Tuesday, April 22, 7:05 PM on FSKC, STOh

Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio

Kansas City - Shields, J (1-2) vs. Cleveland - Salazar, D (0-2)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

It's not known if James Shields (1-2) will be called upon to pitch in any 'big games' with the Royals but so far the pitcher has held up his end of the bargain. He'll look for a second straight win as Kansas City takes on the Indians and the up-and-down Danny Salazar (0-2). Shields was just one K short of a career high as he fanned 12 Astros players his last time out while pitching 8 innings of 1 run ball. Shields has now given up 1 run in each of his last 3 appearances to sport a season ERA of 2.00.

Shields struggled with his control in 2013 against Cleveland but still posted a 2-0 record over 5 starts with an ERA of 3.56. In 30 innings he allowed 12 runs and walked 12 batters while also giving up 3 HR. For his career Shields is just 3-5 against the Tribe in 14 starts including 2-2 with a 3.77 ERA at Progressive Field.

It's been a frustrating season for Salazar that can be compounded by a look at his second start of the year. Salazar faced 18 White Sox hitters, striking out 10 of them but also allowing 2HR and 5 runs while getting yanked in the 4th. Salazar had a successful start to the year, giving up 2 runs to Minnesota in the opener, but has since allowed 10 in 8.1 IP. His season ERA has climbed to 7.71 while giving up 4 HR in 14 total innings.

Salazar made one start against the Royals last year, allowing 4 runs in 6 innings in a 2-7 Cleveland loss. No Indian player has faced the pitcher more than 3 times and the team has a collective .261 average in 23 career AB's.

Kansas City Betting Trends

Kansas City is 7-9-1 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Kansas City is -0.3

Cleveland Betting Trends

Cleveland is 10-8-0 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Cleveland is -0.4

Injuries to Watch

Kansas City

04/18/14 CF Lorenzo Cain Groin 15-day DL (4/17)
04/09/14 P Francisley Bueno Finger 15-day DL (4/7)
04/09/14 P Tim Collins Elbow 15-day DL (4/7)
03/30/14 P Luke Hochevar Elbow 15-day DL (3/21)

Cleveland

No injuries to report at this time

Tony's Pick: Take Kansas City

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