This affiliate content is not influenced by our advertising relationships, but AP and Data Skrive might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content.

Paul Skenes absorbed the news of his starting role during the All Star Game with stoicism during a clubhouse call from National League manager Dave Roberts, his emotionless belying

The Pittsburgh Pirates look to break their four-game skid with a victory against the Kansas City Royals. Kansas City is 21-24 at home and 44-48 overall. The Royals have a 31-10 record in games when they have more hits than their opponents.

Kansas City rolled to a 9-3 victory in Monday's series opener and won 4-3 via Nick Loftin's walk-off, RBI single in the ninth Tuesday. That secured the Royals' first winning home series since they swept a four-game set against the Chicago White Sox from May 5-8.

A can't-miss matchup of top pitching talents highlights the Pittsburgh Pirates' series against the Milwaukee Brewers.