Kansas City vs Cleveland MLB Odds Analysis

On Thursday night, the Kansas City Royals open a four-game weekend series in Cleveland against the Indians. The Indians (26-24) are in third place in the American League Central, 2 ½ games behind the division-leading Royals. The Indians took three of four from the White Sox last week, briefly slipping into first place in the division, but since have lost four of five against the Orioles and the Rangers. The Royals (29-22) have won seven of eight, including a three-game sweep of the White Sox and winning the first two games of their midweek series against Tampa Bay. Find the latest MLB betting run lines here.

Kansas City Royals vs Cleveland Indians MLB Odds Analysis

When: Thursday, June 2, 2016, 7:10pm Eastern time Where: Progressive Field, Cleveland TV: FSKC, SportsTime Ohio Radio: WMMS 100.7 FM Cleveland Live Stream: MLB.tv MLB Odds: TBA Pitching Matchup: Yordano Ventura (4-3, 5.17 ERA) (KC) vs Carlos Carrasco (2-0, 2.45 ERA) (CLE)    

Why should you bet on Kansas City?

Despite the fact that Salvador Perez, Alex Gordon and Mike Moustakas are all on the shelf with injuries, the Royals’ offense is still cranking out the runs. They have now reached double figures in hits in eight consecutive games, and they have won six consecutive series. They were seven games out and sat in fourth place in the Central on May 10, but now they lead the White Sox by two games. Kendrys Morales and Lorenzo Cain have been picking up the slack (a home run apiece and 7 combined RBI in their 10-5 pounding of the Rays on Tuesday), and Eric Hosmer hasn’t been slacking (13 for 30, 13 RBI in the present homestand). Why should you put your money on the Indians? The Tribe sends Carlos Carrasco to the mound. He has been on the disabled list but is slated to return from his rehabilitation assignment to take his turn on Thursday. He has struck out 20 batters in four starts at the major league level this season. The only Royal with a career batting over .300 against Carrasco is Lorenzo Cain (.316, 19 AB), and the only Royal to hit a home run off Carrasco is Kendrys Morales (1). For the most part, Carrasco has pitched well against a Royals lineup that has slugged its way into two consecutive World Series. The Royals are starting Yordano Ventura, and the fiery pitcher struggled in May, posting a 6.59 ERA, thanks in part to the six earned runs he permitted against the White Sox on Saturday. There could be plenty of pitches for Indian hitters to pound.

Expert Pick and Final Prediction

It can be difficult for pitchers to return from the disabled list. However, the Cleveland offense has been coming back to life a bit in the last couple of weeks, and there should be plenty to hit with Ventura on the mound. Carrasco’s talent should serve him well as he limits the Royals’ output. I’m predicting a 6-3 Tribe win.