Kansas City Royals Game Preview Versus The Cincinnati Reds

Today the Kansas City Royals will face off against the Cincinnati Reds in Goodyear, Arizona. Jason Hammel will get the start for the Royals, going against Reds pitcher Anthony DeSclafani. The first pitch will begin at 2:05 CST.

The Royals

The past couple games for the Royals have not gone how they would have hoped. The offense has shown up though getting five runs in both games. Defensively they have had a hard time as the ball did not seem to bounce their way at the end of the game.

Jason Hammel will get his first start for the Royals today. He will look to improve from his 5.29 ERA last year and pitch closer to how he did in 2015 and 2016. Hammel appears to have a lock in the 3rd starter spot for the rotation. Eric Skoglund is also likely to get some work today as he makes a case to make the 25-man-roster.

The Reds

The Reds are 3-6 going into this game. They are hopeful they can start to turn things around and not be the basement dwellers of the National League Central. Last year their pitching staff had a lot of injuries and they are hopeful that everyone is healthy and they can compete.

Anthony Deslfani gets the start today in Goodyear, Arizona. He nearly all of last season with a UCL tear in his right elbow. He tried coming back in August, but while pitching in Low-A his elbow did not feel right. Doctors diagnosed him with tendinitis in his right elbow, shutting him down the rest of the year. This will be his second start of the spring after pitching two innings where he gave up two hits and struck out two batters. Today he will look to build on that.

Keys to Success

• Stay in the game: Yesterday the Royals were doing well until the sixth inning where they gave up six runs. Those hoping to make the roster need to show they hang in these types of games. The Royals are likely to start trimming the roster soon, so now is the time to show your best stuff.

Tune In

This game will be available on the local radio station KCSP 610 AM, MLB.com, and on the MLB At Bat App. You can also follow us on Twitter for updates throughout the game as well.

Be looking for our game recap later today!