The Kansas City Royals (56-68) and Houston Astros (73-52) play the second game of a three-game set Tuesday at Minute Maid Park. First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze the lines around the Royals vs. Astros odds with MLB picks and predictions.
Royals RHP Brady Singer (3-8, 5.23 ERA) makes his 22nd start. He has a 1.60 WHIP, 9.2 K/9 and 3.9 BB/9 through 98 IP.
- Allowed just 2 earned runs, 6 hits and 2 walks with 6 strikeouts across 6 2 /3 innings in a no-decision Wednesday against the Astros.
- Has allowed 7 ER over 10 1/3 IP through two starts since returning from the IL.
Astros RHP Luis Garcia (9-6, 3.39 ERA) makes his 22nd start and 24th appearance. He has a 1.11 WHIP, 10.6 K/9 and 2.8 BB/9 through 116 2/3 IP.
- Yielded 3 runs, 4 hits and a walk with 3 strikeouts across 5 innings in a no-decision Thursday in Kansas City.
- Has posted a 2-1 record, 4.35 ERA with 6 walks and 23 strikeouts over 20 2/3 innings through four August starts.
Royals at Astros odds, lines, picks and prediction
MLB odds courtesy of Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 8 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Royals +200 (bet $100 to win $200) | Astros -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Royals +1.5 (-107) | Astros -1.5 (-115)
- Over/Under: 8.5 (O: -125 | U: +100)
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Prediction
Astros 5, Royals 3
Money line (ML)
The Astros (-250) will cost you two and a half times your potential return and that’s just too risky. Let Monday’s 7-1 victory by the Royals in the series opener serve as a cautionary tale why you cannot back a huge favorite.
AVOID, and look to the run line instead.
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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)
The ASTROS -1.5 (-115) are worth a look as they try to bounce back Tuesday. They’re a much better play on the run line against Singer, who has been very hittable lately.
Over/Under (O/U)
The UNDER 8.5 (+100) is the “lean” in the middle game of this series.
The Under narrowly came in Monday and is now 24-8-1 across the last 33 games for Kansas City. The Under is also its previous 15 outings on the road too.
The Under is also 7-1-1 in the last nine at home for the Astros against teams with a losing overall mark.
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