Tampa Bay @ Kansas City preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 11, 2011 ) Kansas City 1, Tampa Bay 4

Kansas City’s offense ranks fifth in the American League, but the Royals’ bats will be tested by Tampa Bay’s powerful pitching staff. The Rays are second in the AL in ERA, a big reason why Tampa Bay sits third in the AL East within striking distance of the first-place Yankees. The Royals look to get back on track after being swept at home by St. Louis.

Kansas City finds itself just six games out in the AL Central, and had won seven of nine before the Cardinals visited. The Royals allowed 30 runs this weekend and are 10th in the AL in ERA. Tampa Bay, which has committed the second-most errors in the majors, snapped a three-game losing streak by beating Philadelphia in the opening game of Sunday’s doubleheader. The Rays completed the sweep in the nightcap.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, Sun Sports (Tampa Bay), Fox Sports Kansas City (Kansas City)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tampa Bay RH Alex Cobb (3-3, 3.82 ERA) vs. Kansas City RH Luke Hochevar (4-7, 5.65 ERA)

Cobb has pitched well since joining the rotation in mid-May. He lost three starts in a row but ended that skid with a dynamic seven-inning, two-hit performance June 17 against Miami. Cobb struck out 10 in that start and is holding opponents to a .227 average.

Hochevar beat Houston on Tuesday, allowing five hits but no earned runs in 7 2/3 innings. The right-hander earned the victory, his first since May 12. Hochevar has won just two of his past eight decisions.

WALK-OFFS:

1. Tampa Bay’s David Price became the AL’s first 10-game winner, beating Philadelphia in the opening game of Sunday’s doubleheader.

2. Kansas City second baseman Chris Getz, out with a left leg lateral sprain, expects to begin a rehab assignment this week.

3. Royals manager Ned Yost did not start first baseman Eric Hosmer and second baseman Yuniesky Betancourt on Sunday.