Free MLB Picks Today: Kansas City Royals vs Chicago White Sox 5/10/23

The Chicago White Sox (13-24) are on the road to face the Kansas City Royals (10-27) at Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium on Wednesday. The White Sox evened up the series 1-1 after winning 4-2 on Tuesday.

Starter Lucas Giolito went six innings to get the win, giving up two runs on five hits and striking out nine, and Kendall Graveman picked up his first save of the season with a scoreless ninth.

Andrew Vaughn was 1 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs in the win. Vinnie Pasquantino’s on-base streak hit 10 games as he went 2 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs for the Royals.

ON THE MOUND

Lance Lynn (1-4, 6.86 ERA) is set to take the mound for Chicago. The righty allowed four runs over 6.2 innings in his last start, a 5-4 home win over the Reds on Friday. He was credited with the win, giving up eight hits while striking out eight.

Lynn is making his first appearance against the Royals this season. Over three starts against the Royals in 2022, Lynn was 2-1 with a 2.84 ERA over 19 innings. He had 21 strikeouts and one walk.

For Kansas City, RHP Brad Keller (2-3, 4.67 ERA) gets the ball. It’s his first appearance of the season against the White Sox. Keller made four appearances against the White Sox in 2022, including three starts, striking out 11 and walking three over 22 innings (0-1, 5.73).

In his last start on Friday, Keller took the loss at home against the Athletics. He threw 4.1 innings and gave up seven runs (6 ER) on 11 hits, striking out one and walking four in the 12-8 defeat.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Chicago has averaged 6.8 runs a game, up from their season average of 4.4, while performing better across the board (.266/.309/.497). Against righties like Keller this season, the Sox have a .680 OPS.

Vaughn is the team’s strongest performer against right-handers with a .807 OPS in 112 at-bats. Kansas City is averaging 6.2 runs per game in the last five, up from 4.1 for the season, with a higher slash line (.268/.356/.446).

The Royals have a .655 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .914 OPS over 102 at-bats, Pasquantino has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Chicago is 7-14 away from home in 2023, scoring 4.3 runs per game while allowing 5.2 runs. Kansas City has gone 4-17 at their home park this season, averaging 4.1 runs per game while surrendering 6.3.

In the last 10 meetings at Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City is 7-3 with an average scoreline of 5.1-3.4.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The White Sox are fourth in the AL Central, six games behind the division-leading Twins. The Royals are fifth in the AL Central, nine games behind the Twins.