Kansas City Royals vs. Tampa Bay Rays odds predictions pick betting line spread

Kansas City Royals at Tampa Bay Rays odds, picks and predictions

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

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The Kansas City Royals (33-19) and Tampa Bay Rays (25-27) play the 2nd game of a 3-game series Saturday. First pitch from Tropicana Field is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Royals vs. Rays odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Royals lead 1-0

Tampa Bay lost to Kansas City 8-1 Thursday with the Royals cashing as (-115) road favorites. The defeat for the Rays was their 5th in a row. LHP Tyler Alexander took the loss as he was pounded for 8 ER on 11 hits in 5 innings of bulk work.

It was the 7th straight win for the surprising Royals, who enter Saturday with the 3rd-best winning percentage (.635) in the American League behind the New York Yankees (.679) and Cleveland Guardians (.667). RHP Seth Lugo became the AL’s 1st 8-game winner with Thursday’s victory and received run support in part due to a 3-run HR from 2B Michael Massey.

Royals at Rays projected starters

RHP Brady Singer vs. RHP Aaron Civale

Singer (4-2, 2.70 ERA) makes his 11th start. He has a 1.11 WHIP, 2.7 BB/9 and 9.7 K/9 in 56 2/3 innings.

Last start: Win, 6 IP, 1 ER, 6 H, 1 BB, 9 K in 8-4 home victory over Oakland A’s Sunday
Only Texas Rangers RHP Jon Gray has allowed more contact (36.4 hard %) than Singer (35.9%) among 40 qualified AL starting pitchers

Civale (2-4, 5.92 ERA) makes his 11th start. He has a 1.37 WHIP, 2.8 BB/9 and 9.1 K/9 in 51 1/3 innings.

Last start: Loss, 5 1/3 IP, 4 ER (5 R), 6 H, 4 BB, 3 K in 5-2 setback at Toronto Blue Jays Sunday
Only Baltimore Orioles RHP Dean Kremer has a higher HR/9 (1.80) than Civale (1.74) among 83 MLB starting pitchers with at least 50 IP

Win your fantasy baseball league with BaseballHQ.com. For decades, BHQ has been helping players just like you win! BHQ offers Draft Prep and full-season subscriptions. Sign up today and start winning!

Royals at Rays odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:30 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Royals -102 (bet $102 to win $100) | Rays -116 (bet $116 to win $100)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Royals -1.5 (+150) | Rays +1.5 (-182)
Over/Under (O/U): 8 (O: -105 | U: -115)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Royals at Rays picks and predictions

Prediction

Tampa Bay 4, Kansas City 3

Moneyline

BACK RAYS (-116).

The Royals could be without Massey, who exited Friday night’s game with back tightness. The 26-year-old is riding a 7-game on-base streak and has 3 HRs in his last 6 games, so if he’s out or playing hurt that certainly devalues Kansas City’s lineup.

If Civale is able to get his sweeper working effectively, the possibility is there for a decent outing. Plus, the Rays bullpen is better than their team ERA (4.57) indicates. Despite some of the team struggles this season, RHP Jason Adam enters with a 2.05 ERA. In the midst of this losing streak, expect manager Kevin Cash, pitching coach Kyle Snyder and Co. to get the Rays back on track.

Run line/Against the spread

PASS.

There’s too much juice on the Rays +1.5 (-182).

Over/Under

BET UNDER 8 (-115).

OF Randy Arozarena and his .159 batting average have been a huge disappointment for this Rays lineup. With the Trop being a challenge at times for hitters (4th-lowest for runs produced via Park Factor), expect a lower scoring game Saturday.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @TheBigCheeShow on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

Additional MLB coverage:
BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

Kansas City Royals at Tampa Bay Rays odds, picks and predictions

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

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The Kansas City Royals (32-19) and Tampa Bay Rays (25-26) meet Friday to open a 3-game series. First pitch from Tropicana Field is set for 6:50 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Royals vs. Rays odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: First meeting; Tampa Bay won 4-3 last season

Kansas City beat the Detroit Tigers 8-3 Wednesday while covering as a +102 home underdog. KC has scored at least 8 runs in each of its last 4 games. The Royals have won 6 consecutive games with all 6 being at home.

Tampa Bay lost 8-5 to the Boston Red Sox Wednesday while failing to cover as a -143 home favorite. The Rays have dropped 4 straight, including their last 3 home games. Tampa has allowed at least 5 runs in each of the 4 losses.

Royals at Rays projected starters

RHP Seth Lugo vs. RHP Shawn Armstrong

Lugo (7-1, 1.79 ERA) makes his 11th start. He has a 0.98 WHIP, 1.8 BB/9 and 8.0 K/9 in 65 1/3 IP.

Last start: Win, 5 2/3 IP, 2 ER 6 H, 1 BB, 10 K in a 5-3 win over Oakland Saturday
Career vs. Tampa Bay: 1-0, 1.42 ERA (6 1/3 IP, 1 ER), 4 H, 1 BB, 7 K in 1 start

Armstrong (1-1, 4.03 ERA) makes his 4th start. He has a 1.34 WHIP, 3.6 BB/9 and 10.5 K/9 in 22 1/3 IP.

2024 home splits: 1-1, 5.28 ERA (15 1/3 IP, 9 ER), 17 H, 6 BB, 17 K across 3 starts and 9 relief appearances
Career vs. Kansas City: 1-0, 2.63 ERA (13 2/3 IP, 4 ER), 13 H, 3 BB, 13 K in 1 start and 10 relief appearances

Royals at Rays odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 8:06 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Royals -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | Rays +102 (bet $100 to win $102)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Royals -1.5 (+134) | Rays +1.5 (-162)
Over/Under (O/U): 8 (O: -115 | U: -105)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Royals at Rays picks and predictions

Prediction

Royals 4, Rays 3

Moneyline

BET ROYALS (-120).

Kansas City has won 6 straight and is 8-2 in its last 10 while Tampa Bay has dropped each of its last 4. The Rays have also dropped 4 consecutive home games while the Royals are 4-3 in their last 7 on the road.

The Royals have also been very competitive when playing in Tampa, being 2-2 in the last 4 meetings between these squads in Tampa.

Run line/Against the spread

PASS.

I expect the Rays to cover here as +1.5 (-162) underdogs, especially given that they are 6-4 in their last 10 meetings with KC. However, the current line is not worth the risk so bet on the moneyline and/or total instead.

This line is also risky because Tampa is only 22-29 ATS this season, so avoid the line all-together.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 8 (-105).

The Under has hit in 3 of Tampa’s last 4 games and is 7-3 in its last 10 overall. For KC, the Under is 3-1 in its last 4 road games. The Under has also hit in 3 of the last 4 Kansas City-Tampa Bay matchups, being 6-4 in the last 10.

Be aware that the Over has hit in 4 consecutive games for the Royals.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @payton_shanks on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

Additional MLB coverage:
BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

Kansas City Royals at Tampa Bay Rays odds, picks and predictions

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

The Kansas City Royals (21-55) and Tampa Bay Rays (53-26) play the 3rd game of their 4-game series in Tampa Saturday. First pitch at Tropicana Field is slated for 4:10 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let’s analyze Fanduel Sportsbook’s lines around the Royals vs. Rays and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Tied 1-1

The Royals are 2-3 on their road trip. They are allowing their opponents to score 6.2 runs per game over their last 7. Kansas City is 11-27 on the road this season.

Tampa Bay is 2-2 during their 6-game homestead. They are 33-9 at Tropicana Field and score nearly 6 runs per game. The Rays face Jordan Lyles Saturday, who doesn’t have a win in 15 starts this season.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Royals at Rays projected starters

RHP Jordan Lyles vs. RHP Yonny Chirinos

Lyles (0-11, 6.72 ERA) will make his 16th start. He has a 1.28 WHIP, 3 BB/9 and 6.5 K/9 in 85 2/3 innings.

Last start: No-decision, 6 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 3 K in a 6-4 road loss vs. the Detroit Tigers Monday
Last start vs Rays: Loss, 4 1/3 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 9 K in a 4-1 road loss on Aug 14, 2022, as a member of the Baltimore Orioles

Chirinos (3-2, 2.72 ERA) makes his 4th start and 11th appearance. He has a 1.02 WHIP, 2.9 BB/9 and 4.2 K/9 in 43 innings.

Last start: Loss, 4 2/3 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 3 K in a 5-4 road loss vs. the San Diego Padres Sunday
Career vs Royals: 2-0, 4.32 ERA (16 2/3 IP, 8 ER), 0.84 WHIP in 3 appearances

Royals at Rays odds

Provided by Fanduel Sportsbook’s ; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Royals +220 (bet $100 to win $220) | Rays -270 (bet $270 to win $100)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Royals +1.5 (+106) | Rays -1.5 (-128)
Over/Under (O/U): 9 (O: -102 | U: -120)

Win your fantasy baseball league with BaseballHQ.com. For decades, BHQ has been helping players just like you win! Use the couple code SBW23 for $15 OFF a full-season subscription. New customer offer; expires 9/30/2023. Subscribe today and start winning!

Royals at Rays picks and predictions

Prediction

Rays 7, Rays 1

Moneyline

PASS.

The Rays should have no problem getting over .500 on their homestand, but you should avoid this moneyline bet. It is not worth putting up nearly 3 units to win back 1. I’d look to the run line.

Run line/Against the spread

BET RAYS -1.5 (-128).

I don’t mind taking this bet with the odds being a little more reasonable. I would love to see the line move to -2.5 and give us plus odds on the Rays.

The Royals have won only 11 times in their 38 road games this season. You could say that Lyles is due for a win being 0-11 on the season, but he’s not going to get it against this Tampa Bay squad.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Over/Under

UNDER 9 (-120) is my lean, but I’m likely to avoid this bet.

I know the Rays will hold up their end on this bet as they score 5.98 runs per game at home on the season. Lyles has allowed 4 or more earned runs in 5 of his last 7 starts.

Kansas City is where the problem lies. They are the lowest-scoring team in the major leagues on the road at 3.32 runs per game. Tampa Bay holds its opponents to just 3.64 runs per game at home.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @DrewPhelps05 on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Additional MLB coverage:
BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball
BaseballPress.com: Your source for every MLB lineup

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

Kansas City Royals at Tampa Bay Rays odds, picks and predictions

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

The Kansas City Royals (20-54) and Tampa Bay Rays (52-25) meet Thursday to kick off a 4-game series. First pitch from Tropicana Field is set for 6:40 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Royals at Rays odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: First meeting; Tampa Bay won 4-3 last season

The Royals lost 9-4 as +122 road underdogs Wednesday vs. the Detroit Tigers. Kansas City took a 2-0 lead in the top of the 2nd, but Detroit scored 3 in the bottom of the inning, added runs in the 3rd and 5th and put the game away with 4 runs in the 8th.

Tampa Bay won 7-2 as -141 home favorites Wednesday vs. the Baltimore Orioles to snap a 3-game losing streak. The Rays scored 4 runs in the 2nd inning and never looked back as SP Taj Bradley allowed just 1 run in 6 innings and struck out 8.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Royals at Rays projected starters

RHP Jose Cuas vs. LHP Shane McClanahan

Cuas (3-0, 4.15 ERA) makes his 1st start after 32 relief appearances. He has a 1.45 WHIP, 3.6 BB/9 and 11.6 K/9 in 30 1/3 innings.

Last outing: No-decision, 1 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, 1 BB, 0 K in a 6-4 road loss Monday vs. Detroit Tigers
Career vs. Tampa Bay: 0-1, 6.75 ERA (1 1/3 IP, 1 ER), 2 H, 6.8 K/9, 2.25 WHIP in 2 appearances

McClanahan (11-1, 2.12 ERA) makes his 16th start. He has a 1.10 WHIP, 3.3 BB/9 and 9.8 K/9 in 89.1 innings.

Last outing: Win, 6 2/3 IP, 1 ER, 3 H, 3 BB, 5 K in a 6-2 road win Friday vs. San Diego Padres
Career vs. Kansas City: 1-0, 1.50 ERA (12 IP, 2 ER), 5 H, 14 K, 0.67 WHIP in 2 starts

Royals at Rays odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:05 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Royals +300 (bet $100 to win $300) | Rays -400 (bet $400 to win $100)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Royals +1.5 (+140) | Rays -1.5 (-165)
Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Royals at Rays picks and predictions

Prediction

Rays 2, Royals 1

Moneyline

PASS.

Tampa Bay should win this game as it has the best record in MLB and is facing off a team with the 2nd-worst record in the league. But the line is not worth the juice so bet on the run line and/or O/U instead.

Run line/Against the spread

LEAN ROYALS +1.5 (+140).

Tampa Bay -1.5 (-160) is clearly the better team, but they have struggled somewhat in recent matchups vs. Kansas City. The Rays are only 6-4 in the last 10 matchups overall and 4 of the last 10 meetings have finished with a 1-run margin.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 7.5 (-110).

The O/U is 4-5-1 in the last 10 games for Tampa Bay and 4-6 in Kansas City’s last 10. However, in recent matchups the Under has hit more often than not, being 5-1 in the last 6 meetings overall and 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in Tampa Bay.

For Kansas City, the Under is also 7-1 in their last 8 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15 while for Tampa, the Under is 3-0-1 in their last 4 games following a win, per covers.com.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @payton_shanks on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Additional MLB coverage:
BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball
BaseballPress.com: Your source for every MLB lineup

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

Kansas City Royals at Tampa Bay Rays odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Kansas City Royals at Tampa Bay Rays odds and lines, with MLB expert picks and predictions.

The Kansas City Royals (48-70) and the Tampa Bay Rays (62-53) open a 4-game set Thursday at Tropicana Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Royals vs. Rays odds with MLB picks and predictions.

Season series: Royals lead 2-1

The Royals were just swept in a 3-game set in Minnesota and have dropped 5 of the last 6 games overall.

The Rays took 2 of 3 games from the New York Yankees in the Bronx this week. Tampa has won 4 of the last 5 games overall to bounce back from a 3-game losing skid.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Royals at Rays projected starters

RHP Brad Keller vs. RHP Luis Patino

Keller (6-13, 4.93 ERA) makes his 23rd start. He has a 1.43 WHIP, 3.5 BB/9 and 6.1 K/9 in 122 1/3 IP.

Is 3-5 with a 5.40 ERA with a .284 opponent batting average with 7 HR allowed and 31 K in 51 2/3 IP over 9 road starts
Was pounded for 5 R (4 ER) and 5 BB with 4 H in 4 IP in a July 22 loss at home against the Rays

Patino (0-1, 6.75 ERA) makes his 4th start. He has a 2.00 WHIP, 4.5 BB/9 and 3.4 K/9 in 8 IP.

Has managed an 0-1 record with a 6.75 ERA with 2 HR allowed and 0 K across just 4 IP in 2 starts at home
Allowed 3 ER, 7 H and 3 BB with 3 K across 4 IP in a no-decision in his most recent start at Kansas City on July 23

Royals at Rays 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 8:41 a.m. ET.

Money line (ML): Royals +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Rays -230 (bet $230 to win $100)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Royals +1.5 (-122) | Rays -1.5 (-102)
Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: +105 | U: -130)

Exclusive USA TODAY Network offer: Deposit $10 or more, get $200 in instant bet credits at Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Place your legal, online sports bets at Tipico. Let’s make this interesting. Bet now!

Royals at Rays picks and predictions

Prediction

Rays 8, Royals 4

Money line

The Rays (-230) are a little too expensive at home, especially considering the Royals (+180) topped them in 2 of 3 meetings last month at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City.

AVOID. Look to the run line instead.

Win your fantasy baseball league with BaseballHQ.com. For decades, BHQ has been helping players just like you win! Use the couple code SBW22 for 20% OFF full-season subscription. New customer offer; expires 8/31/2022. Subscribe today and start winning!

Run line/Against the spread

The RAYS -1.5 (-102) are a much better value on the run line.

Tampa Bay has won 4 of the last 5 games, and in each victory the Rays won by at least 2 runs. So if you like the Rays to win, you should also like them on the run line.

On the flip side, Kansas City has dropped 5 of the last 6, with each of the losses coming by 2 or more runs.

Over/Under

The OVER 7.5 (-130) is the lean here.

Keller has been very giving, especially on the road this season, and Patino isn’t likely to go very deep into the game in his 1st start in nearly a month. When he has been in there as an opener, he has been knocked around quite frequently. The Over has hit in 3 of the last 4 outings for Keller, too.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Additional MLB coverage:
BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball
BaseballPress.com: Your source for every MLB lineup

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

[mm-video type=playlist id=01fb7dafw2b08817yr player_id=none image=https://sportsbookwire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]