The Philadelphia Phillies (74-54) and Kansas City Royals (72-56) meet up for the second game of their three-game series on Saturday night at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals took Friday’s opener 7-4, thanks mostly to a third-inning implosion by Phillies starter Taijuan Walker.

After allowing the Royals to score a single run in the first inning, the wheels fell off for Walker in the third. The beleaguered veteran gave up two-run homers to Royals catcher Salvador Perez and right fielder Hunter Renfroe in the five-run frame.

The Phillies offense tried to battle back but in its weakened state managed only four runs, going 3-for-12 with runners in scoring position.

The loss combined with an Atlanta Braves win sees the Phillies’ lead in the NL East drop to 5.0 games heading into today’s action. With the team in a tailspin, the Phillies will need the returning Ranger Suárez to give them a shot in the arm.

Phillies vs. Royals probable pitchers, August 24

• Ranger Suárez (10-5) will make his long-awaited return for the Phillies tonight. The lefty-hander has a 2.87 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in 20 starts. He had a 6.61 ERA in three July starts before hitting the IL but carried a 2.27 ERA in his 17 previous starts.

• Brady Singer (9-8) will take the ball for the Royals. The 28-year-old right-hander has a 3.18 ERA and 1.21 WHIP in 25 starts. He has struggled in two of his three starts in August, posting a 1-2 record with a 5.40 ERA AND 1.62 WHIP, although he shut out the Cincinnati Reds over six innings in the last outing.

Philadelphia Phillies starting lineup, August 24

• 1. DH Kyle Schwarber
• 2. SS Trea Turner
• 3. 1B Bryce Harper
• 4. 3B Alec Bohm
• 5. RF Nick Castellanos
• 6. 2B Bryson Stott
• 7. C J.T. Realmuto
• 8. CF Brandon Marsh
• 9. LF Austin Hays

Kansas City Royals starting lineup, August 24

• 1. 3B Maikel Garci
• 2. SS Bobby Witt Jr.
• 3. 1B Vinnie Pasquantino
• 4. C Salvador Perez
• 5. RF Hunter Renfroe
• 6. 2B Michael Massey
• 7. DH Freddy Fermin
• 8. LF Dairon Blanco
• 9. CF Kyle Isbel

What channel is the Philadelphia Phillies game on today?

• Game time: 7:10 p.m. ET.
• NBCSP will have the Phillies broadcast.
• The Royals broadcast will be on Bally Sports Kansas City.
• MLB Network will carry a national broadcast (out-of-market only).