:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71207188/usa_today_18809002.0.jpg)
The Boston Red Sox have had a rough post-All Star Game stretch, but they have Rafael Devers back as they look to get back in the playoff picture on Thursday vs. the Kansas City Royals.
Boston Red Sox (-125, 8.5) vs. Kansas City Royals
Nick Pivetta gets the start for Boston, and he enters in bad form, allowing at least four runs in four of his last five starts. But he has given up three runs or fewer in seven of his last nine road starts and should see regression — opponents are hitting .371 during the recent five-game stretch after they hit below .200 off of him in both May and June.
The Royals counter with Kris Bubic, who has two home starts in which he has failed to complete the first inning. He’s averaging 4.7 walks per nine innings overall this season and has registered a 6.32 ERA at home, giving up at least three runs in six of his nine home starts.
The Royals bullpen has also had issues, posting an American League-worst 4.57 ERA, and the team’s -132 run differential is also the worst in the American League.
The Red Sox are also catching the Royals while their offense is struggling, scoring two runs or fewer in seven of their last nine games. Plus, Whit Merrifield was just traded to the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Red Sox are 35-17 against the American League’s Central and West divisions this season and will continue their dominance of the AL’s non-East teams on Thursday.
The Play: Red Sox -125
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 1-877-770-STOP (7867) (LA), 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY), visit OPGR.org (OR), call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN), ConnexOntario 1-866-531-2600 (ONT), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA).
21+ (18+ NH/WY; 19+ ONT). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/LA/MI/NH/NJ/NY/ONT/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions. DraftKings operates pursuant to an Operating Agreement with iGaming Ontario. Please play responsibly.