Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Coors Field in Denver

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On Tuesday night, James Shields (11-6) will try to make it three wins in four starts when he and the Kansas City Royals face Tyler Matzek (2-8) and the Colorado Rockies.

Veteran James Shields pitched pretty well against the Oakland Athletics last week and finished with a no decision. He went six innings in that outing and allowed three runs on seven base hits while striking out five hitters and walking one. He now has a 3.29 ERA for the Royals and has only walked 35 batters in 172.1 innings of work.

Shields has never liked facing Rockies first baseman Justin Morneau, who is 15-for-44 against him with six doubles, four home runs and 11 RBI. Brandon Barnes is 2-for-7 against him with no walks and three strikeouts.

Rookie Tyler Matzek lost his third game in a row last Wednesday when he was beaten by the San Diego Padres on the road. He allowed five runs in six innings that day while walking two batters and striking out nine. He now has a 5.50 ERA on the season and he has given up 81 hits to opposing batters in 70.1 innings.

Royals new outfielder Josh Willingham has one hit in three at-bats against Matzek in his career with one double. All of the other Rockies will be facing Matzek for the first time on Tuesday night.

Kansas City Royals Betting Trends

Kansas City Royals are 56-62-5 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Kansas City Royals is 0.2

Colorado Rockies Betting Trends

Colorado Rockies are 61-52-11 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Colorado Rockies is -0.6

Injuries to Watch

Kansas City Royals

08/14/14 P Scott Downs Neck 15-day DL (8/3)
08/01/14 1B Eric Hosmer Hand 15-day DL (8/1)
03/30/14 P Luke Hochevar Elbow 60-day DL (3/21)

Colorado Rockies

08/18/14 1B Justin Morneau Neck questionable
08/18/14 P Thomas Kahnle Shoulder 15-day DL (8/13)
08/12/14 P Brett Anderson Back 60-day DL (8/6), out for season
08/10/14 RF Carlos Gonzalez Knee 15-day DL (8/9), out for season
07/22/14 SS Troy Tulowitzki Thigh 15-day DL (7/20), out for season
07/08/14 P Jhoulys Chacin Rotator Cuff 60-day DL (6/29), out for season
06/24/14 P Christian Bergman Thumb 60-day DL (6/20)
05/01/14 P Tyler Chatwood Elbow 60-day DL (4/30)

Tony's Pick: Take Kansas City

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