<\/p>\n
Bryan Armetta offers up a preview, prediction and pick for Thursday\u2019s MLB game between the Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals.<\/p>\n
Currently second in the wide-open AL West, every game matters going forward for the Rangers (33-34). For a Texas squad that fancies itself as a postseason contender, Thursday\u2019s contest is a litmus test. Earning a series victory against the last-place Royals (28-40) is the expectation. Still, Kansas City is more than capable of earning an upset this afternoon.<\/p>\n
The Royals are favorites (-118)<\/a><\/strong> over the Rangers, with the over\/under set at 10.5 runs<\/a><\/strong>. Below, I\u2019ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Thursday\u2019s showdown between Texas and Kansas City on DraftKings Sportsbook<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n In a league filled with enigmatic squads, the Rangers stand out. Despite a pair of standout pitchers and some big names in the lineup, the club sits below .500 at the moment. Some of their struggles have been injury related; lengthy absences for Corey Seager and Wyatt Langford haven\u2019t helped. Fortunately, the duo are back in action. As a result, this offense becomes far more dangerous for opposing pitchers. It\u2019s also worth noting that Texas averages more runs per game on the road (4.42) than at home (3.61).<\/p>\n Just one Rangers regular, Josh Jung, has an OPS above .800 this season. That\u2019s great news for Kansas City\u2019s starter, Michael Wacha. Per usual, the right-hander has been a solid presence in this rotation. Through 61.0 innings of work this season, he\u2019s notched a 3.54 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 49 strikeouts (7.2 K\/9). That\u2019s in spite of relatively mediocre underlying numbers; Wacha ranks below the 50th percentile in most advanced metrics<\/a>. The veteran has surrendered ten earned runs combined over his last two outings. That includes a five-inning, six-run effort against Texas on May 31st.<\/p>\n For the visitors, Kumar Rocker will get the nod this afternoon. Through 61.0 innings of work this season, he\u2019s notched a 3.54 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 49 strikeouts (7.2 K\/9). The righty is by no means a star, but he\u2019s become a trusted member of Texas\u2019 rotation. Over his last five starts, Rocker has only given up six earned runs (1.88 ERA). During that stretch, he enjoyed six innings of scoreless ball against the Royals at Globe Life Field. <\/p>\n On paper, there\u2019s no reason to think Rocker can\u2019t keep rolling on Thursday. The Royals aren\u2019t very intimidating at the plate, accounting for the league\u2019s fourth-worst wOBAcon (.348) and fifth-worst slugging percentage (.379). Rocker\u2019s weapon of choice is the slider, which he\u2019s thrown on 38% of his pitches. Against that offering, Kansas City batters have posted a .202 batting average and .276 on-base percentage. Jac Caglianone (123 wRC+) and Bobby Witt Jr. (120 wRC+) are the only Royals regulars with a wRC+ above 100 this season. In addition, KC is averaging the third-fewest runs per game in the majors (3.93).<\/p>\n Neither of these offenses are world-beaters, which puts more weight on today\u2019s starters. While Wacha has been solid this season, he\u2019s been due for some negative regression. In addition, the Rangers have already proven they can hit the experienced righty. As for Rocker, slowing down a top-heavy Royals lineup isn\u2019t the most difficult challenge. At even money, the value is with Texas in this one.<\/p>\n
\nRangers vs. Royals pick, best bet today<\/h2>\n
\n
Rangers vs. Royals prediction, preview<\/h2>\n
Best Bet: Rangers ML (-102)<\/a><\/h3>\n
\nMore MLB Content & Betting Picks<\/h2>\n