Kansas City @ Houston preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 19, 2012 ) Kansas City 2, Houston 0

The Kansas City Royals are creeping toward .500 thanks to strong play on the road. The Royals took a 2-0 decision from the Houston Astros on Tuesday and have won six of eight to move up to 30-36. They are 19-16 away from home and have a chance for a 4-2 trip if they can take the rubber game against the Astros on Wednesday afternoon. Houston escaped with a win on Monday but managed only five hits on Tuesday.

The Astros got three hits and three RBIs from Brian Bixler on Monday but chose to leave him out of the starting lineup on Tuesday against a right-handed starter. Bixler could be back for the rubber game against veteran left-hander Bruce Chen, giving him a chance for a second career home run. Kansas City’s Bully Butler is also in a platoon due to the absence of the designated hitter in National League parks and will likely cede his spot to Eric Hosmer on Wednesday despite two homers and four RBIs in the last three games.

TV: 2:05 p.m. ET, FSH (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals LH Bruce Chen (5-6, 5.05 ERA) vs. Astros RH Jordan Lyles (1-3, 5.50 ERA)

Chen was knocked out in just 1 2/3 innings at St. Louis last week after allowing six runs and seven hits. The veteran left-hander had allowed three runs or less in six of his previous seven turns but was done in by a pair of home runs surrendered to the Cardinals. Chen is 1-1 with a 2.95 ERA in 10 career appearances - five starts - against Houston.

Lyles is having some trouble working through lineups multiple times. The 21-year-old worked four scoreless innings in each of his last two starts before allowing a combined 10 runs - seven earned - in the fifth. Lyles has worked more than five innings only once in his last five starts.

WALK-OFFS:

1. Royals top prospect Bubba Starling has yet to make his professional debut. He was scheduled to take the field with Class A Burlington on Tuesday but was held up with an injured hamstring.

2. Houston RH Bud Norris (knee) is scheduled to throw a side session on Wednesday in preparation for a minor league rehab assignment.

3. Kansas City RH Felipe Paulino will make a rehab start at Double-A on Wednesday.