1.Odalis Perez, LHP (6-9, 5.73) vs. Chien-Ming Wang, RHP (12-5, 3.61)
Scouting Report:
Royals: Perez pitched very well against the Rangers in his last start. In his first career appearance vs. Texas, Perez tossed his first quality start since June 30 and allowed three runs in six innings. He didn't walk a batter for the first time this season and struck out four. In his past two starts, Perez has worked 13 innings -- tied for his season high for back-to-back outings. Perez has been slightly better on the road (5.27) than at home (6.14). Perez has faced the Twins twice this year and is 2-0 with seven runs allowed in 11 innings. Perez is 2-1 with a 6.84 ERA against the Twins in his career.
Yankees: Wang threw six solid innings against Baltimore in his last start to earn his 12th victory of the season and ninth in his last 12 starts. The dominant right-hander didn't have his best stuff and became visibly frustrated with some calls, but battled well and held the Orioles to three runs on nine hits. The win pushed him to 5-1 in July, and he hasn't allowed more than four runs in a game during that stretch. Wang is 2-0 with a 5.84 ERA in four career starts against Kansas City.
2.Kyle Davies, RHP (4-8, 5.76) vs. Phil Hughes, RHP (1-1, 3.38 )
Scouting Report:
Royals: Davies was obtained from the Braves in exchange for closer Octavio Dotel, and this will be his first chance to prove the deal was worthwhile. This is Davies' first exposure to the American League. He was plagued by inconsistent performances in 17 starts for the Braves, and that's something he'll want to fix. Davies is only 24 and is reputed to have an above-average fastball. His 44 bases on balls in 86 innings is a source of concern.
Yankees: Hughes pitched impressively in his second rehab start with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, and it looks more and more like the rookie right-hander will get this start against the Royals. In his two outings in Triple-A, Hughes pitched 12 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing just five hits while striking out 11 and walking four.
3.Gil Meche, RHP (7-8, 3.70) vs. Mike Mussina, RHP (6-7, 4.75)
Scouting Report:
Royals: In his last start on Monday night at Minnesota, Meche came into the game feeling like he had almost too much stuff. He felt great -- then, boom, the first three Twins got hits. Meche was behind, 2-0, and he took his eighth loss. He recovered to finish with six scoreless innings, throwing his 15th quality start. Meche has gone seven or more innings in each of his last three outings, building stamina which flagged a few weeks ago.
Yankees: Mussina collected his sixth win of the season on Tuesday night, backed up by an enormous amount of run support in the Yankees' 16-3 win against the White Sox. The right-hander lasted six innings, giving up all three runs in the second frame. Mussina was never behind, though, as a three-run homer in the first helped put the Yankees ahead early. Moose held Chicago scoreless from then on, striking out six and walking none on the night.
Lets Go Yankees!!!
Phil is back!! A-Rod get #500!!!