nationals, Indians and Yankees.

Twelve of these last 15 games were away from Kauffman Stadium, with the only three home games came against Washington—who took two-of-three.

If there was a get better series awaiting, it be Atlanta who’ve struggled this season going 8-25 but are 6-8 away from Turner Field (where they’re 2-17).

Probable Pitching Match-Ups
Friday, 7:15 pm – Julio Teheran/RHP (0-3, 3.48) v. Edinson Volquez/RHP (3-3, 3.89)
Saturday, 6:15 pm – Mike Foltynewicz/RHP (0-1, 5.06) v. Dillon Gee/RHP (0-0, 2.61)
Sunday, 1:15 pm – Matt Wisler/RHP (1-3, 3.27) v. Danny Duffy/LHP (0-0, 3.00)

Comments on Pitching Match-Ups – Outside of Teheran and Volquez it’s a lot of interesting match-ups this weekend at Kauffman Stadium. More importantly, Kansas City Royals fans will see two new starters this weekend after Chris Young and Kris Medlen were put on the disabled list on Thursday.

Game 1: Teheran is probably the most recognizable name that KC Royals fans will know when seeing who the Braves will throw. Volquez had a lead on Sunday in Cleveland but slowed pitched it away during the course of his short outing.

Game 2: Foltynewicz has one decision this year and a high ERA which hopefully favors the Kansas City Royals in this game. Gee has a good spring, continued to turn heads out of the bullpen so him getting a chance for the injured Young not entirely surprising.

Game 3: Wisler is another name that most won’t recognize but he’s had an alright season so far but hasn’t gotten run support. Duffy will be on a 45-50 pitch count for the KC Royals and who knows if this will be a one start situation or an audition/chance to stretch him out.

Series Outlook – As mentioned Atlanta has been better away from home than at the Ted, however the Kansas City Royals have to be thinking sweep this team. Offensively, Alex Gordon will be entering this series on a tear after hitting two HR’s at Yankee Stadium in four games. Cheslor Cuthbert and Christian Colon have also started putting together quality at-bats. That all said, here’s hoping that this is what gets our boys in blue going.

Prediction – KC Royals sweep

2013 Meetings
These two teams played a four game, two city series which saw both going 1-1 at one another’s ballpark. Three of the four games were decided by one run, interesting note is Medlen defeated his future team.

Franchise History
All-time in 10 meetings Atlanta leads 6-4, eight of the 10 match-ups with the KC Royals have come at Turner Field where the Braves are 5-3.

TV/Radio Coverage
FOX Sports Kansas City will broadcast all three games from the K 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 KC 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: What To Expect From Danny Duffy As A Starter

Game Notes:
Atlanta Braves
Kansas City Royals