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The Chicago Cubs (50-56) and Kansas City Royals (57-48) conclude their 3-game series Sunday. First pitch from Kauffman Stadium is set for 2:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Cubs vs. Royals odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Tied 1-1
The Cubs snapped a 3-game skid on Saturday, winning 9-4 behind a 7th-inning pinch-hit grand slam from Patrick Wisdom. Chicago had scored just 2 runs in their losing streak and were shut out 6-0 Friday before putting up 9 on Saturday. RF Seiya Suzuki was 2-for-4 with a HR and 2 RBI. The Cubs improved to 23-31 on the road this season and 49-57 against the spread (ATS).
Royals SP Seth Lugo dropped his 5th game of the season after allowing 6 ER over 6 1/3 IP. Almost all of Kansas City’s offense came from RF Hunter Renfroe going 3-for-4 with a HR and 3 RBIs. The Royals have lost 3 of their last 4, but maintain a 36-21 record at home.
Cubs at Royals projected starters
RHP Javier Assad vs. LHP Cole Ragans
Assad (4-3, 3.15 ERA) makes his 19th start. He has a 1.38 WHIP, 4.2 BB/9 and 8.2 K/9 in 88 2/3 IP.
- Last start: No-decision, 3 1/3 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 6 BB, 2 K in 3-1 victory at Milwaukee Brewers Monday
- 2024 road splits: 2-2, 4.12 ERA (43 2/3 IP, 21 R (20 ER), 1.37 WHIP, 9.1 K/9 in 9 games
- Has never pitched against the Royals
Ragans (7-6, 3.23 ERA) makes his 22nd start. He has a 1.15 WHIP, 2.9 BB/9 and 10.7 K/9 in 122 2/3 IP.
- Last start: Win, 6 IP, 3 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 5 K in 10-4 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks Monday
- 2024 home splits: 5-3, 3.58 ERA (65 1/3 IP, 26 ER), 1.21 WHIP, 11.8 K/9 in 12 starts
- Only start vs Cubs: Win, 6 IP, 3 ER, 8 H, 2 BB, 9 K in 4-3 road victory Aug. 18, 2023
Who’s going yard? Here’s a breakdown of today’s best home run props with our top picks. Include the BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE to score a $1,500 first-bet offer.
Cubs at Royals odds
Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:53 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Cubs +138 (bet $100 to win $138) | Royals -164 (bet $164 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Cubs +1.5 (+146) | Royals -1.5 (+122)
- Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -122 | U: +100)
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Cubs at Royals picks and predictions
Prediction
Royals 5, Cubs 3
Moneyline
PASS.
We’re backing the Royals, but the run line offers better value.
BET ROYALS -1.5 (+122).
The Royals will bounce back on Sunday behind their workhorse Ragans. They are too good of a team at Kauffman to lose this series. It also helps when Chicago has a record of 6-14 against lefties on the season.
They also get a favorable matchup against Assad, who has not won a decision since May 15; that’s over 9 starts.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 8.5 (-115).
The Under has hit in 2 of the last 3 meetings between these 2 teams. Chicago and Kansas City are both 7-3 against the Under in their last 10 games.
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