MLB Predictions: Can the Royals upset the Indians? 8/25/17
After a series split at home with Boston, can the Cleveland Indians get back on track when they face the Kansas City Royals tonight at 7:10PM ET? Here’s our MLB Predictions for this game.
THE ODDS
According to the latest oddsmakers, the Indians are favored at home in this game, as Cleveland is getting odds of -125 to win. Kansas City is listed with a money line of +115 on the road, while the over/under total for the contest has been set at 9.5 runs. The Indians have won three of their last four against the Royals.
PITCHING MATCHUP
The pitching matchup tonight has Jason Vargas (14-7, 3.59 ERA) on the mound for Kansas City to face Ryan Merritt (0-0, 3.12) of the Indians. Vargas has been in a funk, allowing at least three runs in four straight starts and six of his last eight outings. Vargas has 109 strikeouts with 42 walks this season, as well as a 1.30 WHIP. Merritt has started two games and appeared in three this season. He has allowed three earned runs in 8.2 innings. Merritt has three strikeouts with one walk and a 1.73 WHIP.
INDIANS
Cleveland is coming off a nice win over the Red Sox and Chris Sale on Thursday, but that was to salvage a four-game split. The Tribe is now 70-56 overall and 33-29 at home. The Indians are putting up 4.87 runs per game while allowing 3.88 per game. Cleveland is being led by Edwin Encarnacion, who has 29 home runs with 74 RBI. Jose Ramirez has 40 roubles, 18 home runs and 59 RBI as well for the Tribe.
ROYALS
Kansas City comes in having won three of its last four, including a win over the Indians. The Royals are now 64-62 overall and 29-32 on the road. Kansas City is scoring 4.44 runs per game while giving up 4.65 per contest. The Royals are being led by Mike Moustakas, who has 35 home runs and 77 RBI. However, he is dealing with a knee injury that has him questionable to play tonight. Eric Hosmer is adding 23 doubles, 21 home runs and 73 RBI.
MLB PREDICTIONS
Both teams come in with some injury issues as KC could be without Moustakas. Cleveland could be without Carlos Santana tonight and continue to be without Michael Brantley. I don’t feel good about Merritt on the mound for Cleveland, but he still has one of the best bullpens behind him. Vargas has been struggling right now and facing a team that lit up Chris Sale last night. KC doesn’t have the lineup to contend regularly with Moustakas not in the lineup.
MLB Predictions – Cleveland Indians -125
