Royals vs. Rays Prediction and Odds for Friday, August 19th (Go OVER on Low Total)

The Tampa Bay Rays are in a heated AL Wild Card race at the moment and can't afford to slip up against inferior opponents.

Tampa Bay has a chance to continue to further their standing in the AL Wild Card with a series against the Kansas City Royals. KC's offense has come alive of late, but they are projected to struggled against All-Star Shane McClanahan.

How should we bet this series opener at Tropicana Field? Here are the odds from consensus sportsbooks:

Royals vs. Rays Odds, Run Line, Total

Run Line:

• Royals: +1.5 (-140)
• Rays: -1.5 (+115)

Moneyline:

• Royals: +170
• Rays: -200

Total:

• 6.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Royals vs. Rays Prediction and Pick

While the total is low at 6.5, I'm finding myself eyeing the over. McClanahan has taken himself out of the AL Cy Young race with his recent form, posting a 4.94 ERA over his last four starts. Once the favorite to win the award, the Rays ace is off the pace now, well behind the likes of Justin Verlander and Dylan Cease.

Now he faces a Royals team that is in a full rebuild, but actually hitting the ball well. Kansas City is right around league average in the batting average in the month of August, hitting .239 and are top 10 at hitting lefty pitchers like McClanahan on the year.

With a total this low, and McClanahan's recent form, I'm bullish that the Royals can plate a few runs and do their part to go over this number.

Meanwhile, the Rays offense is set to face Brady Singer, who has seemingly switched places with McClanahan over the past month.

He has a 1.67 ERA over his last five starts, but I'm going to play against it. On the year, Singer has a 3.18 ERA that is supported by a 3.61 FIP, he may be in good form, but he is more of an average pitcher and can be in line for some regression.

LEAN: OVER 6.5 (-110)