Kansas City @ Colorado preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 1, 2011 ) Kansas City 0, Colorado 9

THE STORY: Looking to get back into the National League West race, the Colorado Rockies hope to build on Friday’s impressive 9-0 victory when they continue their three-game set against the visiting Kansas City Royals on Saturday. With new acquisition Mark Ellis driving in three runs, the Rockies showed signs that they're primed for another second-half charge. The Royals have lost four straight games and 10 of their last 12.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSKC (Kansas City), Root Sports (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Kyle Davies (1-6, 7.46 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Greg Reynolds (2-0, 4.08 ERA). Davies is making his first start since being placed on the disabled list May 18 with rotator cuff inflammation. He is 0-3 with an 8.00 ERA in four career starts against the Rockies. The Royals are 1-5 in Davies’ last six road starts. Reynolds was called up from Triple-A Colorado Springs to replace Jhoulys Chacin, whose start was pushed back to Tuesday with forearm stiffness. Reynolds has made five appearances – two starts – for the Rockies this season.

ABOUT THE ROCKIES (40-42): Colorado shook up its roster on Friday by sending second baseman Chris Nelson and outfielder Eric Young Jr. down to Colorado Springs. With Ellis' arrival, the team didn’t see Nelson and Young receiving enough playing time. Nelson will be the everyday second baseman for the Sky Sox, while Young would likely benefit from a trade. Rockies general manager Dan O’Dowd will receive plenty of credit if Ellis continues to hit like he did in Friday’s debut. Not only did the Rockies fill their hole at second base, but they prevented the rival San Francisco Giants from acquiring Ellis, who could have replaced the injured Freddy Sanchez in their lineup. In an effort to spark the Rockies’ offense, manager Jim Tracy has indicated that outfielder Seth Smith (.302 average) will start more often against left-handers. Smith has a career .196 average against left-handers, but he’s shown marked improvement as a hitter this season.

ABOUT THE ROYALS (33-49): Kansas City rolled out its six-man rotation Friday, and the results were less than desired. Rookie Danny Duffy gave up five runs on nine hits over six innings, but manager Ned Yost has said he’ll likely stick with the rotation at least until the All-Star break. The Royals starters entered Friday’s action with an American League-worst 5.03 ERA. Infielder Mike Aviles was hitting .213 when he was sent down to Triple-A Omaha, but he looks ready to return. He’s batting .329 with seven homers and 13 RBI in 18 games in the minors. On Friday, the Royals optioned outfielder Jarrod Dyson to Omaha to clear roster space for Davies’ return. Dyson had just five at-bats in 10 games. The Royals could be active with the trade deadline approaching later this month, with Jeff Francoeur, Melky Cabrera, Wilson Betemit, Matt Treanor and pitchers Bruce Chen and Jeff Francis all likely to attract interest from contending teams.

FINAL PITCH: The Royals are 8-23 in their last 31 games following a loss.