Game CIII & CIV threads: Royals at Yankees Day/Night Doubleheader

Mike Moustakas could have played one more game with the Royals had there been no rain last night. But rain it did so Moose is gone and the Royals still must play on. Hunter Dozier seems the best choice to take over starting duties at third base in the near term but Alcides Escobar gets the first start at the position in the post-Moustakas era for some ridiculous reason.

Brad Keller’s run of not allowing many home runs will meet a stiff challenge in the day game, this afternoon, facing a monstrously powerful lineup in a stadium known for allowing easy dingers. He’ll be opposed by a leading Cy Young Award candidate in Luis Severino. Severino has the seventh best ERA among qualified starters in the AL and the fourth best FIP; whichever side of the argument you fall on he’s having a hell of a year.

Heath Fillmyer will face off against C.C. Sabathia in the nightcap. Heath is coming off of his best start in the major leagues - though only his second - in which he pitched 6.2 innings while allowing only two runs. Sabathia, on the other hand, is coming off two straight starts where he has allowed four or more runs in five innings pitched.

Still, without Moose or Jorge Soler in the lineup the team is left with basically Whit Merrifield as the only legitimate threat with Salvador Perez and Lucas Duda occasionally contributing. It figures to be a long day of frustration for Royals fans and players alike.

Game 1 Lineups