Kansas City @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 26, 2013 ) Kansas City 5, Chi. White Sox 1

The Kansas City Royals have been surging since the All-Star break and are within shouting distance of .500. The Chicago White Sox, who host the Royals on Saturday, are showcasing their players for the upcoming trade deadline while sinking further and further into the American League Central basement. Kansas City is riding a four-game winning streak while trying desperately to get back in the division race.

The Royals are seven games behind the division-leading Detroit Tigers but will play each of their next 11 games against teams with losing records. Kansas City (49-51) is 7-2 since the break and seeking its first winning campaign since 2003. Chicago has dropped four of five, and its players are being heavily scouted by opposing clubs.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN (Kansas City), WGN (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Wade Davis (4-9, 5.92 ERA) vs. White Sox LH Chris Sale (6-9, 2.81)

Davis is fighting to stay in the rotation after taking the loss in four straight starts. The right-hander lasted only 2 2/3 innings against Baltimore on Monday and is pitching to a 10.91 ERA in his last four turns. Davis’ last strong outing came against Chicago on June 22, when he allowed two runs in seven innings but did not figure in the decision.

Sale posted his fifth straight quality start on Monday but dropped to 1-3 in that span thanks to poor run support. The All-Star has notched 51 strikeouts in 37 2/3 innings over his last five starts, including 11 against powerful Detroit on Monday. Sale held Kansas City to one run on six hits in 7 1/3 frames on May 6 but was forced to settle for a no-decision.

WALK-OFFS

1. Royals RF David Lough homered on Friday and has hit safely in six straight games to boost his average to .304.

2. Chicago RHP Jesse Crain - one of the most sought-after trade pieces on the roster - suffered a setback in his rehab from a right shoulder sprain and will not throw again until next week.

3. Kansas City RHP Luke Hochevar has not allowed a run in any of his last 12 appearances.

PREDICTION: White Sox 7, Royals 2