Posted by Joe Hamrahi on Monday, May 18, 2009 at 11:30 pm

After a Monday off, we’re back with BDD’s matchup of the day. Tuesday takes us to the midwest and Kauffman Stadium for a look at the Indians and Royals.

Cleveland and Kansas City find themselves in unfamiliar territory at this time of the year. The Indians are just 14-25 thus far and have dropped 7 of their last 10, including 3 in a row this weekend to the Rays. The Royals, on the other hand, are a surprising 20-18, just one game out of first place in the American League Central. After dropping 6 straight last week, Kansas City bounced back to take 2 of 3 from the Orioles over the weekend.

Tonight, Cleveland will send the reigning Cy Young award winner to the mound. Cliff Lee is the owner of a disappointing 2-5 record this season, but that’s really not all his fault. Lee got off to a rough start, getting pounded by Texas and Toronto in his first two games. But in his 6 starts since then, Cliff has allowed just 7 earned runs in 44 innings, walking just 8 while striking out 32.

Brian Bannister will take the ball for the second place Kansas City Royals. Bannister spent the first 3 weeks of the 2009 campaign at AAA, but since his return to the big leagues, he’s been lights out. In 5 starts for the Royals, Brian is 3-1 with a 1.80 ERA and a WHIP of 1.17. Opponents are hitting just .211 against the right-hander. Bannister last pitched on Wednesday when he was pulled due to shoulder stiffness, but he said he feels fine and is ready to go this evening.

Thanks to the folks at ACTA Sports, we’re able to bring you some interesting matchup information for tonight:

vs. Brian Bannister
Grady Sizemore – 7-for-17 (.412), 1 HR, 2 BB, 2 K
Travis Hafner – 5-for-12 (.417), 2 K
Jhonny Peralta – 2-for-17 (.118)

vs. Cliff Lee
John Buck – 12-for-34 (.353), 3 HR, 5 BB, 13 K
Mark Teahen – 14-for-38 (.368), 2 HR, 1 BB, 5 K
Miguel Olivo – 3-for-22 (.136), 1 HR, 1 BB, 8 K
Willie Bloomquist – 4-for-23 (.174), 7 K

Today’s matchup file with much more detail is attached. If you would like to receive a free subscription to your favorite team’s matchups for the remainder of the year, please send an email to matchups@actasports.com with your name and favorite team and where you buy your sports books.

Enjoy the game!

Download: Bill James Matchup Report: Royals – Indians