Baseball

Shields committed one mistake, a two-run homer by J.D. Martinez, but the Astros pitchers made it stand up to saddle Shields with his fifth loss. He was otherwise stellar, allowing seven hits while striking out seven on the night. Despite the 2-5 record, Shields has been as good as advertised for the Royals this season, now owning a 2.47 ERA with a 0.96 WHIP. He will get the Cardinals next.

Perez also sat out Tuesday after bruising his right hip Monday while sliding into a dugout post at Minute Maid Park. The Royals are hoping that he will be able to play in Thursday's series opener against the Angels.

Gordon is currently enjoying a nine-game hitting streak in which he's hitting .514 (18-for-35) with four doubles. He's now batting .352/.384/.536 through 42 games, and his move to the No. 3 hole seems to be permanent. The Royals' most consistent hitter and one of the hottest hitters in the league, the 29-year-old could be looking at a career year.

The power is still missing, but Hosmer is now batting .271 with a .342 on-base percentage. The skill set suggests that he will start hitting the ball over the fence soon. He can break out at any time.

Davis was fortunate to hold the Astros to just three runs, as he gave up eight hits and four walks on the night. After a strong start to the season, Davis now owns a 5.91 ERA and has won just one start since April 17. Fortunately for Davis, the Royals don't have any better options to replace him in the rotation at this point. His next start will come Sunday against the Angels.

Perez suffered the injury Monday when he ran into a railing near the Astros' dugout while trying to track down a foul ball. He is not in the Royals' starting lineup on Tuesday night but should be fine in a few days.

Kottaras has started only four games this season and hasn't registered a hit since April 28. He's batting .125/.364/.375 this season, somehow drawing six walks in 21 plate appearances despite his limp bat.