Published Jun 10, 6:34pm ET by
Demilade Adelekun - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Jun 10, 6:34pm ET
Updated Jun 10, 6:34pm ET
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| Kansas City Royals | -125 |
| Texas Rangers | +105 |
Kumar Rocker is 2-5 with a 3.54 ERA. The former top prospect made it back from Tommy John surgery and has flashed the kind of stuff that made him a first-round pick: a fastball that plays up in the zone, a breaking ball with genuine swing-and-miss potential. But the ERA doesn't tell the full story on either side. He has allowed six runs in 28.2 innings over his last five starts (1.88 ERA over that stretch) which represents a legitimate hot stretch. The Rangers are 32-34 overall, and while they've won seven of their last ten, they've allowed 16 runs in their three most recent losses.
Corey Seager and Josh Jung give Texas its most productive bats. Seager is hitting .391 with two RBI in 23 career at-bats against Wacha, which is the one number that cuts against this pick.
Michael Wacha is 4-4 with a 3.44 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP. He has 2.1 WAR through his first 70.1 innings this season, which puts him among the more valuable starters in the American League by that measure. His sinker-heavy approach generates weak contact and keeps the ball in the park. Kauffman Stadium plays as a slight pitcher's park, which suits his profile.
Bobby Witt Jr. and Vinnie Pasquantino anchor the Kansas City lineup. The Royals are 28-39 overall and have won three straight coming into Thursday's finale. Their bullpen, despite losing Cole Ragans and Kris Bubic to injury, has been serviceable in shorter stints. At home with Wacha pitching his best baseball of the season, Kansas City is a legitimate number at -125.
Wacha at 3.44 ERA and 2.1 WAR against a Texas team giving up runs in clusters. Kansas City has won three straight and gets the pitching edge at home. The market has this near even, but the pitching says otherwise.
Royals.
Pick: Kansas City Royals -125
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Pick
Kansas City Royals -125
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