Jason Vargas takes mound as Royals open series with Cleveland

Two days after Jeremy Guthrie struggled against Detroit, Jason Vargas returns to action. The performance of the duo has been the most troubling aspect of an otherwise encouraging start to the season for the Royals.

Manager Ned Yost reconfigured his rotation so Guthrie could face Detroit on Sunday and Vargas could face Cleveland in Tuesday’s series opener. Vargas posted a 4.94 ERA in four starts against the Indians in 2014.

The good news is that Cleveland is six games below .500 and is strapped with a wretched defense and an inactive offense.

Here are the pitching matchups for the next three games at Kauffman Stadium:

Tuesday, 7:10 p.m.: Jason Vargas (2-1, 5.95 ERA) vs. Danny Salazar (3-0, 3.32 ERA).

Wednesday, 7:10 p.m.: Danny Duffy (2-0, 3.45 ERA) vs. Carlos Carrasco (3-2, 4.98 ERA).

Thursday, 1:10 p.m.: Edinson Volquez (2-3, 2.10 ERAP vs. Corey Kluber (0-4, 4.62 ERA).

FROM THE STAR

Blair Kerkhoff spoke with George Brett (and Tom Watson) about the Royals.

THE ROYALS’ PLAYOFF PERCENTAGE (ACCORDING TO BASEBALL PROSPECTUS)

32.8 percent.

HERE IS SOME ROCK MUSIC

“Paying” by Sarah Bethe Nelson.

This story was originally published May 5, 2015 at 9:05 AM.