The Chicago Cubs head to Kauffman Stadium on Sunday, August 9 for a 2:10 PM ET first pitch against the Kansas City Royals. Matthew Boyd gets the ball for Chicago against Kansas City's Randy Dobnak in what shapes up as a midseason interleague matchup the Cubs need to treat as a must-win opportunity. With the Cubs lineup yet to be posted, Boyd's performance and how the offense responds to Dobnak will go a long way toward determining whether Chicago walks out of Missouri with a victory.

Cubs Starter Matthew Boyd vs. Royals Starter Randy Dobnak

Boyd draws the assignment on the road, a left-handed veteran who has shown the ability to work deep into games when his command is sharp. Without current ERA or win-loss figures available for this matchup, the focus falls on process: Boyd needs to establish his fastball early, limit free passes, and keep Kansas City's lineup from stringing together the kind of contact-heavy innings this ballpark can produce.

Dobnak counters for the Royals. The right-hander has carved out a big-league career by working efficiently and keeping the ball in the zone. He is not going to overpower a Cubs lineup, which means Chicago's hitters need to be disciplined, work counts, and look for pitches to drive rather than letting Dobnak dictate the at-bat on his terms.

Kansas City Royals Lineup Keys

The Royals are sending out a lineup that demands respect at the top. Nick Loftin leads off from third base, followed immediately by Bobby Witt Jr. slotting into the two-hole as designated hitter. Witt is one of the most dynamic young players in the American League, and Boyd will need to be precise whenever Witt comes to the plate. The middle of the order features Jac Caglianone in right field batting third and Salvador Perez at first base cleaning up — a veteran presence with legitimate power who punishes mistakes over the plate.

Starling Marte brings experience to the five-hole in left field, and Michael Massey rounds out the bottom of the lineup's upper half at second base. Boyd cannot afford to let the lineup turn over with runners aboard.

Three Things to Watch Sunday

• Boyd's command against a contact-oriented lineup: Kansas City makes contact and runs the bases. Boyd's ability to generate weak contact and avoid walks is the single biggest factor in the Cubs' chances.
• Cubs lineup vs. Dobnak: Chicago's offense will need to be posted before game time, but the key will be patience. Dobnak works fast and wants quick outs. Taking pitches and working deep counts tilts the advantage toward the Cubs.
• Bullpen depth: With Boyd's workload an open question, how the Cubs manage their bullpen in the later innings at a neutral American League park — with the designated hitter in play — matters for roster management down the stretch.

Prediction

This is a winnable game for Chicago. Boyd has the experience to navigate a lineup like Kansas City's, and Dobnak, while capable, is the kind of starter a quality Cubs offense can solve with disciplined at-bats. The Royals have enough firepower with Witt and Perez to make it interesting, but give the edge to the Cubs if Boyd can get through five or six innings without major damage. Cubs 5, Royals 3.

Coverage begins at 2:10 PM ET on Marquee Sports Network and 104.3 The Score.