Royals vs. Astros Prediction and Odds for Wednesday, July 6 (Javier's Historic Stretch Continues)
By Joe Summers
The 29-50 Kansas City Royals fell victim to a disastrous bullpen once again. For the second straight night, a poor performance from K.C.'s relievers gave Houston a victory. Tonight, the 53-27 Astros look to complete a sweep tonight at 8:10 PM EST.
Brad Keller gets the nod for Kansas City after throwing six shutout innings against the Tigers last week. He's been inconsistent this year but his bright spots have been fantastic. In total, he brings a 3- record and 4.24 ERA into tonight's contest.
Houston gives the nod to Cristian Javier, who allowed just two runs total in his last three outings. He has a 1.83 ERA at home and has an obscene 27 strikeouts in his last 14 innings.
Can Javier stay hot at Minute Maid Park or will Kansas City salvage a win in the series?
Let's take a peak at the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook to find the value in this Royals vs Astros matchup:
Royals vs Astros Odds, Run Line and Total
Run Line:
- Royals +1.5 (+112)
- Astros -1.5 (-135)
Moneyline:
- Royals: +240
- Astros: -270
Total:
- 8.0 (Over +100/Under -120)
Royals vs Astros Prediction and Pick
So uh, this Cristian Javier guy might have the goods.
Cristian Javier has 27 strikeouts in his last 2 games, the most strikeouts over a 2-game span by a pitcher to allow 1 hit in the Modern Era (since 1900). pic.twitter.com/tFNqqtiZ9M
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 2, 2022
Javier doesn't even have enough innings to qualify for the ERA title but still has the eighth most strikeouts in the American League. That's downright ridiculous, and he's only getting stronger as the season goes on.
Houston is now 16-3 since mid-June. On top of sterling performances from their starting rotation, the Astros have the fourth-highest OPS against right-handed pitchers over the last two weeks while possessing MLB's best bullpen and a defense that leads the AL in Outs Above Average, per MLB Statcast.
Put those elements together and you've got a recipe for a juggernaut. While I'd love to make the argument for Keller and the Royals, it's hard to do without incorporating some hometown bias. They're 2-8 in Keller's last 10 starts and with the AL's worst bullpen backing him up, I don't see how Kansas City scores enough to win.
Give me the 'Stros to keep it rolling and finish off the sweep. Javier is too dominant, the lineup too dangerous, and the bullpen advantage too large.
Pick: Astros -1.5 (-135)
Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.