We're back with another betting prediction for Tuesday's MLB slate as we head to the American League for the beginning of a three-game series. The Kansas City Royals (41-32) will visit the Oakland Athletics (26-48) as both teams try to break out of their current slumps. It's time to continue our MLB odds series with a Royals-Athletics prediction and pick.

Royals-Athletics Projected Starters 

Alec Marsh RHP vs. Hogan Harris LHP

Alec Marsh (5-3) with a 3.63 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 61 K, 67.0 IP

Last Start: 6/13 vs. NYY (W)

2024 Road Splits: (2-2) with a 3.68 ERA, .194 OBA, 28 K

Hogan Harris (0-0) with a 2.49 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 23 K, 25.1 IP

Last Start: 6/12 @ SD (L)

2024 Home Splits: (0-0) with a 3.68 ERA, .194 OBA, 28 K

Here are the MLB Odds, courtesy of FanDuel. 

MLB Odds: Royals-Athletics Odds

Kansas City Royals: -1.5 (+125)

Moneyline: -136

Oakland Athletics: +1.5 (-150)

Moneyline: +116

Over: 7.5 (-128)

Under: 7.5 (+116)

How to Watch Royals vs. Athletics

Time: 9:40 p.m. ET/ 6:40 p.m. PT

TV: NBC Sports California

Stream: fuboTV (Click for free trial)

Why The Royals Will Cover The Spread/Win

The Kansas City Royals are currently second in the AL Central and sit five games back of the surging Cleveland Indians. They have the fifth-best record in the American League and are already seeing a massive improvement from their 56-106 season last year. Much of that can be attributed towards their revamped pitching staff and the emergence of their organizational players, particularly Bobby Witt Jr.. With a .327 average, he's leading the MLB at just 24 years old. He's also tied-7th in RBIs (51) and OPS (.928). Pair that with tying with Salvador Perez' home run total of 11, and it's clear the Royals have found their franchise shortstop of the future.

Alec Marsh will make the start and hopes to extend his winning streak of games started to three as he tries to take advantage of an Athletics team streaking in the opposite direction. He's been consistent on the season, but his numbers do take a dip when pitching on the road. His last road start was marked by a loss as he gave up five earned during seven innings of action. With some of their bullpen hurting, expect Marsh to take this game into the later innings as well given the offensive success of his team as of later.

Why The Athletics Will Cover The Spread/Win

The Oakland Athletics are currently last in the American League West, but they're avoiding the worst record in the league this year for a change. Still, they're down at the moment and come into this game with a nine-game losing streak as they've lost some heartbreakers along the way. Brent Rooker has been their leading man from the batter's box, going yard 13 times and leading the team with 41 RBI. Abraham Toro leads the team in average, but they've struggled to make plays in the outfield and finish games behind their bullpen. Hogan Harris will be looking to record his first win as a starter on the season, but he's been able to keep games close while he's been in there, giving up just 3 ER over his last three starts.

Hogan Harris will be looking to extend his efforts through six innings as he settles into his role as a starter. His last start only went five innings and while he was able to only allow two earned runs, they came off crucial homers that kept the Padres in the game. Harris has been much better all season on the road in closing or relief situations, so it'll be interesting to see how he fares at home against this Royals team.

Final Royals-Athletics Prediction & Pick

The Kansas City Royals will have the pitching advantage here with Alec Marsh being a veteran starter, capable of yet another solid outing deep into this game. Hogan Harris hasn't quite gotten his bearings as a starter this year, so the sure hitting of the Royals may become a problem as Bobby Witt Jr. gets on base.

The Athletics haven't had issues scoring runs as of late, but their bullpen hasn't been able to keep teams from scoring runs in the same breath. To have a chance here, the Athletics will have to be flawless in the field and get the Royals team to hit their pitches on the ground.

For our prediction, we have to back the Kansas City Royals on the run line. I expect Hogan Harris to have a solid start, but it's hard to trust the Athletics bullpen at this point as they've given up too many late runs over the last five games. Ride the Royals to start this series off hot.

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Final Royals-Athletics Prediction & Pick: Kansas City Royals -1.5 (+125)