Question: Which team has the worst record since July 22? Go to the head of the class if you answered the Angels. They are 6-16 since then. The Angels have lost 20 of the past 26 times they've been a road 'dog.



I don't expect the Angels to get well tonight against the Royals in a pitching matchup of Hector Santiago versus Yordano Venutra. The Royals are 12-5 in Ventura's last 17 home starts.



Yet some bettors are scared off because Ventura walked six batters in his last start and has been inconsistent since the All-Star break. But Ventura was just missing on his walks. He wasn't nearly as wild as the box score shows.



Royals manager Ned Yost liked Ventura's aggressiveness and believes he is back on track. Ventura is backed by one of the best and deepest bullpens in baseball. The Royals' bullpen also is rested thanks to Johnny Cueto's strong pitching performance on Saturday.



Santiago has tailed off for the Angels giving up 15 runs in his last four starts spanning only 21 1/3 innings. He's facing a hot KC lineup averaging 5.6 runs in its last eight games. Santiago has been more effective when pitching at home.