Oakland at Kansas City

Kansas City's hopes for a playoff spot are dwindling after Monday's 16-3 blowout loss to Oakland while surrendering 10 walks and 17 hits to the Athletics.  Even Danny Duffy, who was the Royals' best pitcher for a good part of the season, is struggling for wins with his team having lost his last three starts. The drought includes 6-5 loss at Minnesota on Wednesday when the bullpen was the culprit. Duffy has allowed 13 earned runs and 26 hits his last 16 2/3 innings. Kansas City has lost five of its last six home games and 20 of its last 26 against AL West teams. Jharel Cotton makes his second start for Oakland after giving up just one run and two hits in 6 1/3 innings in a 4-1 win over the Angels. The Royals will be seeing him for the first time. This is another huge value spot for the road underdog, so play the Athletics.