MLB: Astros at Royals Preview

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Interstat) — The Houston Astros visit the Kansas City Royals on Friday at 8:10 p.m. ET at Kauffman Stadium in the opener of a three-game series.

Houston (31-39) sends right-hander Tatsuya Imai (3-3) to the mound. Kansas City (28-41) has not yet announced a starting pitcher.

The Astros enter on a four-game skid, including Wednesday’s 3-2, 10-inning loss at the Los Angeles Angels. Houston dropped the series 2-1. The Royals lost 4-2 to the Texas Rangers on Thursday, dropping three of four in that set.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 6-5 Houston victory. The Astros are a -1.5 run-line favorite, with the over/under set at 9.

Players to watch

Astros RHP Peter Lambert has been effective out of the bullpen. In his last five appearances, he has three wins and a 3.86 ERA over 27⅔ innings. He threw 6⅓ innings of two-run ball Wednesday, striking out six.

Royals RHP Beck Way has allowed four earned runs over his last 3⅓ innings (10.80 ERA). He pitched two scoreless innings Thursday with four strikeouts.

Season context

Houston is 7-3 in its last 10 games despite the current losing streak. Kansas City is 3-7 over its last 10.

These teams have not met this season. They play again Saturday and Sunday before the Astros return home to host Detroit and the Royals visit Washington.