Tag: Kansas City Royals vs. Houston Astros odds predictions pick betting line spread

Kansas City Royals at Houston Astros odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Kansas City Royals at Houston Astros odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Kansas City Royals (75-61) and Houston Astros (73-62) meet for Game 3 of a 4-game series Saturday. First pitch from Minute Maid Park is set for 7:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Royals vs. Astros odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Kansas City leads 3-2

Houston escaped with a 3-2 win over Kansas City Friday while covering as a -178 home favorite. 2B Jose Altuve hit the game-winning RBI double in the bottom of the 9th for the Astros after the Royals gave them a scare by scoring 2 to tie the game in the top of the 9th.

Kansas City has now lost each of its last 3 contests while Houston has won 3 straight. The Royals have lost 2 of their last 3 by 2 or fewer runs, losing by 3 or fewer runs in each of their last 3 losses.

Royals at Astros projected starters

LHP Cole Ragans vs. LHP Yusei Kikuchi

Ragans (10-8, 3.28 ERA) makes his 28th start. He has a 1.16 WHIP, 3.1 BB/9 and 10.8 K/9 through 156 1/3 innings.

  • Last start: No-decision, 4 IP, 1 ER, 3 H, 4 BB, 4 K in a 4-3 win at Cleveland Monday
  • Career vs. Houston: 1-2, 5.40 ERA (28 1/3 IP, 17 ER), 30 H, 13 BB, 24 K across 5 starts and 1 relief appearance

Kikuchi (6-9, 4.39 ERA) makes his 28th start. He has a 1.27 WHIP, 2.5 BB/9 and 10.3 K/9 through 143 2/3 innings.

  • Last start: No-decision, 5 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 2 H, 3 BB, 4 K in a 6-3 win at Baltimore Sunday
  • Career vs. Kansas City: 2-2, 5.80 ERA (35 2/3 IP, 23 ER), 1.37 WHIP, 7.6 K/9 in 8 starts

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.

Royals at Astros odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:20 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Royals +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Astros -135 (bet $135 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Royals +1.5 (-200) | Astros -1.5 (+165)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Royals at Astros picks and predictions

Prediction

Royals 6, Astros 3

Moneyline

LEAN ROYALS (+115). 

Kansas City won each of its first 3 road games before its current skid, and this is simply too good of a team for me to expect this losing streak to continue.

The Royals are also 7-3 in their last 10 overall vs. Houston, being 3-0 in its last 3 meetings with the Astros in Houston before this current series.

This is a lean because Houston is the hotter team entering this matchup.

Run line/Against the spread

PASS. 

I expect the Royals to cover here as +1.5 (-200) underdogs, but with the line set this favorably the risk of betting outweighs the reward. Bet on the moneyline and/or O/U instead.

Over/Under

LEAN OVER 7.5 (-110). 

The Over has hit in 2 of Kansas City’s last 3 overall and is 6-4 in its last 10 games. The Over has also hit in 3 of the last 4 KC-Houston matchups overall, being 7-3 in the last 10 overall and 3-2 in the last 5 meetings between these squads in Houston.

This is a lean because the Under is 6-3-1 in Houston’s last 10 games.

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Kansas City Royals at Houston Astros odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Kansas City Royals at Houston Astros odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Kansas City Royals (75-60) and Houston Astros (72-62) play the 2nd game of a 4-game set at Minute Maid Park Friday. First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Royals vs. Astros odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Royals lead 3-1

The Astros won 6-3 as -157 favorites in the Thursday opener as the Over (7.5) hit. Houston took advantage of 2 Kansas City errors in the 8th, resulting in a 4-run inning for the Astros. Houston has a 4-game lead over the 2nd-place Seattle Mariners in the AL West and is -750 to win the division at BetMGM Sportsbook.

Royals RP Lucas Erceg (Loss, 1/3 IP, 3 ER, 2 H, 1 BB, 0 K) bobbled a comebacker for the 1st Kansas City error of the 8th inning Thursday. Later in the inning, a fielding error from LF MJ Melendez allowed Astros SS Jeremy Peña to score Houston’s 6th and final run. Kansas City is 2nd in the AL Central, 1½ games back of the division-leading Cleveland Guardians, and is in the 2nd AL Wild Card.

Royals at Astros projected starters

RHP Seth Lugo vs. LHP Framber Valdez

Lugo (14-8, 3.19 ERA) makes his 28th start. He has a 1.12 WHIP, 2.3 BB/9 and 7.6 K/9 in an AL-leading 172 IP.

  • Last start: Loss, 5 1/3 IP, 5 ER (6 R), 11 H, 1 BB, 3 K in 11-3 home defeat vs. Philadelphia Phillies Sunday
  • 2024 road stats: 8-3, 3.01 ERA (83 2/3 IP, 28 ER), 1.09 WHIP, 8.2 K/9 in 13 starts
  • 2024 vs. Astros: 1-0, 1 home start (April 10), 6 IP, 2 ER, 7 H, 2 BB, 2 K in 11-2 win
  • Career vs. Astros: 1-2, 7.04 ERA (15 1/3 IP, 12 ER), 1.89 WHIP, 5.9 K/9 in 3 starts

Valdez (13-6, 3.27 ERA) makes his 24th start. He has a 1.14 WHIP, 2.8 BB/9 and 8.7 K/9 in 143 1/3 IP.

  • Last start: Loss, 5 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 6 H, 1 BB, 8 K in 3-2 setback at Baltimore Orioles Saturday
  • 2024 home stats: 7-2, 2.96 ERA (70 IP, 23 ER), 1.10 WHIP, 9.5 K/9 in 11 starts
  • Career vs. Royals: 2-2, 4.97 ERA (29 IP, 16 ER), 1.38 WHIP, 8.1 K/9 in 6 appearances (4 starts), including 1-1 with 4.38 ERA (12 1/3 IP, 6 ER) in 2 starts last year

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.

Royals at Astros odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:18 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Royals +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Astros -175 (bet $175 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Royals +1.5 (-150) | Astros -1.5 (+125)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 8 (O: +100 | U: -120)

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Royals at Astros picks and predictions

Prediction

Astros 5, Royals 3

Moneyline

The market is confident that the Astros (-175) are the better team in this spot despite Lugo (+5000 at BetMGM Sportsbook to win AL Cy Young) having a better season than Valdez (+6000). However, Houston ML is a bit too pricey for a team that is just 4-6 in its last 10 games.

PASS. Bet the run line and/or total instead.

Run line/Against the spread

While I like Houston to win straight up, the Astros’ last 4 victories have been by multiple runs, so I prefer taking the RL at plus odds.

Lugo was very average in his April 10 start against Houston and was somewhat lucky to record the win after allowing 7 hits. He has a 7.04 ERA and 1.89 WHIP in 3 career starts vs. the Astros — not a great stat line for those looking to back Kansas City.

BET ASTROS -1.5 (+125).

Over/Under

The Astros have scored 6 or more runs in back-to-back games and have had an easy time getting hits off of Lugo in his career. While Valdez has allowed 3 or fewer ER in 4 straight starts, this line — if played at 7.5 — should still be low enough to make the Over a decent play.

FanDuel Sportsbook has the better line for Over bettors: PLAY OVER 7.5 (-108).

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Kansas City Royals at Houston Astros odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Kansas City Royals at Houston Astros odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Kansas City Royals (75-59) and Houston Astros (71-62) meet Thursday as they swing into a 4-game series. First pitch from Minute Maid Park will be at 8:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Royals vs. Astros odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Royals lead 3-0

The on-a-roll Royals are coming off a big 4-game set at the Cleveland Guardians. Kansas City took 3 of those games, is 10-4 since Aug. 14 and is now just 1 game behind Cleveland in the race for the AL Central flag.

Houston is back at home after a 3-4 road trip with stops in Baltimore and Philadelphia. The Astros went 11-1 from Aug. 6-19 but are just 3-6 since. Those last 9 games have seen the club lose a trio of 1-run games.

Royals at Astros projected starters

RHP Brady Singer vs. RHP Hunter Brown

Singer (9-9, 3.38 ERA) makes his 27th start. He has authored a 1.25 WHIP, 2.5 BB/9 and 8.7 K/9 through 146 2/3 IP.

  • Last outing: Loss, 5 IP, 5 ER, 11 H, 0 BB, 5 K in 11-2 home defeat vs. Philadelphia Phillies Saturday
  • Career vs. Astros: 1-2, 4.57 ERA (21 2/3 IP, 11 ER), 1.57 WHIP, 8.3 K/9 in 4 starts
  • Has allowed 6.23 ERA on .885 OPS over his last 4 starts

Brown (11-7, 3.72 ERA) makes his 26th start. He has a 1.32 WHIP, 3.3 BB/9 and 9.7 K/9 through 140 1/3 IP.

  • Last outing: No-decision, 6 IP, 1 ER, 3 H, 2 BB, 6 K in 7-5 setback at Baltimore Orioles Friday
  • Career vs. Royals: 0-2, 36.82 ERA (3 2/3 IP, 15 ER), 17 H, 2 BB, 4 K in 2 starts

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.

Royals at Astros odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:06 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Royals +132 (bet $100 to win $132) | Astros -156 (bet $156 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Royals +1.5 (-162) | Astros -1.5 (+134)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 8 (O: -104 | U: -118)

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Royals at Astros picks and predictions

Prediction

Astros 4, Royals 3

Moneyline

On an overall team basis, peg the upstart Royals as now being a few games too far over their skis with a .560 winning percentage. Figure the Astros as swinging slightly the other direction. They have underplayed their 4.56 runs per game (RPG) and 3.98 RPG allowed.

Though perhaps to a lesser degree, the assessment of the starters in this one matches the team framework.

Houston has not played great at home of late (7-8 in last 15) and Brown is making this start after logging a season-high 107 pitches in his last. But the Astros are the value side.

BET HOUSTON (-156).

Run line/Against the spread

Figure better value on the ML for this one. PASS.

Over/Under

The total has gone Under in 6 of Houston’s last 9 games at home.

There is a significant fade to the Royals’ offensive numbers. Their 4.88 RPG are not fully supported by analytics. In a solid pitching matchup, TAKE THE UNDER 8 (-118).

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Kansas City Royals at Houston Astros odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Kansas City Royals at Houston Astros odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Kansas City Royals (53-102) and the Houston Astros (85-70) wrap up a 3-game series Sunday at Minute Maid Park. First pitch is scheduled for 2:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Royals vs. Astros odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Royals lead 4-1

The Royals have won 5 games in a row, the team’s 2nd-longest streak of the season. Kansas City won 7 consecutive games from July 28-Aug. 4. It is in the midst of its best 10-game stretch of the season, however, going 9-1 in the past 10 games since Sept. 12, including a crippling 4 wins in 5 games against the Astros.

Houston is still in the final AL Wild Card, but it is now a game back of the Toronto Blue Jays for the 2nd spot, and just a half-game ahead of the 3rd-place Seattle Mariners in the AL West. The Astros have picked a bad time to play their worst baseball of the season, and Houston can blame a 1-4 record against hapless Kansas City should it miss the postseason.

Royals at Astros projected starters

RHP Steven Cruz vs. RHP Hunter Brown

Cruz (0-0, 4.15 ERA) makes his 3rd start and 8th overall appearance. He has a 1.73 WHIP, 8.3 BB/9 and 11.4 K/9 in 8 2/3 innings.

  • Last start: No-decision, 1 2/3 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 4 BB, 2 K in 7-6 home win vs. the Cleveland Guardians last Tuesday
  • 2023 road splits: 0-0, 0.00 ERA (3 1/3 IP, 0 ER), .167 OBA in 1 start and 1 relief appearance

Brown (11-12, 4.87 ERA) makes his 29th start and 30th overall appearance. He has a 1.35 WHIP, 3.2 BB/9 and 10.3 K/9 in 151 2/3 innings.

  • Last start: Loss, 5 1/3 IP, 7 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 5 K in 9-5 home loss vs. the Baltimore Orioles last Tuesday
  • 2023 home splits: 4-8, 6.07 ERA (69 2/3 IP, 47 ER), 8 HR, .271 OBA in 14 starts

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Royals at Astros odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:56 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Royals +200 (bet $100 to win $200) | Astros -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Royals +1.5 (+115) | Astros -1.5 (-140)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 9.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Royals at Astros picks and predictions

Prediction

Astros 7, Royals 5

Moneyline

The Astros (-250) are a risky play, and it is quite expensive to play them, too.

Houston has dropped 4 of the past 5 games overall, while going just 3-8 in the past 11 games to sink like a stone in the AL playoff standings. While I believe the Astros get it done in this series finale, salvaging at least 1 game in the 3-game set, it is still too much risk for not enough reward.

AVOID.

Run line/Against the spread

The ASTROS -1.5 (-140) are a better play on the run line. Again, while Houston has been ice-cold lately, and it is just 1-6 in the past 7 games as a favorite, it is still in the mix for a wild-card spot, and really, still very much alive for the American League West title.

In this final stretch of the regular season, you have to bet that the alarm clock will go off for the defending champs, especially against a lowly Royals +1.5 (+115) team with nothing but pride to play for.

Over/Under

The OVER 9.5 (-115) is the best play on the board. Cruz will serve as the opener, with the Royals bullpen taking over. While Kansas City has been hot lately, the bullpen has been a major bugaboo all season, posting a 5.17 ERA, 3rd-worst in the majors.

On the flip side, the Astros figure to give up plenty of runs, too. Brown has terrible home splits, posting a 4-8 record and 6.07 ERA this season at MMP. Look for plenty of runs in this finale.

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Kansas City Royals at Houston Astros odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Kansas City Royals at Houston Astros odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Kansas City Royals (51-102) and Houston Astros (85-68) begin a 3-game series Friday. First pitch from Minute Maid Park is slated for 8:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Royals vs. Astros odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Royals lead 2-1

The Royals hit the road for 6 games after finishing a 6-game homestand with a 5-1 record. They have won 7 of their last 8 games scoring 6 1/2 runs per game. Kansas City is 20-55 away from Kauffman Stadium this season.

Houston started its 6-game homestand losing 2 of 3 to the AL East leading Baltimore Orioles. The Astros have lost 6 of their last 9 games allowing an average of 5 runs per game over the stretch. The Astros are 39-39 at Minute Maid Park this season.

Royals at Astros projected starters

LHP Cole Ragans vs. LHP Framber Valdez

Ragans (6-4, 3.33 ERA) makes his 11th start and 28th appearance. He has a 1.14 WHIP, 2.9 BB/9 and 11.5 K/9 in 59 1/3 innings.

  • Last start: No-decision, 6 IP, 5 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 7 K in 10-8 home victory vs. Houston Astros on Saturday
  • 2023 road stats: 2-2, 3.68 ERA (36 2/3 IP, 15 ER), .203 opponent batting average (OBA) in 12 games

Valdez (12-10, 3.20 ERA) will make his 30th start. He has a 1.10 WHIP, 2.3 BB/9 and 8.7 K/9 in 188 2/3 innings.

  • Last start: Win, 7 IP, 0 ER, 6 H, 1 BB, 5 K in a 7-1 win at the Kansas City Royals on Sunday
  • 2023 home stats: 4-7, 2.98 ERA (96 2/3 IP, 32 ER), .221 OBA in 14 starts
  • Has recorded a win in 3 of his last 4 starts

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Royals at Astros odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:02 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Royals +185 (bet $100 to win $185) | Astros -225 (bet $225 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Royals +1.5 (-120) | Astros -1.5 (+100)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 8 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Royals at Astros picks and predictions

Prediction

Astros 8, Royals 5

Moneyline

PASS.

The Astros should bounce back on Friday and get a much needed win, but I’m not going to bet more than 2 units to win back 1. That’s just never a good bet any way you slice it.

Run line/Against the spread

AVOID.

I know my prediction has the Astros covering this spread but I don’t feel confident enough to take this bet. I’d rather save my money for the total run bet.

Over/Under

BET OVER 8 (-115).

These 2 teams just played each other and saw these 2 pitchers less than a week ago and I feel like that gives the offenses an added edge heading into this matchup. For example, Valdez shut down this Royals lineup on Sunday, but now they know what to expect and should adjust. I think this will be a bit of a shootout.

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Kansas City Royals at Houston Astros odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Kansas City Royals at Houston Astros odds and lines, with MLB expert picks and predictions.

The Kansas City Royals (29-49) take the field against the Houston Astros (52-27) Tuesday at Minute Maid Park in the 2nd of a 4-game set. First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Royals vs. Astros odds with MLB picks and predictions.

Season series: Houston leads 3-1.

KC stormed out to a 5-0 lead Monday, but couldn’t hold on as their bullpen allowed 4 runs in the 8th and 9th with OF Yordan Alvarez walking it off with a home run. KC has the third-worst pen ERA at 4.72 while Houston has the best at 2.62. KC has won just 3 of its last 9 and is 15-24 on the road. They are about the same team offensively while on the road with a .237 BA as opposed to .243 at home.

The Astros are the only team that can challenge the Yankees for home-field advantage right now with 6 fewer wins and the 2nd-best record in baseball. They’ve won 7 in a row and 9 of 10. Houston is 16-4 in its last 20 games. The team is 25-11 at home and hits for a .247 BA as opposed to .235 away from Minute Maid.

Royals at Astros projected starters

RHP Zack Greinke vs. RHP Luis Garcia

Greinke (2-4, 4.38 ERA) makes his 13th start. He has a 1.23 WHIP, 1.6 BB/9 and 4.5 K/9 in 63 2/3 IP.

  • Allowed 1 ER over 6 IP in his last 2 starts.
  • Hasn’t faced the Astros since 2018.
  • Current Astros are hitting .271 with a .301 weighted on-base average in 63 plate appearances.

Garcia (6-5, 3.54 ERA) makes his 15th start. He has a 1.06 WHIP, 2.5 BB/9 and 9.4 K/9 in 76 1/3 IP.

  • Allowed 2 ER, 4 H, 1 BB and 2 K in 7 IP in a June 4 loss to KC.
  • Last start: Won 2-1 Thursday vs. Yankees with 5 1/3 IP, 1 ER, 3 H, 2 BB and 6 K.
  • Current Royals hitting .216 with a .237 weighted on-base average in 54 plate appearances against him.

Royals at Astros odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:37 a.m. ET.

  • Money line (ML): Royals +205 (bet $100 to win $205) | Astros -260 (bet $260 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Royals +1.5 (-103) | Astros -1.5 (-117)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

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Royals at Astros picks and predictions

Prediction

Astros 7, Royals 3

Money line

Houston takes this one, and there’s really no reason they shouldn’t sweep the series after KC missed its chance Monday. Greinke should keep the Royals in contention, but his 4.5 K/9 is half of what it was just 2 years ago. They’ll outlast him. We’re not paying the -260 ML, and I don’t love any of the first 5 props. I would consider Royals +1.5 (-145) in the first 5 innings. PASS.

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Run line/Against the spread

Houston’s other 2 wins vs. KC has been 10-3 and 7-4. They lost a 6-0 afternoon tilt June 3, but that’s skewed by a reliever melting down for 4 ER in 2/3 of an inning. C Salvador Perez had a homer and 3 RBI, and he’s out due to thumb surgery. I’d confide in the ASTROS -1.5 (-117) to cover and put them at 19-18 on the RL at home.

Over/Under

When you think of the Royals and their 27th-ranked runs/9, you think they’re an Under team. They’ve gone Over 6 of 10. Four of the last 5 between these teams went Over, and the only 1 that didn’t was when Houston failed to score. The Over is 4-0 in Greinke’s last 4 road starts. Monday was a wakeup call, Houston approaches this number by itself. Take the OVER 8.5 (-115).

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Kansas City Royals at Houston Astros odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Tuesday’s Kansas City Royals at Houston Astros odds and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

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.

For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Joe Williams on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Kansas City Royals at Houston Astros odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Monday’s Kansas City Royals at Houston Astros odds and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The Kansas City Royals (55-68) and Houston Astros (73-51) play the opener of a three-game set Monday 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 LHP Daniel Lynch (3-3, 5.12 ERA) makes his ninth start. He has a 1.50 WHIP, 7.2 K/9 and 3.7 BB/9 through 38 2/3 IP.

  • Allowed one run, four hits and three walks with five strikeouts in a win over the Astros Tuesday in Kansas City.
  • Has posted a 2-0 record, 2.70 ERA and 18 strikeouts across 16 2/3 innings in three August outings.

Astros RHP Zack Greinke (11-3, 3.43 ERA) makes his 26th start. He has a 1.11 WHIP, 6.4 K/9 and 1.7 BB/9 through 149 2/3 IP.

  • Allowed one run, five hits and no walks with no strikeouts across six innings in a no-decision in Kansas City Wednesday.
  • Is enjoying his finest month of the season, going 1-0 with a 1.89 ERA in three outings in August. He has allowed just four runs, 13 hits and one walk across 19 innings.

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 7:30 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: -130 | U: +105)

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Prediction

Astros 5, Royals 2

Money line (ML)

Backing the Astros (-250) will mean you need to risk two-and-a-half times your potential return, and that’s just too rich for my blood.

AVOID, and look to the run line instead.

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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

The ASTROS -1.5 (-115) are a much better value on the run line as they look to rebound from a 6-3 loss at the hands of the Seattle Mariners Sunday. Before that setback they had manhandled the M’s by a combined score of 27-4 in two wins. In fact, Houston has covered the run line in three of the past four as a favorite.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 8.5 (+105) is a very solid value despite the fact the Houston offense has been banging lately. The Astros have hit the Over in three in a row, but the Under is 2-0-1 in the previous three meetings with the Royals from Aug. 17-19, including starts by both Greinke and Lynch.

For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Joe Williams on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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