Kansas City @ Los Angeles preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 23, 2012 ) Kansas City 3, LA Angels 6

With the Los Angeles Angels reportedly scouring the market for a starting pitcher, they will get a chance to see a young prospect they traded away two years ago in Tuesday's second of a three-game series with the Kansas City Royals. Starting for the Royals will be rookie left-hander Will Smith, who was acquired from Los Angeles in July 2010 as part of a trade that sent Alberto Callaspo to the Angels. Rookie Garrett Richards, mentioned in one rumored trade, will start for Los Angeles.

The Angels remained five games behind division leader Texas in the American League West with a win in Monday's series opener. Maicer Izturis had two hits and drove in a run, which could be crucial for the Angels given the uncertainly of starting shortstop Erick Aybar, who is dealing with a big toe injury. X-rays were inconclusive on Aybar, who was in a walking boot Monday and could be headed for a stint on the disabled list. The Royals have lost 16 of 21.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, FSKC, FSW

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals LH Will Smith (1-3, 7.97 ERA) vs. Angels RH Garrett Richards (3-1, 3.53)

Smith is making his second start since returning from the minors. He had one bad inning in a 6-1 loss to Seattle on Thursday and wound up allowing four runs on eight hits in 6 1/3 innings. The 23-year-old southpaw needs to keep the ball in the park, having already served up seven homers in 20 1/3 innings in his four major league starts.

Richards was rocked in back-to-back starts before the All-Star break, but he rebounded with his best effort of the season on July 17, blanking the Detroit Tigers on three hits over seven innings. Richards continues to struggle with his control, having walked at least four batters in half of his eight starts. He is 2-0 in four home starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. With Monday's win, the Angels improved to 12-1 in their last 13 games against left-handed starters

2. Angels rookie Mike Trout has scored in a franchise-record 15 straight games and is riding a 12-game hitting streak.

3. Los Angeles acquired RHP Barry Enright from Arizona on Monday night for a player to be named or cash.