INSIDE THE MATCHUPS

YANKEES:

The Yankees are 5-2 in Pineda’s seven starts, winning five of the last six. Pineda took the loss in his last start against the Astros, snapping his five-game undefeated streak, after allowing three runs on six hits over 6 ²/₃ innings while striking out 11 and walking none.

ROYALS:

Vargas has given up just one earned run in his last three starts, a 19-inning span over which he’s struck out 11 and walked six. His last start against the Yankees came May 26, 2015, when he gave up two runs in four innings and got the loss.