The catcher of Kansas City Royals have been side-lined since March with a knee injury, but has made his season debut on Friday and has played in three of the past four games. Perez had a torn meniscus in his left knee during spring training, homered in his first game on Friday. He managed to catch nine innings on Sunday, and added a hit while catching Luke Hochevar’s complete-game shutout in Monday’s 8-0 victory over Tampa Bay. The Rays had a several relievers unavailable for Monday’s game after playing a Sunday doubleheader in Philadelphia. Tampa Bay Rays will start Chris Archer in Tuesday’s middle contest of the three-game set. Archer survived a rocky first inning to no-hit the Nationals for five framers in his big-league debut last week. Bruce Chen looks to continue his strong pitching for the Royals. Chen has won six of his past eight decisions, allowing three earned runs or fewer seven times in his past nine starts.
Tampa Bay Rays at Kansas City Royals
When: 8:10 PM ET, Tuesda, June 26, 2012
Where: Kaufman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City has opened up as the -110 favorites. Check out Sportsbetting.com for more Sports betting odds and more. Sports betting odds and lines there are always up to date.
Pitching Match Up
Tampa Bay RH Chris Archer (0-1, 1.50 ERA) VS Kansas City LH Bruce Chen (6-6, 4.81 ERA)
Archer proved that he pitched very well in his major-league debut on Wednesday against Washington, settling down after a three-run first inning. The 23-year old RH walked just one and struck out seven in six innings.
On the other hand, left hand 35-year old Chen provided veteran stability for the Royal’s rotation. Chen beat Houston in his last start, allowing five hits and one earned run in 5 2/3 innings, walking two and striking out six. Chen has lost just twice since May 5.
Things to take note of in this game:
• Infielder Brooks Conrad have been signed up by Tampa Bay to a minor-league contract Thursday. Conrad went 3-for-6 with five RBIs in his first three games for the Rays. He added a hit on Monday.
• After averaging 3.3 runs per game in June through Saturday, the Royals scored eight runs in each of their past two contests.
• Manny Pina, an injured Kansas City catcher, began his rehab assignment in the Rookie Arizona League.
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