MLB teams
Doug Padilla, ESPN Staff Writer 8y

Chris Young to get ball Tuesday

MLB, Kansas City Royals, Toronto Blue Jays

TORONTO -- After two impressive outings to end the regular season and a dominant relief performance in the playoffs, Chris Young was named the Kansas City Royals' starting pitcher for Game 4 of the American League Championship Series.

Royals manager Ned Yost revealed his decision Sunday, one day after he said he was deciding between Young and Kris Medlen for the start. Young will pitch Tuesday opposite the Toronto Blue Jays' R.A. Dickey.

Both Royals options had impressive credentials, especially Medlen's 1.20 ERA in nine road appearances (four starts). But after losing his starting spot at the end of July, Young returned to the rotation in grand style Sept. 27 with five hitless innings against the Cleveland Indians.

The outing came one day after his father died in Texas, with Young insisting he would still pitch despite a heavy heart. Once out of the game, Young went directly to the airport to be with his family.

He made another start Oct. 2, giving up one run over 6 ⅓ innings against the Minnesota Twins while throwing 100 pitches for the first time since May 27. In Game 1 of the American League Division Series against the Houston Astros, Young came on in relief of starter Yordano Ventura after a 49-minute rain delay and recorded seven strikeouts over four innings.

"They're both great choices, but Chris Young, his last two starts of the year were really good for us," Yost said. "We feel like he gives us a good chance to win."

Through seven postseason games, the Royals have gotten by while using Ventura, Johnny Cueto and Edinson Volquez as starters. Cueto is scheduled to pitch Game 3 on Monday.

Despite losing his spot in the rotation, Young had a strong season overall with an 11-6 record to go along with a 3.06 ERA over 34 appearances (18 starts). He finished the regular season with 123 ⅓ innings pitched.

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