The KC Royals won’t be Cleveland’s doormat this season

What kind of lineup will the KC Royals likely face against Cleveland today?

The Indians haven’t tinkered much with lineups their first three games. Against lefty Danny Duffy, expect manager Terry Francona to formulate his batting order from these choices:

C: Roberto Perez (.333/.500/.833, 1 HR, 2 RBI)

1B: Yu Chang (.250/.250/.375, 0 HR, 2 RBI)

2B: Cesar Hernandez (.182/.357/.273, 0 HR, 0 RBI)

SS: Andres Gimenez (.125/.125/.125, 0 HR, 0 RBI)

3B: Jose Ramirez (.333/.385/.417, 0 HR, 0 RBI)

LF: Eddie Rosario (.375/.500/.750, 1 HR, 4 RBI)

CF: Jordan Luplow (.143/.250/.571, 1 HR, 2 RBI)

RF: Josh Naylor (.250/.250/.417, 0 HR, 0 RBI)

DH: Franmil Reyes (.182/.250/.455, 1 HR, 2 RB)

After the lefthanded hitting Gimenez went 1-for-8 in Cleveland’s first two games with Detroit, Francona started righty Amed Rosario at short Sunday against Tiger southpaw Tarik Skubal, so don’t be surprised if Franco elects to go again with Rosario against southpaw Duffy.

All in all, this isn’t the kind of lineup Cleveland is used to. It’s not as strong, not as deep. The rotation has Bieber but lacks the depth and maturity of the Tribe’s championship groups; the bullpen must sort itself out.

Simply put, the Indians aren’t as good as they have been, while the KC Royals took offseason steps to improve. That’s why Cleveland won’t walk over Kansas City this year.

(The two clubs take Tuesday off but play again Wednesday at 12:10 p.m. CDT. The Royals then head to Chicago for three games with the White Sox).

Cleveland shed payroll, and with it talent, over the winter. The KC Royals won’t be their doormat this season.