The KC Royals are back at again with the New York Yankees. Not long ago, the Royals and Yankees were clashing at Kauffman Stadium, where the Yankees grabbed 2 of 3.
Here are some things to watch for in the KC Royals game tonight.
Jason Vargas Rebound
After cruising very easily throughout the beginning of the season, Jason Vargas ran into a hiccup against the New York Yankees in his last start.
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Surrendering six runs in four innings, he basically doubling his ERA. The Yankees were all over his changeup and curveball.
He’ll have to establish his fastball tonight to help get his secondary pitches going. He’ll also have to keep the changeup down and keep Yankees hitters from lifting it. A simple flyball could doom you in Yankee Stadium.
Short Porch
Lefty hitters for the KC Royals will drool when the step up to the plate. As I said above, a simple flyball in Yankee Stadium can add to your homer total.
The lefty hitters on the KC Royals that lift the ball the most are Mike Moustakas and Brandon Moss.
Though early, New York Yankees starter Michael Pineda has the posted highest HR/9 of his career so far.
Mike Moustakas Homer?
Mike Moustakas has a tailored made matchup tonight. He is facing a pitcher he has straight mashed against in Michael Pineda.
In his career, Moustakas is 7 for 15 off Pineda with six(!) extra-base hits. That is goof for an OPS of 1.633. Put the that with the mentioned long ball struggles of Pineda. Also put that with the short porch in Yankee Stadium. A hitter like Moose that pulls the majority of his homers doesn’t have to hit if far to hit it out.
Moustakas has hit one homer at Yankee Stadium before.
"KC Royals: Watch for Meibrys Viloria"
I wouldn’t be surprised if Moustakas visits #DongTown tonight.