Royals' Yost opts for Vargas over Shields in Game 4

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Given the choice of going with his ace, James Shields, in Game 4 or going with the struggling Jason Vargas, Royals skipper Ned Yost chose Vargas.

Vargas lost all four of his final regular-season starts, giving up 18 runs in 18 innings. He walked seven and gave up 23 hits.

Vargas did escape his only postseason start against the Angels in the ALDS by going six innings while giving up two runs.

But Vargas often was saved by great outfield defense.

Still, Yost opted to give Shields, who hasn't been sharp in the postseason, either, an extra day off.

"The thought process was that (Jeremy) Guthrie had a bunch of rest and Vargy has had a bunch of rest," Yost said before Game 3. "We thought it beneficial to give Shields an extra day and (Yordano) Ventura an extra day.

"I think being up two games helps us do that. If it was tied 1-1, it might have been a different decision."

Vargas will be pitching Wednesday on almost two full weeks of rest.

Asked if he thought he might be rusty, Vargas said, "I don't know. I guess we'll find out tomorrow. I feel fine. I feel rested. I had some good bullpen sessions and everything feels fine.

"I've just never had this much rest."

You can follow Jeffrey Flanagan on Twitter at @jflanagankc or email him at jeffreyflanagan6@gmail.com.