Friday, April 11, 8:10 PM on FSKC, FSN

Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Kansas City - Chen, B (0-0) vs. Minnesota - Gibson, K (1-0)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Friday evening the Kansas City Royals will start Bruce Chen against the Minnesota Twins and Kyle Gibson.   Both pitchers will be making their second starts of the season.

Bruce Chen had a decent first outing of the season even though he got a no decision.  In 6.1 innings of work, Chen allowed just 1 run on 6 hits with no walks and 7 strikeouts.   Chen appeared in 34 games in 2013, starting 15 and coming away with a 9 – 4 record and an ERA of 3.27.  That ERA was his lowest since the 2004 season.

In 2013, Chen appeared in 4 games against the Twins with one start.  He gave up 12 hits in 12.1 innings with an ERA of 0.71.  Of the Twins, Joe Mauer has seen Chen the most but Brian Dozier has the best results.  Dozier is 5 of 9 with 1 RBI and a home run. 

Kyle Gibson comes into this game off of a win in his first start.  Gibson went 5 innings and surrendered 1 run on 3 hits.  He struck out 3 but he walked 4 and that isn’t bad for a pitcher in just his 2nd major league season.  Last year, Gibson started 10 games for the Twins and compiled a 2 – 4 record with an ERA of 6.53.  Those numbers should improve this season.

Gibson won his only start against the Royals in 2013 with a 6 inning, 8 hit and 2 run performance.  Gibson will have to watch out for Eric Hosmer, who has 2 hits in 3 at-bats against the young right-hander. 

Kansas City Betting Trends

Kansas City is 1-4-1 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Kansas City is -0.2

Minnesota Betting Trends

Minnesota is 7-0-0 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Minnesota is -0.7

Injuries to Watch

Kansas City

03/30/14 P Louis Coleman Finger 15-day DL (3/21)
03/30/14 P Luke Hochevar Elbow 15-day DL (3/21)

Minnesota

04/07/14 SS Jason Bartlett Ankle 15-day DL
04/07/14 LF Josh Willingham Wrist questionable
04/07/14 RF Oswaldo Arcia Wrist questionable

Tony's Pick: Take Minnesota

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