Sunday, April 20, 2:10 PM on FSN, FSKC

Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

Minnesota - Hughes, P (0-1) vs. Kansas City - Ventura, Y (1-0)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

A once promising superstar takes on what could be the next big thing in Kansas City Sunday when Phil Hughes (0-1) and Minnesota square off against the Royals Yordano Ventura (1-0). Hughes had some solid years in the Bronx, winning 18 games in 2010 and 16 in 2012 but high expectations and disappointing results will forever mark his time there, culminating in a 4-14 season a year ago. The Twins were banking on a change of scenery reinvigorating Hughes but so far the 3-year, $24 million contract in the offseason has netted an 0-1 record and a 7.20 ERA.

The Royals got to Hughes last year when he was with the Yankees, plating 8 runs in 9-2/3 innings. Hughes was 1-1 in those two starts though, thanks largely in part to 11 runs of support in game one. Alex Gordon leads the Royals charge going 6 for 18 against Hughes in his career while DH Billy Butler has 4 extra base hits in 18 appearances.

For years the Royals high-ranked prospects were all offensive-minded which so far hasn't yielded much success. That could change if the 22-year-old right-hander from the Dominican lives up to early potential. Yordano Ventura pitched 6 innings of shutout ball in the season opener but got the no-decision leaving in a 0-0 game. The youngster followed that up by allowing only 1 ER in 7 innings for his first career win on April 15th. So far Ventura has pitched 13 innings, giving up 6 hits, 1 ER and striking out 13.

The Twins will be facing Ventura for the first time, which could bode well for the Royals.

Minnesota Betting Trends

Minnesota is 12-4-0 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Minnesota is +0.2

Kansas City Betting Trends

Kansas City is 5-9-1 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Kansas City is -0.1

Injuries to Watch

Minnesota

04/11/14 LF Josh Willingham Wrist 15-day DL (4/7)
04/09/14 RF Oswaldo Arcia Wrist 15-day DL (4/5)
04/07/14 SS Jason Bartlett Ankle 15-day DL (4/7)

Kansas City

04/18/14 CF Jarrod Dyson Personal out indefinitely
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)

Josh's Pick: Take Kansas City

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