Saturday, August 2, 2014, 4:05 PM on FSKC, CSCA

O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California

Kansas City Royals - Chen, B (2-3) vs. Oakland Athletics - Lester, J (10-7)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Saturday afternoon, the Kansas City Royals and Bruce Chen (2 - 3, 6.42 ERA) will take on the Oakland Athletics and Jon Lester (10 - 7, 2.52 ERA). Chen will make his 8^th start and 10^th appearance as Lester makes his 22^nd start.

Bruce Chen got lit up in his last outing and took the loss after surrendering 6 runs and 8 hits (including 2 homers) in 5 innings of work. He walked 2 batters and struck out just 1. Chen hasn't found the ability to stay consistent and it shows in his starts and his record. Last season, Chen started 15 games and made 19 relief appearances en route to a 9 - 4 record and a 3.27 ERA.

In 2013, Chen didn't get a decision in either of the 2 relief appearances he made against the A's. Oakland is batting .269 against Chen with 21 hits, 3 home runs and 10 RBIs in 70 at-bats.

Jon Lester will make his first start for the A's after coming over from Boston right before the trade deadline on Thursday. In his last start for the Red Sox, Lester didn't get the decision despite allowing just 2 runs and 6 hits (including a home run) in 6 innings. He walked just 1 batter while striking out 7. Lester has pitched well in his last few starts and should continue to do so for his new team. Last season, Lester was 15 - 8 with a 3.75 ERA in 33 starts for the Red Sox.

In 2013, Lester lost his only start against the Royals. This season, he beat Kansas City behind 8 innings of shutout ball.

Kansas City Royals Betting Trends

Kansas City Royals are 48-53-5 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Kansas City Royals is 0

Oakland Athletics Betting Trends

Oakland Athletics are 53-47-7 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Oakland Athletics is 1.5

Injuries to Watch

Kansas City Royals

07/09/14 P Jason Vargas Appendix 15-day DL (7/9)
03/30/14 P Luke Hochevar Elbow 60-day DL (3/21)

Oakland Athletics

07/30/14 P Jon Lester Undisclosed questionable
07/30/14 CF Coco Crisp Neck questionable
07/29/14 CF Craig Gentry Hand 15-day DL (7/28)
06/24/14 1B Kyle Blanks Calf 15-day DL (6/23)
04/04/14 SS Jake Elmore Quad 60-day DL (3/28)
03/30/14 P A.J. Griffin Elbow 60-day DL (3/21)
03/30/14 P Fernando Rodriguez Elbow 15-day DL (3/21)
03/28/14 P Jarrod Parker Elbow 60-day DL (3/20), out for season

Tony's Pick: Take Oakland

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