Atlanta @ Kansas City preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 17, 2013 ) Kansas City 1, Atlanta 0

The Atlanta Braves visit Kansas City for the first time when they begin a two-game series against the Royals on Tuesday. The teams have played eight previous games – all in Atlanta – and split a two-game set in April. The Braves have struggled to a 7-11 record over their last 18 contests but still possess a six-game lead in the National League East, while Kansas City snapped a four-game losing streak by beating the Chicago White Sox on Sunday.

Atlanta outfielder Justin Upton missed the final two games of a weekend series with the Milwaukee Brewers with an ailing right hand but is expected to be available for the opener. Upton hit 12 home runs in April but has gone deep just three times since. Kansas City's Billy Butler also is experiencing a power drought with just five homers and a .390 slugging percentage this season after hitting 29 blasts and slugging .510 last year.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, SportSouth (Atlanta), FSN (Kansas City)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Kris Medlen (4-7, 2.96 ERA) vs. Royals RH Ervin Santana (5-5, 2.64)

Medlen received a no-decision against Kansas City on April 16, when he allowed two runs (one earned) and six hits in seven innings. He has won three of his last four decisions and beat the New York Mets in his last outing as he gave up three runs (one earned) and six hits over seven frames. The Braves have been shut out in three of Medlen’s losses and scored just once in two others.

Santana has been superb in four June starts, allowing 16 hits in 28 2/3 innings while going 2-0 with a 0.94 ERA. He received a no-decision in his last outing despite limiting the Cleveland Indians to one run and three hits in seven frames. Santana is 1-1 with a 3.68 ERA in two career starts against Atlanta.

WALK-OFFS

1. Atlanta has won five of its previous eight meetings with Kansas City.

2. Royals OF David Lough is hitting .371 with five multi-hit performances in his last nine games.

3. Braves OF B.J. Upton is 8-for-24 with a homer against Santana.

PREDICTION: Royals 3, Braves 1