The Royals start a nine-game homestand to close out April as the division-rival Indians come to Kauffman Stadium for a three-game series. KC went just 2-7 at home last season against Cleveland and 5-12 overall in 2005.

The Royals bullpen desperately needs a quality start from lefty Mark Redman, who toes the rubber for just the second time in this young season. Royals starters have been unable to go deep into games during the 10-game losing streak. Couple that with numerous injuries to the rotation, and manager Buddy Bell has been forced to use a patchwork staff.

Redman makes his first appearance at Kauffman Stadium as a member of the Royals. In four starts as a visiting pitcher, he's 1-3 with 7.36 ERA. He does, however, have good success against the Indians, going 5-1 with a 2.66 ERA in seven career starts.

"Teams rebuild each and every year," Redman said, "so that was probably a few years ago. They've got some good hitters. You just have to keep the ball down and in the park and let our hitters do their thing."

Cleveland hurler Cliff Lee has been the model of consistency. You have to go back to April 7 of last season to find the last time he didn't pitch at least five innings in a start.

Following a day off on Monday, the Twins and Oakland Athletics come to town for the final six games of the homestand.

The Royals will face the Tribe with another three-game set in Kansas City, May 8-10.

Pitching matchup
CLE: LHP Cliff Lee (1-1, 2.89 ERA)
Kauffman Stadium has always been a friendly place for Lee, who's 4-0 in Kansas city. He's posted three solid starts to begin the season and has become one of the most reliable starters in the American League.

KC: LHP Mark Redman (0-0, 5.40 ERA)
Redman hopes to build off his first start of the season against the Devil Rays last Sunday. After giving up three runs in the first two innings, the southpaw was sharp over the final three frames -- and was in line for the win until the bullpen gave up the lead in the sixth.

Player to watch
Travis Hafner is hitting .319 with four homers and 12 RBIs and a .611 slugging percentage in 20 career games in Kansas City.

On the Internet
 MLB.TV
 Gameday Audio
•  Gameday
•  Official game notes

On television
• RSTN

On radio
• WHB

Up next
• Saturday: Indians (RHP Paul Byrd, 2-1, 7.02 ERA) at Royals (RHP Joe Mays, 0-2, 11.68 ERA), 6:10 p.m. CT
• Sunday: Indians (RHP Jason Johnson, 2-0, 1.83 ERA) at Royals (LHP Jeremy Affeldt, 0-2, 8.10 ERA), 1:10 p.m. CT
• Tuesday: Twins (RHP Kyle Lohse, 1-1, 8.44 ERA) at Royals (Scott Elarton, 0-4, 4.07 ERA), 7:10 p.m. CT