The Kansas City Royals head to Daikin Park in Houston for a Wednesday, September 16 matchup against the Astros, with first pitch scheduled for 8:10 PM ET. Daniel Lynch IV gets the ball for Kansas City against Houston's Cristian Javier in what shapes up as a classic late-season AL clash between two clubs that know each other well. With rosters expanded and September stakes on the line, this is a game the Royals need to approach with focus — road wins in Houston are never a given, and Daikin Park is no friendly environment.

Pitching Matchup: Lynch IV vs. Javier

Daniel Lynch IV draws the start for Kansas City. The left-hander has been a part of the Royals' rotation story this season, and this is a meaningful opportunity on the road against a seasoned lineup. Lynch will need to command both sides of the plate early against a Houston order that has experience at the top and genuine danger in the middle.

Cristian Javier takes the hill for Houston. Javier has shown the ability to miss bats with his fastball-changeup combination, and the Royals' lineup will need to be disciplined and patient to get to him. He is not a pitcher KC can afford to chase early in counts.

Kansas City Royals Starting Lineup

• 1. Carter Jensen (C)
• 2. Bobby Witt Jr. (SS)
• 3. Vinnie Pasquantino (1B)
• 4. Salvador Perez (DH)
• 5. Michael Massey (2B)
• 6. Nick Loftin (RF)
• 7. John Rave (CF)
• 8. Josh Rojas (3B)
• 9. Isaac Collins (LF)

Houston Astros Starting Lineup

• 1. Jeremy Peña (SS)
• 2. Yordan Alvarez (DH)
• 3. Isaac Paredes (3B)
• 4. Jose Altuve (2B)
• 5. Yainer Diaz (C)
• 6. Christian Walker (1B)
• 7. Cam Smith (RF)
• 8. Daulton Varsho (CF)
• 9. Jorge Barrosa (LF)

Keys to Watch for the Royals

• Bobby Witt Jr. sets the tone: Hitting second in the order, Witt is Kansas City's most dynamic offensive weapon. If he gets on base early and often, the Royals' lineup has a chance to string things together against Javier.
• Lynch controlling Yordan Alvarez: Alvarez hitting second in Houston's order is a serious threat. Lynch cannot let him beat him with power — location and sequence will be everything in those at-bats.
• Salvie's presence in the middle: Salvador Perez batting cleanup in the DH spot gives Kansas City a proven run-producer. If Pasquantino gets on base ahead of him, Perez has the chance to do real damage.
• Neutralizing Altuve and Paredes: The three-four combination of Paredes and Altuve in the Houston order gives the Astros a reliable middle-of-the-lineup threat. Lynch has to work through that stretch without a crooked number going up.

Prediction

This is a tough road assignment. Houston at home in September with Javier on the mound is a challenge for any club. That said, the Royals have the lineup depth and a capable starter in Lynch to keep this game close. Expect a low-scoring affair that comes down to late-inning bullpen decisions. If Witt Jr. gets going and Lynch gives Kansas City five solid innings, the Royals have a real chance to steal one in Houston. Call it a narrow Royals loss, 3-2, but don't be surprised if this one goes the other way.

Catch the game on Royals.TV or listen live on 96.5 The Fan and the Royals Radio Network. First pitch is 8:10 PM ET.