The Guardians (68-66) are on a tear, winning seven straight games. Cleveland currently owns the American League’s final wild card spot, with a shot at winning the Central division as well. That places added importance on Friday’s matchup with the Royals (60-75). Can Kansas City plays spoiler against their rivals tonight?
The Guardians are favorites (-130) over the Royals; the over/under is set at 7.5 runs. Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Friday’s showdown between Kansas City and Cleveland on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Royals vs. Guardians pick, best bet today
- Royals vs. Guardians under 7.5 runs (-124): Both Bibee and Wacha are reliable arms, familiar with tonight’s lineups as well. Neither the Guardians or Royals profile as an offensive juggernaut either. The odds are against a high-scoring affair this evening in Cleveland.
Royals vs. Guardians prediction, preview
Michael Wacha gets the nod for Kansas City tonight, making his start of the season. It’s been a solid campaign for the veteran, who earned his second career All-Star Game selection. Over 162.2 innings of work (26 starts), he’s delivered a 3.49 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 126 strikeouts (7.0 K/9). The 34-year-old has allowed rwo earned runs or less in five of his previous seven outings. Wacha’s best trait is a knack for limiting walks (2.3 BB/9) and base hits (7.8 H/9), which counteract his inability to consistently generate whiffs.
The Guardians have looked far more respectable at the plate over the past few weeks. With that being said, this lineup isn’t the most intimidating for opposing pitchers. They’re averaging 4.05 runs per game, tied for the third-lowest mark in baseball. The best trait for this group might be plate discipline, averaging the fifth-most walks per game (3.65). However, as previously mentioned, Wacha is one of the sport’s best at preventing base on balls. The crafty right-hander has had his share of success in this spot as well. He’s recorded a 2.22 ERA over his last five meetings with Cleveland, including two separate seven-inning performances earlier this season.
It’ll be Tanner Bibee toeing the slab for the home team this evening. It’s been another quality season for the righty, a key component of this Guardians pitching staff. He comes into Friday with a 3.97 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 123 strikeouts (7.1 K/9) through 156.1 innings (27 starts). Bibee, much like Wacha, isn’t likely to notch double-digit strikeouts. He too is a command specialist, delivering a solid 2.5 BB/9 ratio. The 27-year-old, at the very least, can eat some innings. He’s tossed at least six frames in seven of his last eight contests.
The Royals aren’t complete stiffs at the plate, rostering several intriguing bats. Perennial MVP candidate Bobby Witt Jr. is the headliner, but Jac Caglianone, Salvador Perez and Vinny Pasquantino are also capable of making an impact tonight. Still, for whatever reason, this group has struggled mightily away from Kaufman Field. They’re averaging an MLB-worst 3.68 runs on the road this season. To boot, Bibee has had this squad’s number over the past few years. Cleveland’s hurler owns a 3.00 ERA during his last six appearances vs. Kansas City.
Best Bet: Royals vs. Guardians under 7.5 runs (-124)
In many ways, tonight’s starters are a mirror of each other. Unlikely to beat themselves, both Bibee and Wacha offer a high floor on Friday. Cleveland’s offense, while hot as of late, has had its share of struggles with the latter. On the other side, Kansas City suffers a massive drop-off in production on the road. Don’t expect much scoring this evening at Progressive Field.
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