Bruce Chen will work on short rest for the first time in 13 years.
Chen will start Wednesday on three days' rest against the Astros, and he is eager to get back on the mound after a poor performance Saturday at St. Louis.
Chen, who celebrated his 35th birthday Tuesday, was pulled after 40 pitches and only 1 23 innings Saturday, allowing six runs on seven hits.
"I didn't pitch well at all," Chen said. "I wasn't commanding my pitches. I didn't make my pitches, and I got hit."
Only once previously has Chen started on three days' rest, on June 23, 1999, while with the Braves. He held the Phillies to one unearned run in 7 23 innings.
The move to push forward Chen was made to give Vin Mazzaro extra rest. Mazzaro left his Friday start after six innings due to right calf tightness. With the team off Thursday, Mazzaro won't pitch until Friday.
The Royals got a strong start Tuesday from Luke Hochevar, who pitched 7 23 innings in a 2-0 win at Houston.
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-- RHP Felipe...
