Pittsburgh Pirates at Kansas City Royals odds, picks and prediction
The Pittsburgh Pirates (20-32) and Kansas City Royals (25-26) play the first game of a two-game series at Kauffman Stadium Monday with an 8:10 p.m. ET first pitch. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Pirates vs. Royals odds with MLB picks and predictions.
RHP Chad Kuhl is the projected starting pitcher for the Pirates. He is 0-1 with a 6.32 ERA, 1.79 WHIP, 8.0 K/9 and 9.2 BB/9 over 15 2/3 IP through 4 starts.
Kuhl makes his first start since mid-April. He had been on the 10-day injured list due to right shoulder discomfort since April 22. In his first start before the injury, he had season highs with five innings pitched and six strikeouts in a no-decision against the Milwaukee Brewers April 18.
LHP Mike Minor is the projected starting pitcher for the Royals. He is 3-2 with a 4.83 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 10.2 K/9 and 3.5 BB/9 over 54 IP through 10 starts.
Minor was solid last time out, allowing just one earned run, two hits and four walks with a season-high tying nine strikeouts over five innings in a no-decision at the Tampa Bay Rays Wednesday.
Follow every MLB game: Latest MLB scores, stats, schedules and standings.
MLB betting offers/promotions
BetMGM Sportsbook offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.
- Bet just $1 on either team's money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a home run during the game. Bet now!
- RISK-FREE FIRST BET. Place your first bet, if it loses you'll get up to $600 in free bets.Bet now!
Pirates at Royals odds, lines, picks and prediction
MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 6:55 a.m. ET.
- Money line : Pirates +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Royals -175 (bet $175 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS : Pirates +1.5 (-135) | Royals -1.5 (+110)
- Over/Under : 8.5 (Over -115 | Under -105)
Prediction
Royals 6, Pirates 3
Money line (ML)
The ROYALS (-175) are the play, although at this price, they're only worth a small-unit play. Minor has averaged six innings across the past three outings, so Kansas City certainly has the better pitcher on the bump. Kuhl is returning from a six-week injury, so he'll likely be on a pitch count and he could struggle.
FANTASY BASEBALL: Serious about winning your league? Sign up for BaseballHQ.com to dominate the competition.Subscribe now!
Run line/Against the spread (ATS)
The ROYALS -1.5 (+110) are a decent option at plus-money. Over their past 10 wins, Kansas City has won eight by two or more runs. So, if you like the Royals to win, take a chance on them with the run line, too.
Over/Under (O/U)
The OVER 8.5 (-115) is the slight lean here based on the Kuhl potential rust factor, even though the winds will be blowing in slightly from right field.
PLAY: Free, daily sports pick'em contests.Play now!
Bet on this game now atBetMGM Sportsbook. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow Joe Williams on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.