Yordano Ventura takes on Reds as two-game interleague series begins

Here is one thing Danny Duffy and Yordano Ventura have in common: In their last three starts, each man has given up 14 earned runs. The difference between the two is Duffy did so in 9 2/3 innings. Ventura yielded that total across 18 1/3 frames.

So while Duffy may be pitching for his spot in the rotation in his next outing, Ventura is not considered in danger. But his performance has still been troubling. He has a chance to snap his skid on Tuesday night when Cincinnati comes to Kauffman Stadium.

Here are the pitching matchups for this two-game series:

Tuesday, 7:10 p.m.: Yordano Ventura (2-3, 5.36 ERA) vs. Johnny Cueto (3-3, 2.93 ERA).

Wednesday, 7:10 p.m.: Jeremy Guthrie (3-2, 5.44 ERA) vs. Jason Marquis (3-3, 6.63 ERA).

FROM THE STAR

1. The Royals will get a good look on Tuesday at Johnny Cueto, who could be a highly coveted commodity on the trade market.

2. From Sunday: Edinson Volquez authored another chapter in his improbable renaissance.

3. Also from Sunday: Vahe Gregorian wrote a column on the difficulty of sitting Salvador Perez.

THE ROYALS’ PLAYOFF PERCENTAGE (ACCORDING TO BASEBALL PROSPECTUS)

46.3 percent

HERE IS SOME ROCK MUSIC

“Stranger/Lover” by Ibeyi.

This story was originally published May 19, 2015 at 11:22 AM.