Bodog Beat

The Rays face the Royals tonight. (AP Images)

The Kansas City Royals’ batting order and defensive alignment could look somewhat different  when they take the field Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Third baseman Alex Gordon, who has been out since having hip surgery in mid-April, and shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt, who was acquired in a trade with the Mariners for two pitching prospects, are minor league rehab partners.

Both, however, will likely be activated soon after the break, possibly as early as Friday.

This will give Trey Hillman a lot more options when setting the lineup.

The Rays will be ready to go in an attempt to make up for two straight losses before the break when their bullpen failed.

Friday James Shields will be the guy to get the team back on track as he will look to win for the first time since the end of June.

He will be opposed by Zack Greinke, who is 10-5 for the Royals this season.

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