The Rockies own the top spot in the National League wild-card race by a half-game over the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Royals, who sit 1 1/2 games back of the second American League wild-card spot, are among eight teams within five games of the league's final playoff position. The KC Royals hand the ball to Danny Duffy (7-8, 3.82 ERA). The 28 year old has been solid at home all season, posting a 3.14 ERA through eight starts. The Rockies turn to Jon Gray (5-2, 4.74 ERA). The 25 year old right-hander has a 4-11 mark with a 4.93 ERA in 26 career starts on the road, and he's 1-2 with a 6.34 ERA in seven road starts on the season and Colorado is just 4-9 their last 13 games.
The Rockies are on the road again as they visit the Kansas City Royals for the opener of a three-game series at Kauffman Stadium Tuesday night. They're coming off a disappointing 3-4 homestand, and we can note that the Rockies are just 6-21 in their last 27 road games overall and 3-14 in their last 17 interleague road games vs. a left-handed starter. KC has been playing great defense and the Rockies bats have cooled off. I'll back the KC ROYALS