This is a huge series for the Royals if they want to make a run in the AL Central. Kansas City has yet to lose to the Indians at home in three meetings this season.

Indians starter Corey Kluber carries a big reputation, but it's a mistake to make the Royals a home 'dog here. KC has won nearly 70 percent of its games at Kauffman Stadium this season. The Royals have defeated Kluber the past five times they've faced him at home. This includes a 9-4 win on June 15. Kluber gave up eight runs (five earned) in five innings in that loss.

Kluber tailed off last year from his outstanding 2014 season and he's been worse this season with a 3.61 ERA. Kluber also hasn't pitched in nine days for the Indians. His career ERA is 4.16 when throwing on six or more days of rest.

Kluber also will have a new catcher for the first time this season as Yan Gomes injured his shoulder on Sunday. The Indians activated catcher Roberto Perez, who has caught just nine innings during a minor league rehab assignment after undergoing thumb surgery in May. Kluber entered this year with a 3.88 ERA when Perez has been his catcher.

Royals starter Edinson Volquez has been better at home where he's 6-3 with a 4.25 ERA. That ERA would be much lower if it weren't for one bad outing against the Astros last month when he was lit up for 11 earned runs in one inning. Volquez has a 1.54 ERA the two times this season when he's pitched with six or more days of rest.

Volquez is backed by one of the strongest bullpens in baseball.