As the second half of the regular season goes on those who bet on MLB can continue to rake in some profits. There are plenty of auspicious series coming up, including the Royals and Indians matchup. The Kansas City Royals will be hosting the Cleveland Indians for a three game series that kicks off Monday night. Kansas City is 8 games behind in the American League Central and they’ll be looking to chip into Cleveland’s lead by continuing the success they enjoyed the last time they hosted the Indians. When the tribe last stopped by Kauffman Stadium, the Royals home venue, Kansas City swept them in 3. Unfortunately, the Royals have won only 3 out of their 11 games and are coming in with practically no momentum. Let’s check in on the betting odds and see what they tell us.
Cleveland Indians -11/2 (+105) 8 (-105) -154
Kansas City Royals +-11/2 (+105) 8 (-105) -154
While the Indians have only won 5 out of their last 12 games, they’ll still be coming in with some momentum considering they have won 2 out of the last 3 games since the All-Star break concluded. Cleveland however, will have to open the series without their starting catcher Yan Gomes. Gomes suffered an injury during the fifth inning of Cleveland’s 6-1 win over the Twins Sunday. Gomes was trying to avoid being tagged at first and ended up barreling over the base with the weight of his body landing on his shoulder. On Monday Gomes was placed on the disabled list and Cleveland will be calling up Roberto Perez who is on a minor league rehab assignment after receiving thumb surgery in early May.
The Tribe isn’t the only team suffering from injuries heading into this series. Kansas City’s Mike Moustakas (3rd Baseman) is out for the season because of a knee surgery and Lorenzo Cain (center fielder) is on the disabled list due to a hamstring. Injuries aren’t the only problems facing the defending World Champions; starting pitcher Edinson Volquez has been the definition of inconsistent this season. Volquez holsters a 2.18 ERA in his 11 starts that the Royals ended up winning compared to his 8 losses where he has put up a staggering 9.44 ERA. If the Royals are serious about defending their title this season they’ll have to turn things around quickly. The Royals pitching will also have to convince those who bet on MLB futures of their potential as Kansas City is just one game above .500 after losing to the Tigers Sunday.
After attending his first All-Star game Corey Kluber will be heading to the mound for the Tribe. Kluber’s 9-8, 3.61 ERA performance is what earned him his ticket to the All-Star game and he will be looking to continue the success he enjoyed against the Yankees during his last start. During 8 innings of pitching Kluber only allowed one run while striking 5 batters out. Kluber’s planning on increasing his stats against the Royals as he currently has 1-1 record with a 4.09 ERA when facing Kansas City this season.
The Indians lead Kansas City overall this season (6-4) and will be looking to avenge their last performance at Kaufmann Stadium. They’ll more than likely be able to considering the way that the Royals have been playing as of late. All things considered those who bet on MLB might want to trust the sportsbooks and pick the Indians for Monday’s matchup.
