MLB Preview: Franklin Morales vs. James Shields

The Colorado Rockies (23-17) lost their first series in over a month to the Cincinnati Reds this past week. They look to get back on track Tuesday night in a two-game set with the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium.

Franklin Morales gets the start for the Colorado Rockies in place of Jorge De La Rosa who is dealing with a tight lower-back. Morales has struggled of late, giving up 13 earned runs in his past 16 innings pitched. In his last outing against the Texas Rangers, he ended up throwing six innings, giving up six hits, five runs, four earned, three walks while striking out five.

James Shields will get the nod for the Kansas City Royals and presents a tough task for the potent offense of the Colorado Rockioes. Shields holds a career ERA of 3.76 and is having a great start to the 2014 campaign. In his most recent outing against the Rockies NL West rival San Diego Padres, Shields threw seven scoreless innings, giving up seven hits, two walks while striking out four.

Rockies Lineup:

1: Charlie Blackmon – CF
2: Corey Dickerson – DH
3: Troy Tulowitzki – SS
4: Carlos Gonzalez – LF
5: Nolan Arenado – 3B
6: Justin Morneau – 1B
7: Brandon Barnes – RF
8: Jordan Pacheco – C
9: DJ LeMahieu – 2B

Games Notes:

• Rockies have won four of the last five meetings with the Royals.
• Franklin Morales is 1-1 in his last three starts with an ERA of 7.31.
• Troy Tulowitzki is 9-for-25 with four HR’s in last six games vs. Royals.

First-pitch for the Colorado Rockies and Kansas City Royals is scheduled for 8:10 PM ET, 6:10 PM MT.