Just three years removed from a World Series season Kansas City is back to where they came from. That is as a team with a low payroll and little prospect for success. MLB game lines will have the Royals as consistent dogs this year. Such a drop in stature has to hurt KC fans who had become accustomed to backing a contender. Eric Hosmer’s departure to San Diego was a crushing final blow this past winter. As for the Angels championship demands are at a maximum level. Kansas City will host Los Angeles on Saturday night.
Los Angeles Angels vs. Kansas City Royals
Date and Time: Saturday, April 14, 2018, 7:15 p.m. ET
Location: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
Baseball Betting Online Odds at SBG: Click here!
Angels vs. Royals TV Coverage: FS1
Starting Pitchers
Probable starters are Garrett Richards for the Angels and Jakob Junis for the Royals. Richards is a right hander that has posted a 1-0 record in three starts in 2018. With an ERA of 4.20 he has a WHIP of 1.60. He has pitched in just 15 games since the 2016 season. Also throwing right handed is Junis. Starting strong he has a 2-0 record and 0.50 WHIP. Junis permitted no earned runs in his first two starts. As a rookie last year, he was 9-3 with a 4.30 ERA and 1.28 WHIP. Junis is a rare top shelf Royal.
Kansas
Kansas City wasted no time showing their ineptitude with the MLB game lines. With six losses in their first nine games the cellar belonged to KC. Pitching was once the strength of the Royals. Now it is a liability. Even worse is an offense that ranks near the bottom for run production. Mike Moustakas is one of the few names remaining from the title years. “Moose” powered to a .925 OPS with two home runs and eight RBI to start the season. With a roster remake this will be a year of learning for KC.
Los Angeles
Few teams boast better run production than the Angels. With nine wins in their first 12 games they demonstrated their chalk status. Defending champ Houston and LA are expected to battle all season in the American League West. What is most encouraging so far for Los Angeles has been their improved pitching. That has been the missing element the past few seasons. Bolting out of the gate was old mainstay Mike Trout. LA’s centerfielder powered four home runs. Also flexing his muscles was Shohei Ohtani with three home runs. Justin Upton added three more round trippers.
Team vs Team
Kansas City has dominated this recent sportsbook online series. Seven payouts in their last eight games vs. LA has made lots of cash. Over the total has paid in just two of the last seven in this rivalry. Los Angeles has paid in just two of their last nine at Kauffman Stadium. Five of the last seven between these teams at KC have gone under the number.
Matchup to Watch
This is a MLB game lines mismatch. Junis does bring an element of chance for Kansas City. But his presence also means a drop in price for the Angels. Betting value therefore will be with the better team in this matchup.
Angels vs. Royals Betting Odds Picks
Keep an eye on the Angels for 2018. And certainly, for this game!
Baseball Betting Online Pick: Los Angeles Angels
Baseball Betting Online Score Prediction: Angels 6, Royals 3