Toronto @ Kansas City preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 13, 2013 ) Toronto 3, Kansas City 2

The Toronto Blue Jays may not want to leave Kauffman Stadium after Sunday’s series finale against the Kansas City Royals. Toronto has won six straight and eight of its last nine in Kansas City, including Saturday’s 3-2 victory. The game was Toronto’s first since losing shortstop Jose Reyes, who will miss the next three months with a severe left ankle sprain. Munenori Kawasaki, who hit .192 with Seattle last season, replaced Reyes in the lineup Saturday and batted ninth.

Kansas City first baseman Eric Hosmer missed the last two games because of tightness in his right quadriceps, but is expected to return for the series finale. Left fielder Alex Gordon is batting .395 during his current 10-game hitting streak, and catcher Salvador Perez has nine hits in 20 at-bats over the last five games. Third baseman Mike Moustakas is off to a slow start, batting .158 after going hitless in his last 13 at-bats.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, SNET (Toronto), Fox Sports Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Brandon Morrow (0-1, 5.59 ERA) vs. Royals RH Ervin Santana (1-1, 3.21)

Morrow allowed five runs over 3 2/3 innings in a 7-3 loss at Detroit on Tuesday when he failed to record a strikeout. The 28-year-old Morrow is hoping to stay healthy after landing on the disabled list three times in the past four seasons. He made one start against the Royals last season, giving up one run over 6 2/3 innings on April 23. Hosmer is 5-for-9 with two home runs against Morrow, while Gordon is 1-for-11 with six strikeouts.

Santana bounced back from a dismal season opener by allowing one run over eight innings Monday against the Twins. After giving up three homers in his first start, he kept the ball in the park against Minnesota, which is always a good sign for Santana. He had a 1.60 ERA in seven starts last season when he didn't allow a home run. Jose Bautista is 7-for-22 with two home runs against Santana, who was 0-1 with a 5.54 ERA in two starts against Toronto last season.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Blue Jays have allowed at least six runs in six of their first 11 games.

2. Kansas City hasn’t beaten Toronto at Kauffman Stadium since June 9, 2011.

3. Toronto 3B Brett Lawrie (ribs) hopes to begin a minor league rehab assignment within the next few days.

PREDICTION: Royals 5, Blue Jays 3