Game 128 Preview: Yankees at Royals

Aug 20, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury (22) runs up the first base line after hitting an RBI single bunt against the Houston Astros during the fifth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Players to Watch

Jacoby Ellsbury is a player to watch as his status is still classified as day-to-day. He is 9-for-22 with a pair of RBIs and 4 stolen bases in his last 7 games. Brian McCann is another player to keep an eye on. He’s gotten a hit in each of the last 3 games, including his game-winning three-run home-run yesterday against the White Sox.

Billy Butler has been hot for the Royals. The veteran is hitting .326 with 3 HR and 11 RBIs the past 13 games in Kansas City. Lorenzo Cain has done a could job of getting on base and scoring. His last 7 games he’s gone 7-for-20 with 3 runs and 2 RBIs.

James Shields, the starting pitcher for the Royals, might be the hottest player in this game. He’s been lights out his last 3 starts, winning all of them.

Brett Gardner’s status for tonight’s matchup is doubtful. He has been very cold lately, hitting just .111 his last 7 appearances.