Series Preview: The Atlanta Braves host the Kansas City Royals

Game 1 – Tuesday, 7/23

Danny Duffy (4-5, 4.52) vs. Dallas Keuchel (3-3, 3.58)

In his last start, Dallas Keuchel was nowhere near the Dallas Keuchel we have seen throughout his brief tenure with the Braves.

He allowed four earned runs in 5.2 innings, while giving up two home runs last Wednesday against the Brewers.

Prior to that start, though, he was 2-1 with a 2.11 ERA in 21.1 innings over his previous three starts.

In his career against the Royals, Keuchel is 4-1 with a 2.56 ERA over eight starts and his most recent start came in June of 2018, where he went six innings and allowed no runs, while scattering six hits in a no-decision.

There are a couple of Royals who have had significant success against Keuchel:  Merrifield is 5-for-9 as is Cheslor Cuthbert, but two of his hits are home runs.

Starting for the Royals is Danny Duffy, who was supposed to be the long-term ace for KC, when he signed a 5-year, $65 million deal in 2017.

Since signing that contract, Duffy is 21-27, with a 4.44 ERA in 52 starts.

Over his last five starts this season, Duffy is 1-2 with a 4.30 ERA in 29 innings. He has allowed seven home runs in that stretch, while striking out 23 and walking 10.

Duffy has faced the Braves just once in his career and that was a relief appearance in 2016, where he allowed no earned runs over three innings.

Tyler Flowers is 1-for-14 with a home run against Duffy. Josh Donaldson is 3-for-11 with a homer and two doubles, while Nick Markakis is 2-for-7.

I would expect a bounce back game for Keuchel in this one and the offense to continue its success against a struggling lefty.