Royals at Athletics
The Oakland Athletics have had their way with the struggling Kansas City Royals this month and hope to continue the trend when they host the third contest of their four-game series on Saturday. Oakland began June by winning two of three in Kansas City, outscoring the Royals 25-6 in the set, and have taken the first two games of this series by an 11-3 margin - including Friday's 7-2 triumph.
Khris Davis registered his 17th career multi-homer performance - and second this season - with a pair of solo shots and Jonathan Lucroy collected three RBIs as the Athletics improved to 2-0 on its 10-game homestand. Davis, who leads the team with 17 blasts, has gone deep four times over his last four contests. Mike Moustakas belted a two-run homer and Alex Gordon notched three of the seven hits recorded by the Royals, who have lost six straight and seven of eight this month. Moustakas leads Kansas City with 42 RBIs but posted just one over his previous seven contests.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FS Kansas City, NBCS California (Oakland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals LH Danny Duffy (2-6, 5.81 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Chris Bassitt (2016: 0-2, 6.11)
Duffy escaped with a no-decision against the Angels in Los Angeles on Monday after yielding four runs on seven hits and three walks over five innings. The 29-year-old Californian had put together back-to-back strong outings prior to that, allowing one run and four hits in both a win at Texas (a season-high 7 2/3 innings) and a no-decision versus Minnesota (six frames). Duffy has yet to lose to Oakland in his career, going 3-0 with a 3.44 ERA in six starts and one relief appearance.
Bassitt is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Nashville to start in place of Trevor Cahill, who is nursing an Achilles injury. The 29-year-old Bassitt has not pitched in the majors since April 28, 2016 as he required Tommy John surgery after surrendering seven runs on 10 hits and three walks over 3 2/3 innings in a loss at Detroit. Bassitt has made three career starts against Kansas City, posting a 4.60 ERA without recording a decision.
WALK-OFFS
1. Athletics SS Marcus Semien has gone 5-for-8 over the first two games of the series after registering just one hit in his first 19 at-bats this month.
2. Kansas City OF Jorge Soler exited Friday's contest with a bruised big toe on his left foot suffered while fouling off a pitch and is day-to-day.
3. Oakland activated Santiago Casilla (shoulder) from the 10-day disabled list and optioned fellow RHP Ryan Dull to Triple-A Nashville.