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We're back with our betting predictions and picks for this full slate of MLB action this Saturday as we head to the American League for this matchup between contending teams. The Kansas City Royals will visit the Texas Rangers for Game 2 of their current series. It's time to continue our MLB odds series with a Royals-Rangers prediction and pick.
Royals-Rangers Projected Starters
Michael Wacha (RHP) vs. Jon Gray (RHP)
Michael Wacha (4-5) with a 4.24 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 56 K, 68.0 IP
Last Start: 5/31 vs. SD (L) – 5.1 IP, 2 ER, 2 K
2024 Road Splits: 2-4 with a 4.20 ERA, .230 OBA, 36 K, 40.2 IP
Jon Gray (2-3) with a 3.31 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 65 K, 65.1 IP
Last Start: 6/17 vs NYM (L) – 3.0 IP, 9 ER, 2 K
2024 Home Splits: (2-2) with a 4.17 ERA, .273 OBA, 33 K, 36.2 IP
Here are the MLB Odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
MLB Odds: Royals-Rangers Odds
Kansas City Royals: +1.5 (-172)
Moneyline: +118
Texas Rangers: -1.5 (+152)
Moneyline: -138
Over: 8.5 (+100)
Under: 8.5 (-120)
How to Watch Royals vs. Rangers
Article Continues Below
Time: 4:05 p.m. ET/ 1:05 p.m. PT
TV: ESPN+
Stream: fuboTV (Click for free trial)
Why The Royals Will Cover The Spread/Win
The Kansas City Royals have had a wild season by their standards and they're looking like a serious contender in the American League this year if they can keep up with this pace. Bobby Witt Jr. is making a case for the league's MVP as he's leading all of the MLB in batting average. The Royals rank seventh in the MLB in runs scored and they come into this series narrowly avoiding a sweep against the Athletics. They'll be looking to get back on track scoring runs while their pitching staff looks to get back into a winning rhythm.
The Royals will be sending Michael Wacha to the mound following his 15-day IL stint as he worked with their league affiliate the get back to health. He's been shaky on the mound throughout the season, but they're happy to see him back in the lineup as their pitching staff has struggled during the year. The Rangers have been somewhat cold from the batter's box, so this could be an opportunity for Wacha to get back into his groove.
Why The Rangers Will Cover The Spread/Win
The Rangers are currently third in the AL West standings and they'll be desperately working towards getting back to a .500 record. The losses they've suffered in their pitching rotation could be enough to cripple any team, but their bats have kept this season alive as they try to make the most out of a tough situation. While it's unknown when Max Scherzer or Jacob deGrom will return, their team could use some work lowering their 4.15 team ERA. Their infield combo of Marcus Semien and Corey Seager has been a bright spot amongst some trial and tribulations from the batter's box.
Jon Gray has been on a decent run this season, but his last start was a forgettable one and he'll try to make a deeper run into this game. He was shelled for just nine runs in three innings of work. He also hasn't notched a 5+ strikeout game in over a month and has been working primarily as a ground-ball pitcher. He'll have to face a hot Royals lineup, so he can't afford to give up too many runs early in the game. Otherwise, his team may have trouble fighting back late as they turn towards their bullpen.
Final Royals-Rangers Prediction & Pick
This should be a back-and-forth game and it'll be interesting to see what form Michael Wacha is in for the start of this game. Jon Gray of the Rangers will also look to bounce back following a tough performance. All in all, we have to give the Royals the slight edge due to their productivity from the plate. While Michael Wacha returns from injury, I like him to find his stuff here as the Royals provide him with ample run support. Let's roll with the underdog to get this win.
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Final Royals-Rangers Prediction & Pick: Kansas City Royals (+118)
