Kansas City @ Boston preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 24, 2012 ) Kansas City 3, Boston 4

After dropping four in a row earlier this week to fall out of the playoff race, the Boston Red Sox attempted to pull the plug on their season in dramatic fashion while changing the future of the franchise. A potential blockbuster trade circled involving the quartet of Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford, Josh Beckett and Nick Punto being sent to the Los Angeles Dodgers for a package of prospects. The Kansas City Royals are in town for the circus and took the loss in the opener.

The proposed deal would have to clear several hurdles but Gonzalez was pulled out of Friday’s lineup 10 minutes before the start, adding fuel to the fire. Beckett is still scheduled for Saturday’s start but would have to be replaced if the trade talks stay on the serious side. The Royals have dropped three of four after winning nine of their previous 12. The offense has mustered an average of two runs in the last four games. Boston got a boost on Friday from David Ortiz, who returned after more than a month on the shelf and delivered a pair of hits and two RBIs in the 4-3 triumph.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSKC (Kansas City), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Jeremy Guthrie (2-3, 3.23 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH Josh Beckett (5-11, 5.23)

Guthrie took a no-hitter into the seventh inning last Sunday against the White Sox. After getting off to a rocky start with Kansas City, Guthrie has dominated over his last three outings, allowing a total of two runs (none earned) and 10 hits in 22 2/3 total innings. The veteran right-hander has a long track record against Boston from his time with the Baltimore Orioles and owns a 3-8 record with a 4.50 ERA in 19 career games - 17 starts. Jacoby Ellsbury and Ortiz are a combined 28-for-76 (.368) with four homers off Guthrie.

As a 10-and-5 player, Beckett would have the right to veto any trade. Should he make Saturday’s start, the right-hander would be looking to win for the first time since July 15. Beckett has posted an 0-4 record with a 7.59 ERA over his last six starts and has served up seven home runs in his last three turns alone. He has been strong against Kansas City in his career, going 7-1 with a 2.58 ERA in 10 starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox LHP Jon Lester left the start in the eighth inning Friday with a hamstring cramp in his left leg.

2. Royals LF Alex Gordon had two hits on Friday and is batting .346 (36-for-104) in his career against Boston - his highest mark against any AL opponent.

3. Red Sox RHP Andrew Bailey recorded his first save since joining the team on Friday. Bailey was acquired from Oakland last winter to be the closer but has spent most of the season on the DL.