Lee (7-1, 1.50 ERA) can move into a three-way tie with Boston's Daisuke Matsuzaka and Los Angeles' Joe Saunders atop the AL wins list. His ERA is second among starters in the major leagues, trailing only Cincinnati's Edinson Volquez (1.34).

The veteran left-hander appears to have an excellent opportunity to pick up another win as Cleveland (24-29) faces a Kansas City team mired in the majors' longest losing streak this year, scoring two runs or less seven times during its skid.

"It's no fun going out there and losing every day," Royals center fielder David DeJesus said. "I didn't think this was going to happen. We have too good of players on our team right now. But it's happening."

Lee threw a three-hitter against the Royals on April 24, striking out a season-high nine in a 2-0 win. He is 8-4 with a 4.81 ERA in 15 starts against Kansas City.

In his last start, the veteran left-hander gave up two runs and seven hits while striking out eight in 6 2-3 innings to earn a win as Cleveland beat Texas 5-2 on Saturday night.

The Indians are in desperate need of another strong performance from Lee. Cleveland has lost 10 of 12, and fallen six games behind the first-place Chicago White Sox in the AL Central.

The Indians got a day off after losing 6-5 to the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday. After that game, Cleveland manager Eric Wedge once again expressed his displeasure with the way his team has been playing.

"Until we start making adjustments, (opposing teams) are going to keep sticking it to us," he said. "It's up to them to get it done. There can be no excuses."

The Indians' lineup could get a boost in this series. Designated hitter Travis Hafner had a cortisone shot in his right shoulder Tuesday and hopes to play Friday. Hafner, who missed the last three games, could be placed on the disabled list if he isn't ready by the weekend.

Facing Gil Meche (3-7, 5.35 ERA) also has the potential to help Cleveland's cause. Meche is in danger of moving into a tie with San Francisco's Barry Zito for the major league lead in losses.

The right-hander, though, has been losing despite pitching well in recent weeks. Meche has dropped consecutive starts even though he allowed just two runs in each outing, getting a total of two runs to work with during that stretch.

Meche's best start of the season was against the Indians, allowing four hits in seven innings in a 2-0 victory on May 4. He is 3-7 with a 5.54 ERA in 14 starts against Cleveland.

In his last start, Meche allowed five hits in six innings versus Toronto on Sunday, but Kansas City lost 3-1.

The Royals are coming off another dismal game at the plate, losing 5-1 to Minnesota on Thursday night.

Cleveland is 3-2 versus Kansas City.