The set-up: New York avoided a three-game sweep at the hands of the Rays with a 3-2 Sunday win and have won two of three at home here vs. KC to give them three wins in its last four, despite scoring a combined 12 runs in that span. Luis Severino became the team's first starter to pitch at least seven innings in 14 games in Wednesday's 3-0 victory. Kansas City managed only four hits and has now been shut out five times, the most in the majors. The Royals are also an AL-worst 19-27, falling to 7-16 on the road.

The pitching matchup: Miguel Almonte (NR) is being called up from Double-A to make the start for KC, while Masahiro Tanaka (5-3 & 6.56 ERA) takes the mound for NY. The Royals placied Nathan Karns on the 10-day disabled list and manager Ned Yost has opted to go with Almonte instead of bringing back ex-Yankee Ian Kennedy on short rest. Almonte has made seven appearances (six starts) in Double-A, posting a 1-0 record and 2.17 ERA. He has 35 Ks and just six walks over 29 innings. Tanaka lasted only three innings at Tampa Bay on Saturday, permitting six runs on nine hits, including three HRs. That followed a awful outing at home versus Houston, when he was pounded for a career-worst eight runs and surrendered four HRs in only 1 2/3 innings. Tanaka had won five consecutive starts prior to these last two. Tanaka's made two starts vs. KC without a decision but despite a 6.00 ERA, the Yankees have won both of those starts.

The pick: Almonte made nine relief appearances in the majors in 2015 but this marks his first-ever big league start. However, he has extensive experience as a starting pitcher in the minor leagues with 101 starting assignments. As noted, the Yanks aren't exactly ripping the cover off the ball in scoring 12 runs over their last four games, so Almonte could be fine. As for Tanaka, he's a quality starter who should bounce back with no trouble. Make the Under an 8* play