Diamondbacks vs. Royals Prediction and Odds for Wednesday, August 24 (Trust Gallen & Singer Early)

Stop me if you've heard this story before, but the Kansas City Royals' bullpen blew another game last night. This time, it was former Arizona Diamondback Luke Weaver imploding late to give his former team the victory.

Perhaps Weaver is secretly a double agent? Although the likelier scenario is merely that he's a member of the Royals, which means any talent he had as a reliever is instantly zapped into oblivion.

Luckily for Kansas City, Brady Singer starts today and hasn't needed much help from the bullpen of late. Since the start of July, Singer has a 2.25 ERA over 56 innings with 65 strikeouts to just 19 walks. The Royals are 7-2 in those outings.

The Diamondbacks won each of Zac Gallen's last six starts themselves, as he's compiled an even-better 2.08 ERA over the last two months. He's gone 21 consecutive innings, spanning three starts, without allowing a run.

Which pitcher has the upper hand in what should be a fantastic duel? Here are the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook to help us find out:

Diamondbacks vs Royals Odds, Run Line and Total

Run Line:

• Diamondbacks -1.5 (+135)
• Royals +1.5 (-165)

Moneyline:

• Diamondbacks: -125
• Royals: +115

Total:

• 7.5 (Over -105/Under -115)

Diamondbacks vs Royals Prediction and Pick

What a doozy this game ought to be! We've got a pair of excellent pitchers on excellent runs, and we're splitting hairs trying to pick a winner.

Brady Singer allowed two or fewer runs in six of his last seven starts and seems to be a foundational rotation piece moving forward for Kansas City. He's had command issues pop up a bit of late, but if he limits walks he should shut the Diamondbacks' lineup down.

But Gallen may be MLB's hottest pitcher, going 21.2 consecutive innings (and counting) without surrendering a run. Kansas City ranks just 24th in OPS against right-handed pitchers this month, so I expect another strong outing from Gallen.

Neither bullpen can be trusted, and although I'd love to pick the Royals to improve to 10-4 in their last 14 games as home underdogs, I don't feel comfortable fading Gallen. Thus, I'll look to the first five innings for value.

I don't foresee either lineup scoring early. Singer and Gallen should go toe-to-toe, and I love the first five under 3.5 (-105) that WynnBET has available. Back each starter in what just might be the best pitching matchup of the day.

Pick: First Five Innings Under 3.5 (-105)

Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.