Blue Jays face tall challenge in Kansas City Royals

Jul 27, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer (35) celebrates his three-run home run with third baseman Mike Moustakas (8), center fielder Lorenzo Cain (6) and designated hitter Kendrys Morales (25) during the first inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Across the Diamond: Kansas City Royals

The Royals are in a full sprit towards another deep playoff run, and while much of the credit can go to their starting rotation and fantastic bullpen group, their offense has played very well. As a unit, the Royals rank eighth in the Major Leagues with 431 runs entering play on Wednesday.

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Kansas City boasts the league’s fourth-highest team average at .273 with a top-10 OBP, but Toronto does enter play with a clear advantage in the home run category. KC ranks 23rd in deep balls with 80, well behind the 131 of Toronto.

Star left fielder Alex Gordon remains on the disabled list throughout this series and for the forseeable future, leaving Lorenzo Cain and the newly-acquired Ben Zobrist to lock down the outfield. We know all too well what the versatile Zobrist is capable of, while Cain has exploded with his all around game, batting .313 with 11 home runs, 46 RBI and 18 stolen bases.

All Star third baseman Mike Moustakas has stayed hot at the dish, while Eric Hosmer ranks second on the club with 55 RBI at first base. Kendrys Morales has rounded out the lineup wonderfully for Kansas City, crushing 12 home runs en route to 68 RBI.

Next: Cueto debuts against Hutchison, Uh Oh

Jul 28, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Johnny Cueto (47) stands in the dugout prior to a game against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Game 1:  Thursday, July 30th  –  7:07 ET
Marco Estrada (7-6, 3.55)  vs.  Danny Duffy (4-4, 4.03)

Estrada slammed into a wall during his last start, allowing five earned runs on eight hits in Seattle, but he’s done enough over the past two months to earn the odd dud. His start prior saw him pitch eight shutout innings with just three hits and zero walks, so if the changeup is clicking against the Royals, Estrada should be able to work deep.

Duffy is coming off a string of four quality starts in a row and looked very strong in his most recent outing against the Houston Astros. The left-hander will present a favourable matchup for Toronto’s righty-heavy lineup, but patience may be their best approach. Duffy has issued three or more walks in four of his last ten starts, and has recorded five stikeouts just twice over that span.

Game 2: Friday, July 31st  –  7:07 ET
Drew Hutchison (9-2, 5.42)  vs.  Johnny Cueto (7-6, 2.62)

What could go wrong? Cueto will make his Royals debut after coming over in a trade deadline deal, but don’t sleep on the fantastic “home” half of Drew Hutchison’s ridiculous splits. Hutchison is 4-0 in his last four home starts, and creating some more downward movement on his struggling slider may be the key to unlocking his still-existent potential. With an improving bullpen, all the Blue Jays need is six strong. Hutchison has done that twice in his last ten starts. Gulp.

Cueto is coming off one of his finer outings of the season, chucking eight innings of shutout ball against the Colorado Rockies, allowing just four hits and a walk. Simply put, this is one of the better starting options in baseball, and the Jays won’t be able to bludgeon their way through this. Time to take the runs that present themselves and play strong all-around ball.

Next: Buehrle looks to bounce back in matinee

Jul 26, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Mark Buehrle (56) throws the ball against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Game 3: Saturday, August 1st  –  1:07 ET
Mark Buehrle (11-5, 3.29)  vs.  Yordano Ventura (5-7, 4.86)

The veteran lefty takes the mound to kick off August with a weekend matinee and looks to right the ship after a rare poor start his last time out. Buehrle allowed 10 hits and three earned runs against the Seattle Mariners, failing to record a full six innings. Regardless, this is Toronto’s ace right now, so here’s hoping that a heavy dosage of balls in play end up in Toronto gloves.

Ventura counters for the Royals, and despite his immense talent, the young righty has struggled to put it all together this season. Ventura was recently demoted then quickly recalled, and did have a strong outing in his most recent start against the Astros. This spot in the rotation could be impacted if a trade is made before Friday.

Game 4: Sunday, August 2nd  –  1:07 ET
TBD (0-0, Perfect ERA)  vs.  Edinson Volquez (10-5, 3.21)

This is where things get interesting for the Blue Jays. The recently DFAd Felix Doubront loses this spot in the rotation, and the obvious instinct is that the Jays are looking to add via trade before the deadline passes on Friday. If not, Daniel Norris and Matt Boyd are both candidate for this slot. Neither install a great deal of confidence at the moment, though.

Volquez is enjoying a nice season with KC, winning each of his last two starts. Volquez did face the Jays back on July 12th, taking a no decision after allowing one earned run over 5.1 IP. If there’s one hole to look for with Volquez, it may be walks. We know what Toronto’s 1-to-5 hitters can do with a free baserunner.

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