Royals vs Guardians Odds & Pick
| Kansas City Royals Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Over/Under | Run Line (Spread) |
+110 | 8 -120o / +100u | +1.5 -190 |
| Cleveland Guardians Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Over/Under | Run Line (Spread) |
-130 | 8 -120o / +100u | -1.5 +155 |
The Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Guardians are set for the first meeting of their series Tuesday night. Seth Lugo will take the ball for the Royals and will be opposed by Cleveland's Triston McKenzie.
While McKenzie is a talented young arm, Lugo is in the midst of a career renaissance in Kansas City. The 34-year-old has flourished through his first 12 starts of the season, and we may get another excellent performance out of him.
Royals vs Guardians odds, however, have the Guardians as -130 moneyline favorites, with an over/under of 8 (-120o /+100u).
Will Lugo lead the Royals to victory? Find out as I make my Royals vs Guardians pick in our MLB betting preview for Tuesday, June 4.
Kansas City Royals
This is a battle between the two top teams in the AL Central, but it's clear which team has the edge offensively. Led by Bobby Witt Jr. at shortstop, the Royals rank second in the majors in xBA and third in xSLG.
The Royals can really swing, and we should see their bats on full display tonight against McKenzie.
McKenzie's battle with injuries has limited the upside we once saw from him, and he's due for some sizable regression entering tonight's outing.
His command has been a significant issue, leading to mistakes both in and outside the zone. He ranks in the seventh percentile in barrel rate and eighth percentile in walk rate.
Hard contact and walks are not a recipe for success, and they could prove to be deadly against this hot-hitting Royals lineup.
Cleveland Guardians
The Guardians are on the opposite end of the spectrum when it comes to offense. They have the lowest hard-hit rate in baseball and the second-lowest barrel rate.
When they posted similar numbers last season, their saving grace was their low strikeout rate. This year, the Guardians have struck out a bit more than last year, and their xBA has suffered, sitting at .245.
On paper, this is a dream matchup for the resurgent Lugo. Lugo has outperformed expectations, as he enters with a 1.72 ERA on the season.
The crafty veteran's command has been on point, and while he's due for some regression because of the amount of contact he allows, the Guardians are not a threatening lineup.
Royals vs Guardians
Betting Pick & Prediction
The Royals are the side to back here.
They have an edge on both sides, with their lineup being light years ahead of the Guardians in run production and Lugo on the mound against a scuffling McKenzie.
Don't let the standings fool you. The Royals are the superior club and will take this opener.
