Royals at Indians
Jason Vargas already has matched his career high for victories but has won just two of seven starts since his appearance in the All-Star team. Vargas gets a chance to avenge his latest setback and help the Kansas City Royals narrow the gap in the American League Central when they visit the division-leading Cleveland Indians on Friday night.
Vargas was 12-3 with a 2.22 ERA after winning his seventh consecutive start on June 30 but he has a 7.15 ERA over his last eight outings, surrendering 10 of his 18 home runs in that span. Eric Hosmer is 7-for-15 over his last four, including a game-winning three-run homer Wednesday for Kansas City, which trails the Indians by six games but is only one game behind two teams in the battle for the second wild-card. Cleveland, which has been without four injured regulars, snapped out of an offensive funk by battering Boston ace Chris Sale in a 13-6 victory Thursday to earn a split of a four-game set. Rookie Yandy Diaz stepped up with three extra-base hits during a 4-for-4 performance, while Francisco Lindor is 7-for-20 with three homers and five RBIs in the past five games.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, STO (Cleveland), WKYC-3 (Cleveland), FSN Kansas City
PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals LH Jason Vargas (14-7, 3.59 ERA) vs. Indians LH Ryan Merritt (0-0, 3.12)
Vargas has lost three of his last four starts, failing to pitch beyond five innings in each setback after losing at home to Cleveland on Saturday. He permitted a combined two runs over 20 2/3 innings in three earlier starts against the Indians this season, including a seven-hit shutout on June 2. Vargas will get a break in not having to face the injured Jason Kipnis and Michael Brantley, who are 23-of-67 against him.
Merritt will get the call from Triple-A Columbus on Friday to make his fourth appearance -- and third start -- this season. He was promoted from the minors to make a start at Minnesota on Aug. 17, allowing two runs (one earned) on six hits while lasting 3 2/3 innings. Merritt earned his only career victory by beating Kansas City last September in his first major-league start, allowing one run over five innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Indians 1B Carlos Santana (back) has been sidelined for the past three games.
2. Royals 3B Mike Moustakas (knee) was limited to pinch-hitting duties Thursday and may serve as the designated hitter on Friday.
3. The teams have split their first 12 meetings this season.