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 Leading the best-of-seven series 2-1, Royals manager Ned Yost is
taking a Game Four gamble by handing the ball to Young, who has made
just two starts since late July.
However, both of those outings were effective with the lanky
6ft-10in (2.08 meters) journeyman allowing a single run over 11 1/3
innings of work.
"He's got great numbers, he's always had great numbers," Yost told
reporters on Monday. "He's had good success against some of these
hitters.
"His height and his deception in his delivery, his competitiveness.
He had a great outing against Houston in Kansas City and his last
two starts were really, really good."
Young broke into the majors in 2004 and over 11 seasons has played
for five different teams, never winning more than 12 games in a
campaign.
This season, the 36-year-old posted a record of 11-6 in 34
appearances that included a 7-5 loss to the Blue Jays in July.
He also made a relief appearance in Game One of the AL division
series against Houston, giving up a run in four solid innings of
work.
"Moments like this are what I dreamed about and aspired to achieve
going through surgeries and rehabs," said Young, looking ahead to
his start.
"It's been nine years since I've been in the postseason, and now to
have this opportunity and help this club who has, one, lifted me up,
and secondly, given me an opportunity.
"Comparing myself to nine years ago, I guess at the time I thought
there would be a lot more playoff opportunities going through it.
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"Maybe have lost a few miles an hour on the fastball but hope I can
make up for it with a little bit more between the ears."
Known as a fly ball pitcher, Young has benefited from playing home
games at the expansive Kauffman Stadium, which gave up the fewest
home runs in the major leagues this season.
The cozy Rogers Centre however, is known as a hitters ball park and
Young will be challenged to keep the ball from flying into the
stands.
"If he's got the fastball and slider going he's going to be very,
very tough," Yost added. "Again, every pitcher has to execute.
"If a pitcher executes he's going to be in good shape. If he
doesn't, he probably won't be in good shape. But we expect Chris to
execute tomorrow (Tuesday)."
(Editing by John O'Brien)
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