With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, it’s put up or shut up time for the Guardians and Royals. Both of these teams have fallen short of expectations this season. However, each club remains within striking distance for a playoff spot. Which of these two AL Central rivals will take care of business tonight? Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Saturday’s matchup between the Guardians and Royals.
The Royals are favorites (-137) over the Guardians, with the over/under set at eight runs. Let’s break down which side has the edge on DraftKings Sportsbook entering tonight’s contest.
Guardians vs. Royals prediction, preview
These squads are quite similar in a number of ways. Each of these lineups struggles to score, ranking inside the bottom five in runs per game. Still, superstars Jose Ramirez (144 wRC+) and Bobby Witt Jr. (122 wRC+) are capable of dominating on any night. What makes these teams competitive is a deep collection of quality starting pitchers. For the visiting Guardians, it’ll be Tanner Bibee taking the hill on Saturday. Despite his reputation as a talented young arm, it’s been a disappointing season for the 26-year-old. Over 20 appearances, he’s notched a 4.27 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 99 strikeouts. However, the right-hander has tossed ten scoreless innings during his last two outings vs. Kansas City.
On the other side, it’ll be Kris Bubic toeing the slab. It’s been a breakout campaign for the southpaw, who has emerged as a premier arm in the American League. Through 113.2 innings of work, the sixth-year pro has notched a 2.38 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 115 strikeouts. The biggest key to the hurler’s success? A league-leading 0.5 HR/9 ratio. If there’s a knock on the All-Star, he’s been good, not great, since June 1st (3.77 ERA, 1.35 WHIP). In addition, he’s posted a mediocre 5.18 ERA over nine career meetings with the Guardians.
It’s been an up-and-down kind of year for Cleveland, especially at the plate. Look no further than the team’s 3.85 runs per game, fifth-worst in baseball. With that being said, July has been far better. Over their last ten games, the Guardians have scored the league’s third-most runs (56). During that time, the team has earned a record of 7-3. Granted, part of that has to do with playing the White Sox, Orioles and Athletics. Still, it’s a positive sign for a Cleveland offense that has struggled mightily for most of the season.
Guardians vs. Royals pick, best bet
Best Bet: Guardians ML (+112)
In theory, the Royals should be favored on Saturday due to a clear edge on the mound. However, Bibee has a strong track record against Kansas City, while Bubic has struggled vs. Cleveland. Combined with a recent offensive surge, the Guardians offer value tonight at plus money.
