THREE-GAME SERIES AT KAUFFMAN STADIUM

Monday, 7:10 p.m. • FSN, 96.3-FM

LH Tommy Milone (7-4, 3.60) vs. RH Yordano Ventura (10-7, 4.24)

Tuesday, 7:10 p.m. • FSN, 96.3-FM

RH Kyle Gibson (9-9, 3.84) vs. RH Edinson Volquez (12-7, 3.53)

Wednesday, 7:10 p.m. • FSN, 96.3-FM

RH Mike Pelfrey (6-9, 4.17) vs. RH Kris Medlen (3-1, 4.88)

TWINS UPDATE

They are 29-38 on the road and have lost three of their past four road games. … They are 5-8 against the Royals this season, having been outscored 52-37, and they are 3-4 in Kauffman Stadium. They are in danger of losing the season series to Kansas City for the third straight season. … They are 162-167 in Kauffman Stadium overall. … Interim closer Kevin Jepsen owns a 2.01 ERA in 24 career appearances against the Royals. … Gibson is 5-2 with a 2.20 career ERA in seven starts against K.C., but he's only 2-2 this season. … 1B Joe Mauer is a lifetime .340 hitter in Kauffman Stadium, and his 51 RBI there are more than in any other road ballpark.

ROYALS UPDATE

They have lost three straight games after being swept by the White Sox, but their 12-game lead over the Twins is still the largest of any division leader. … Their 14-game advantage in 1980 is the only time they have won a division by double digits. … They have had 10 winning streaks of four games or longer this season. … They are 47-25 at home, one fewer win than Houston for the most in the AL. … RHP Johnny Cueto, acquired in a trade-deadline deal, will not pitch in the series, but the Twins will face K.C.'s hottest pitcher in Ventura, who owns a 1.13 ERA over his past five starts. Ventura has struck out 22 batters in his past two starts. … Setup man Wade Davis has allowed only six runs in 57 appearances this season.

Phil Miller