It is a beautiful time as baseball is finally beginning, and that starts with the first Cactus League game as the Texas Rangers visit the Kansas City Royals. Both teams have had some changes to their rosters in the offseason. The Royals cleaned house at the top with a new general manager after elevating J.J. Picollo and a new manager with Matt Quatraro.
It will be their first look at the Royals roster. Meanwhile, Rangers fans will have to wait to see some of their new arms. Here is what to know ahead of making Texas vs Kansas City picks.
Texas Rangers vs. Kansas City Royals Odds
MLB odds are hit or miss during spring training because it is hard to know who is playing. There are no Texas Rangers odds or for the Kansas City Royals as of this writing.
Texas Rangers vs. Kansas City Royals Matchup Information
Texas Rangers vs Kansas City Royals
Location of the Game: Surprise Stadium, Surprise, Arizona
Date and Time: Friday, February 24, 2023, 3:05 PM ET
How to Watch: FS1
Texas Rangers vs. Kansas City Royals Betting Preview
Texas Rangers
Glenn Otto started 27 games for the Rangers last season and finished 7-10 with a 4.64 ERA and 5.12 FIP (fielding independent pitching). He is one of four pitchers verified to pitch in Friday’s opener. This gives some clarity for those looking to make MLB picks.
Joining Otto is Jose Leclerc, who saved seven games with a 2.83 ERA and 3.72 FIP. Minor leaguers Owen White and Chase Lee are scheduled to pitch in the opener.
The Rangers last offseason spent money upgrading their offense by signing Corey Seager and Marcus Semien. This past winter, they spent money to upgrade their rotation by adding Nathan Eovaldi, who will pitch Saturday. They also add Jacob deGrom, who is scheduled to throw off a mound this weekend with hopes he will be ready for the first week of the season.
MLB team stats show the Rangers were eighth worst in allowing 4.59 runs per game. The concentration on adding to the rotation is apparent while looking to add a strong top three alongside Martin Perez.
There is also the excitement of top prospect Josh Jung expected to be added to the lineup on a full-time basis. Jung, 25, was called up for 26 games last fall and hit .204 with four doubles, five home runs, and a triple with 14 RBIs and nine runs scored in 98 at bats.
Kansas City Royals
The Royals will start Daniel Lynch in their Cactus League opener. He was 4-13 with a 5.13 ERA and 4.62 FIP last season in 27 starts, Kansas City Royals stats show.
Two others expected to pitch are Jose Cuas, who appeared in 47 games as a reliever last season and was 4-2 with a 3.58 ERA and 4.39 FIP, and Josh Staumont. Staumont appeared in 42 games and struggled with a 6.45 ERA and 4.25 FIP while posting a 3-3 record with three saves.
The new staff is using a phrase, “raid the zone” in an effort to throw more strikes. Expect that to be the focus for the Royals, which could lead to opportunities for the Rangers’ offense to attack early and often, and they have the bats to do it. That is noteworthy for those making Texas vs Kansas City picks.
Kansas City has a young core to build around. Former top prospect Bobby Witt Jr. is a shortstop with a big bat after hitting 31 doubles, six triples, and 20 home runs in 591 at bats. He drove in 80 runs and scored 82 more.
Slugging first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino hit .295 with ten doubles and ten home runs and had 26 RBIs and 25 runs scored in 258 at bats.
Other young hitters include Nick Pratto, Kyle Isbel, MJ Melendez, who is backing up veteran catcher Salvador Perez, and others. They took a hit to depth with young outfielder Drew Waters suffering a left oblique strain that will keep him out for at least six weeks.
Texas Rangers vs. Kansas City Royals Betting Picks
It is difficult to make Texas vs Kansas City picks for the sports betting crew since the odds are not yet available. Offseason rules changes going into effect should generate more offense, and this will be the first game to test it out. Bigger bases could lead to more steals, and the ban on the shift may allow for more baserunners.
But history also suggests pitchers throwing fewer innings allows them to be more dominant, as hitters do not get to see them multiple times, typically. That is expected to be the case early in the season as pitchers begin loosening their arms.
Both starting pitchers struggled last season, and Leclerc is the best arm scheduled to throw, so we will take the Rangers to win.
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