Over the weekend, the Royals lost one of their better hitters in Vinnie Barbarino ... err Pasquantino for 4-6 weeks. They can't hit much as is and are 3-15 vs. southpaws. K.C. is also 10 games under .500 away and goes with Mitch Spence on the mound -- Spence is 11-16 with a 4.91 ERA in his three seasons in the Show and was only just called back up. It's lefty Andrew Alvarez (3.70 ERA) for the Nats -- although he might not be out there more 4-5 innings as essentially an extended opener. Washington has won two straight and six of nine overall. Might be the first time have played it all season as a ML favorite. Might be the last if don't win.

Starling Marte gets the start today for the Kansas City Royals. All three starts in the month of June he has cleared his combination line. Additionally, he has a strong history when it comes to facing the Nationals, being with the Mets the prior four seasons. In 17 out of his last 19 games against Washington he has had at least one hit, this includes one of his nine home runs last season. Take Marte’s combination line over.