The Chicago White Sox have been struggling in every facet of the game to begin the season, and are currently on an eight-game losing streak. MLB expert picks so far have been wrong on the team that was a heavy favorite to win the AL Central. Granted, it is very early and the three-game series with the Kansas City Royals is still salvageable, but Chicago is in need of a win.
Last Game’s Records
The Kansas City Royals won the series opener 6-0 on Tuesday to improve to 6-9, two games back of the AL Central-leading Minnesota Twins. The Chicago White Sox fell to 6-10.
Matchup information
Royals at White Sox Betting Analysis
Kansas City Royals Betting Analysis
The Royals have been one of the league’s worst offenses and pitching staffs. Offensively, they’re putting the ball in play, only striking out 7.0 times per game, the best mark in baseball, but 26th in runs per game (3.27) and 25th in OPS (.610). The pitching staff has the fourth-worst strikeout rate, only generating 7.8 per game. Opponents are scoring 4.47 runs per game while hitting .259 with a .716 OPS — all bottom eight in the league.
Chicago White Sox Betting Analysis
Betting on baseball can be frustrating because one manager’s decision can change the outcome of the game. The White Sox have experienced that with Tony La Russa, who fans have grown frustrated with. Picked to win the division as heavy favorites, the White Sox are only scoring 3.24 runs per game, the fourth-worst mark. They’re also allowing 4.79 runs per game, the sixth-worst mark. There is something to look forward to though as they put the ball in play, sixth in offensive strikeouts at 7.96 per game, and they generate whiffs, fourth in pitchers’ strikeouts at 9.78. At some point, the other averages should improve.
Updates
A few injury updates to follow before MLB betting: Kansas City’s speedy infielder Adalberto Mondesi is questionable with a knee injury. The White Sox are far from full strength. Lance Lynn, Yoan Moncada, Joe Kelly, Yermin Mercedes, and Garrett Crochet have all been out to start the season. Luis Robert, who is probable with a groin injury, has missed time.
The White Sox just lost outfielder Eloy Jimenez for an estimated 6 to 8 weeks after he was carted off the field with a hamstring issue. Closer Liam Hendriks is also questionable for Wednesday.
Royals at White Sox Betting Preview
Despite a shutout, the night before, the Kansas City Royals (+175) are underdogs at +1.5 (-130) despite throwing longtime ace and now 19-year veteran Zack Greinke. The Chicago White Sox (-215) are favorites at -1.5 (+110). The over/under for the game is 7.0. MLB betting trends show public bets are 58% for the White Sox to cover the spread.
Kansas City has had success of late, winning five of the last six games with the White Sox. The under has also been popular, hitting in six of the last seven meetings in Chicago and going under 17 times over the last 22 games between the two teams.
Royals at White Sox Betting Prediction
Both teams have lineups that should be improving as the season goes along. They’re both due for positive regression, though the White Sox have so many hitters out right now it is easier to see their slow struggle to start the season. Still, the anticipated return of Luis Robert should be a needed lift at the top of the lineup with his combination of speed and power: five steals in six attempts and four extra-base hits out of nine.
Starter Dylan Cease has given Chicago the most length out of their rotation this season. He’s already pitched a team-high 16 innings and toes the mound for more on Wednesday. He is 2-1 with a 3.38 ERA with 13 hits and seven walks allowed and 19 strikeouts.
Salvador Perez has five home runs and Hunter Dozier has three, but the Royals haven’t had a lot of guys hitting for power. They don’t always need to though as their lineup is 11-for-13 stealing this season, which can easily allow a base hit to drive their guys in.
Greinke has allowed four earned runs over 16 innings, scattering 16 hits and walking three, yet he’s winless so far. He’s become a true pitch-to-contact pitcher with only two strikeouts.
Given the White Sox ability to put the ball in play, a matchup against Greinke and with a reliable starter in Cease on the bump, the White Sox are heavy moneyline favorites for a reason. We’ll also take them to cover -1.5, though of their six wins, half would cover that spread.
How to Bet on Royals at White Sox
If you’re looking to bet on this game, go to your favorite sportsbook and place the wager as follows, or if you’re doing it online, pick a sportsbook and sign up if you haven’t already.
Betting the Royals moneyline (+175) with a $100 bet would generate a $175, plus the $100 you bet back should the Royals win outright. In order to get $100 back on a White Sox (-215) win, the risk is much higher, needing to place a $215 bet. Should the team lose, you will lose whatever you wager.
Betting against the spread (Royals +1.5 or White Sox -1.5) means you need the Royals to lose by one run or win the game or for the White Sox to win by two or more depending on which team you bet on. The MLB betting odds listed above can apply the same way as a moneyline bet to factor in how much money you could potentially make with a $100 bet. Again, if the Royals lose by two or more, or the White Sox win by one or lose, whichever side you bet may lose.
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