Royals vs. Rangers Prediction and Odds for Wednesday, May 11 (Fade Hapless Royals Until Further Notice)
By Joe Summers
The 9-18 Kansas City Royals have lost three straight and are seeing their season slip away as they take on the 12-16 Texas Rangers today at 8:05 PM EST.
Ordinarily, Kris Bubic would get the start for the Royals. But he's been demoted after amassing a 13.14 ERA in five starts. Kansas City hasn't officially announced a starter, but it seems most likely Brady Singer will get the call. He allowed one run over 7.2 innings in two starts in Triple-A but has struggled with big league hitters.
The Rangers will send Matt Bush to the mound to serve as an opener for a bullpen day. Bush has a 4.09 ERA across 12 appearances.
Can Texas notch a victory for the seventh time in 10 games or will Kansas City finally show some life?
Let's check out the consensus odds to help pick a winner in this Royals vs Rangers matchup:
Royals vs Rangers Odds, Run Line and Total
Run Line:
- Royals +1.5 (-200)
- Rangers -1.5 (+165)
Moneyline:
- Royals: +110
- Rangers: -130
Total:
- 8.5 (Over -105/Under -114)
Royals vs Rangers Prediction and Pick
The Royals have given us no reason to believe in them in any capacity. They're 2-8 over their last 10 games, allowing an average of 5.3 runs and scoring an average of only 2.6 runs per game in that stretch.
It's good they're finally moving on from Bubic as a starter, but Singer has struggled to go deep into games and struggled with command in his career. That means Kansas City will have to rely on a bullpen that ranks 27th in ERA on the season.
Texas' bullpen is middle-of-the-pack, but that should be plenty against a Royals lineup that's among the worst in baseball.
Just fade the Royals until they show they can be a competent baseball team, honestly. They're 2-9 as a road underdog this season while the Rangers have won three straight at home. I'm thrilled to get such a short price on Texas and love their chances to win.
Pick: Rangers (-130)