Gamethread XCI: Orioles at Royals

The Royals started the second half with a bang last night in a blowout victory over the Orioles. Today they have a chance to guarantee a win in the first series since the All-Star Break. The Royals and manager Mike Matheny will tab second-year starter Brady Singer with keeping the momentum going.

In some ways, Brady Singer has taken a step back from his rookie season. Still, like his rookie season he has shown flashes of being the starter Royals fans hope he can be while struggling at other times in part, at least, due to lacking an effective third pitch. Singer will try to build on his last start before the break when he allowed only one run and walked only one while striking out six in six innings.

The Royals made another roster move before tonight’s game, activating Wade Davis and designating Anthony Swarzak for assignment to free up room for him. It is entirely reasonable for Royals fans to wonder why Wade Davis is still on this team but at least the team hasn’t gotten any worse by replacing Swarzak with him.

The Orioles will counter with former Royal Jorge López. López pitched in a single game for Kansas City last year before being released. He joined Baltimore’s rotation and picked up pretty much where he left off in KC - pitching poorly. He is 2-12 with a 5.95 ERA for the Orioles this season and has only three quality starts in eighteen tries.

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