American League Central foes will square off in the third of a four-game series Wednesday as the Detroit Tigers (42-52) take on the Kansas City Royals (28-68). While the Royals have one of the worst records in baseball, the Tigers are quietly trying to sneak into contention in the division.
Read ahead to get all of the information on this matchup, including our Tigers vs Royals betting picks.
Detroit Tigers vs. Kansas City Royals Odds
Similar to a bet on esports, when you bet on sports like this matchup, you can wager on the moneyline, spread, and over/under.
Moneyline: The Detroit Tigers will come into this one as the favorites despite playing on the road. Their moneyline sits at -150. As underdogs, the Royals’ MLB odds to win sit at +135.
Spread: For the Tigers vs. Royals betting picks, the Tigers’ spread has been set at -1.5, with odds of +115. The Royals’ are +1.5 on the spread, with odds of -135.
Over/Under: The over/under for total runs has been set at eight for this contest. The odds for the over is -120, while the under eight runs is at +100.
Detroit Tigers vs. Kansas City Royals Information
Detroit Tigers vs Kansas City Royals
Location of the game: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, MO.
Date & Time: Wednesday, July 19. 8:10 pm ET.
How to watch: MLB.TV
Detroit Tigers vs. Kansas City Royals Analysis
Detroit Tigers Performance Recap and Analysis
The Tigers currently ranks third in the AL Central, but they sit just 5.5 games back of the Minnesota Twins for first. They are hoping that a soft upcoming MLB schedule will help them make up ground as they have the third-easiest remaining strength of schedule in the majors.
The starting pitcher for the Detroit Tigers game today will be Eduardo Rodriguez. In 13 games this season, he is 5-5 with a 2.70 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and he has struck out 81 in 76.2 innings.
Detroit ranks 28th in scoring this season, averaging just 3.87 runs per game. They are led by Spencer Torkelson, who is hitting just .232/.310/.416, but leads the team in home runs (14) and runs batted in (51).
Tigers’ Key Injuries
Looking at the MLB injury report, the Tigers are missing several players, mostly on the pitching side. Players like Matthew Boyd (elbow) and Spencer Turnbull (neck) are both on the 60-day IL.
Offensively, the only player of note they are missing is outfielder Austin Meadows, who is also on the injured list.
Detroit Betting Trends to Know
- In their last seven road games, the Tigers are 5-2.
- In their last 11 against the Royals, they are 8-3. In five of their last seven games, the under has hit.
Kansas City Royals Performance Recap and Analysis
It has been a rough season for the Royals this year. They sit at 28-68, 20.5 games out of first in the AL Central. Looking at the Kansas City Royals schedule, they have the fifth easiest strength of schedule in the majors.
The Royals will turn to Southpaw Ryan Yarbrough in this one. In 11 games, he is 2-4 with a 5.29 ERA, and 1.27 WHIP.
Bobby Witt Jr. has been the most electric player on offense for Kansas City. He is hitting .253/.294/.452 and leads the team in home runs (16), runs batted in (51), runs (50), and stolen bases (27).
Key Injuries For The Royals
Like the Tigers, the Royals have a number of injuries to their roster. The most notable for Wednesday might be Salvador Perez, who is questionable with a hamstring injury.
Other significant injuries include pitchers Zack Greinke (shoulder), Brad Keller (shoulder), Josh Staumont (neck), and first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (shoulder).
Kansas City Betting Trends to Know
- The Royals are 3-9 in their last 12 games and 7-13 in their last 20 played at home.
- In seven of their last 10 games, the under has hit for the Royals.
Detroit Tigers vs. Kansas City Royals Betting Picks
With two sub-.500 teams, this is certainly not a game where you will bet on entertainment, but there still could be some valuable picks when it comes to a bet on sports.
For our MLB picks, we will be taking the Tigers as the favorites on the moneyline. Not only has Eduardo Rodriguez had a strong season thus far, but at just 15-34 at home, the Royals can’t be trusted to put up a win.
For the spread, take the Tigers at -1.5 (+115). Especially if Salvador Perez is unable to go, the Royals’ already rough offense will become even worse. Throw in a strong pitching advantage for the Tigers, and they should be able to pick up a comfortable win.
For the last of our Tigers vs. Royals betting picks, take the under. These are two of the worst offenses in baseball, and despite Tuesday’s 21-run combined outburst, runs will come at a premium in this one.
Detroit Tigers vs. Kansas City Royals Prediction
- MLB Pick: Tigers 4 – Royals 1
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