Royals vs. White Sox Prediction and Odds for Monday, August 1 (Keller Relishes Facing Chicago)

After winning 10 of their last 15 games, the Chicago White Sox find themselves just two games behind the Minnesota Twins for the AL Central lead. Despite a disappointing season, Chicago has a huge opportunity with a winnable series against the Kansas City Royals.

Michael Kopech hopes to take advantage after throwing five shutout innings against the Colorado Rockies last week. He struggles mightily with command, walking 14 batters in 20.1 innings in July while ranking in the sixth percentile in walk percentage, but Chicago has three straight wins behind him regardless.

Kansas City turns to Brad Keller, who had a 3.77 ERA in July. In 14 innings against the White Sox this season, Keller allowed just four runs and kept the Royals competitive in both contests.

Can Keller play spoiler, or will Chicago seize the moment? To analyze this Royals vs White Sox matchup, here are the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook:

Royals vs White Sox Odds, Run Line and Total

Run Line:

• Royals +1.5 (-135)
• White Sox -1.5 (+112)

Moneyline:

• Royals: +145
• White Sox: -155

Total:

• 9.0 (Over -105/Under -115)

Royals vs White Sox Prediction and Pick

I believe this contest is closer to a coin flip than the odds indicate. Thus, the Royals have value.

Kansas City has three straight road wins behind Brad Keller as he's showcased a high ceiling but struggles with consistency. Keller seems to relish facing the White Sox though, as he's thrown a quality start in four of his last five outings against them, amassing a 3.09 ERA in the process. Over his last three contests against Chicago, Keller has a 2.14 ERA.

Keller's biggest problem over the last few years is a lack of run support. But the Royals' lineup is trending upward now that management is finally ushering in a youth movement, and Kopech is prone to disaster.

Because Kopech's command is virtually nonexistent, he's always prone to walk too many batters and doesn't go deep into games. He actually has a worse FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) at 4.42 than Keller's at 4.26. That's significant because Chicago has a terrible defense, while the Royals' is strong.

Chicago is 1-3 in Kopech's last four home starts and he's thrown at least six innings just once in his last seven starts. The White Sox have a poor bullpen managed by the even-worse Tony La Russa, so I have limited faith in their ability to take advantage of the opportunity presented.

I'll trust Keller to continue his strong play against Chicago and give Kansas City a second consecutive road upset.

Pick: Royals (+145)

Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.