The Royals are hurting as they struggle to stay out of last place in the American League Central dropping game one of their series to Cleveland.  Starting pitcher Luke Hochevar was also hurt in the game.

Hochevar kept the Royals in the game through the first five innings as he went up against former Cardinal Anthony Reyes.  The Royals were down 4-3 heading into the bottom of the sixth when he felt a sharp pain in his back after his first warm-up pitch.

It was determined after the game he pulled a rib muscle in his back and could likely miss his next start.  Leo Nunez was called on to pitch the sixth and gave up three runs.

Alex Gordon was also held out of the lineup with a sore lower back.  Jose Guillen drove in two runs for the Royals.