Braves vs Royals MLB Pick: Atlanta Aims to Rebound Against Kansas City

Major League Baseball action continues on Monday, July 28, as the Atlanta Braves head to Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, to take on the Royals. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:40 p.m. ET. This interleague matchup features a Braves team looking to turn their fortunes around against a Royals squad that has been competitive in the American League Central.

Atlanta Braves Outlook

The Atlanta Braves enter this game with a 44-60 record, placing them fourth in the National League East, a significant 16.5 games behind the division-leading Mets. Their offense, while capable of power, has struggled with consistency, ranking 24th in runs scored (426 total) and 20th in batting average (.242).

Matt Olson leads the team with 18 home runs and 65 RBIs, while Austin Riley paces them with a .269 batting average. The Braves’ pitching staff holds a 4.10 ERA (19th in MLB), and they have an impressive 9.3 strikeouts per nine innings (4th in MLB). However, they have been in a slump, with a 2-8 record in their last 10 games.

Kansas City Royals Outlook

The Kansas City Royals sit at 51-54, holding third place in the AL Central, 8.5 games behind the Tigers. The Royals’ pitching has been a bright spot, boasting a 3.51 ERA (2nd in MLB), while their offense has struggled to generate runs, ranking 29th in MLB with just 3.5 runs per game.

Bobby Witt Jr. has been a standout performer, batting .287 with 15 home runs and 31 walks. Maikel Garcia leads the team with a .296 batting average, and Salvador Perez leads in home runs (18) and RBIs (62). The Royals have been more competitive lately, with a 6-4 record in their last 10 outings.

Analysis and Pick

This matchup presents a clash of narratives: the struggling Braves with their ace versus the surprisingly solid Royals. Spencer Strider’s presence on the mound for Atlanta is a major factor. Despite his win-loss record, his strikeout ability can neutralize even good offenses. However, the Braves’ recent offensive struggles are a concern, especially against a Royals pitching staff that has performed well.

The Royals, despite their lower offensive output, have been competitive due to their strong pitching. Richard Hill’s effective start to the season adds another layer of intrigue. Playing at home, the Royals will have the crowd on their side.

While the Braves are favored, their recent form and offensive inconsistencies make the run line a bit risky. The Royals’ strong pitching and ability to keep games close, especially at Kauffman Stadium, make them an appealing underdog. The total runs line of 9.5 is high, reflecting the potential for offensive outbursts, but both pitchers are capable of keeping the score down. Given Strider’s quality and the Royals’ overall pitching strength, leaning towards a tighter, lower-scoring game makes sense.