The Kansas City Royals (-150) host the Cleveland Guardians (+130) at Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium on Monday for the first of a three-game series. The early total has been set at 7.5 with the under a -115 favorite. The Guardians (68-64) are playing their first of six games on the road after wrapping up a rough six-game homestand (1-5). They were just swept in three games against the Mariners, dropping the finale 6-3 on Sunday at Progressive Field for their fifth straight loss. Oscar Gonzalez was 1 for 3 with one RBI. The Royals (55-80) are playing the first of six games at home after concluding a six-game road trip (3-3). They won two of three against the Tigers in their last series, taking the finale 3-2 on Sunday at Comerica Park. Michael A. Taylor went 3 for 5 with a double and one run.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The Guardians have won six of 10 in the season series between the AL Central rivals, although they suffered a 5-1 defeat in their last meeting on July 10 at Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium. Zack Greinke threw five scoreless innings- striking out five – for the win.
ON THE MOUND
Triston McKenzie (9-11, 3.17 ERA) is set to start for Cleveland. The right-hander allowed two runs over five innings in his last start, a 4-0 road defeat against the Orioles on Wednesday. He was charged with the loss, yielding five hits while striking out seven and walking two. McKenzie has made one previous start against the Royals this season, a 13-1 road victory on July 9. He allowed three hits over six scoreless innings, striking out four and walking five. For Kansas City, righty Brady Singer (7-4, 3.33 ERA) takes the mound. He has made two appearances against the Guardians this season, including one start, giving up seven runs over 10 innings (0-0, 6.30) with eight strikeouts and one walk. In his last start on Tuesday, Singer took a no-decision on the road against the White Sox. He threw 4.2 innings and gave up four runs on nine hits, striking out four and walking one in the 9-7 victory.
AT THE PLATE
The Cleveland offense is averaging 4.1 runs per game for the season, with a slash line of .249/.311/.377. Jose Ramirez leads the team in OPS at .884. The third baseman is slashing .280/.350/.535 with 26 home runs, 106 RBIs, and 73 runs over 128 games. Over the last five games, though, Cleveland has averaged only 0.8 runs a game while slashing worse across the board (.204/.265/.222). Against righties like Singer this season, the Guardians have a .707 OPS. Ramirez also is the team’s strongest performer against right-handers with a .923 OPS in 367 at-bats. Kansas City is slashing .245/.308/.382 for the season and averaging 4.0 runs per game. Bobby Witt Jr. leads the team with a .737 OPS. The shortstop has 20 home runs, 70 RBIs, and 68 runs scored with a slash line of .250/.291/.446. The Royals have a .677 OPS against right-handers in 2022, fifth lowest in the league. With a .739 OPS over 367 at-bats, Witt Jr. also has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Cleveland is 35-34 on the road in 2022, scoring 4.4 runs per game while allowing 4.0 runs. Kansas City has gone 32-37 at Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium this season, averaging 4.1 runs per game while surrendering 5.0. In the last 10 meetings at Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City is 6-4 despite an average scoreline favoring Cleveland (6.0-4.1).
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Guardians lead the AL Central by zero games over the Guardians. The Royals are fourth in the AL Central, 14 games behind the Twins.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Cleveland Guardians (-135)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
