Cleveland starter Danny Salazar was strong for four innings, striking out six while allowing two hits and a walk. In his previous three starts, Salazar pitched a total of 6 1/3 innings, allowing three runs on four hits and eight walks while striking out eight. Command was high on his priority list as he toed the rubber against the Royals.
Royals left-hander Jason Vargas, likely the No. 3 or No. 4 starter, worked through three scoreless innings. He gave up two hits, walked three and struck out three. He threw 54 pitches, 30 for strikes.