Free MLB Pick: Astros vs Royals Odds
Looking for Houston Astros vs. Kansas City Royals free MLB predictions? MLB betting sees the Astros taking on the Royals on Thursday, August 19th, 2021 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all MLB baseball matchups all season long so stay tuned for more FREE daily MLB predictions like this Astros Royals free pick.
2021 MLB Handicapping
(70-49) Houston Astros vs. Kansas City Royals (51-67)
Date: Thursday, August 19th
Time: 2:10 PM ET
Venue: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
Projected Pitchers: Luis Garcia vs. Mike Minor
MLB Moneyline Odds: Astros -190 | Royals +165
MLB RunLine Betting Odds: Astros -1.5 (-120)
MLB Baseball Gambling Total: 9
The Astros thought they had a great opportunity with a 4-game set scheduled against the Royals, but now find themselves just trying to salvage a win as the series wraps up on Thursday. KC has taken all three games in this series so far, each as +140 or greater underdogs.
Houston still has a 2.5 game in the AL West, mainly due to Oakland on a fellow 4-game losing streak just like the Astros. Houston is a huge favorite again in the series finale, but can they be trusted?
Houston Astros
Houston’s biggest problem over their four game losing streak is their offense – or lack thereof. The Astros have been held to 2 runs or less in 3 of the last 4, and wasted 6.0 innings of 1 ER ball from Zack Greinke in Wednesday’s loss.
The Astros have benefitted from some poor play from the A’s as of late, and thus still have a hold of a decent lead in the AL West. Houston would benefit greatly with a win on Thursday before a 6-game home stand against the Mariners and Royals.
The lack of Houston hitting the ball has wasted some solid pitching performances during their 4-game skid. Lance McCullers pitched into the 6th and gave up just 2 runs on Sunday in a loss to the Angels and Framber Valdez pitched into the 7th giving up 3 ER in Tuesday’s defeat.
The pressure is on for Luis Garcia (9-6, 3.30 ERA) who knows he may not get a whole lot of run support on Thursday afternoon. Garcia has only allowed 2 ER over his last two starts, but gave up 10 over his two previous outings.
Kansas City Royals
Kansas City has nothing to play for at this point in the season, but to their credit they haven’t completely mailed it in. The Royals had gone 1-5 in the first six games of their home stand only to rattle off three straight wins vs. a Houston team in the playoff hunt.
The Royals haven’t gotten a ton of offense the last two games after their 7-6 win on Monday night. It’s still been enough though thanks to some solid pitching. Daniel Lynch pitched 7.0 innings giving up 1 ER on Tuesday while Brady Singer pitched into the 7th only allowing 2 ER on Wednesday.
KC will go with lefty Mike Minor (8-11, 5.35 ERA) in the series finale. The Royals have lost 7 of his last 9 starts and three straight after he has given up 11 ER over his last 18. 0 IP.
MLB Baseball Betting Trends:
- Astros are 13-5 last 18 Thursday games
- Astros are 36-17 last 53 as a favorite
- Astros are 11-4 last 15 head to head meetings
- Royals are 12-25 last 37 as an underdog
- Royals are 20-44 last 64 vs. RH starter
Free Houston Astros vs. Kansas City Royals MLB Prediction:
Can Kansas City really complete a 4-game sweep against an Astros team that is trying to gear up for the postseason? The Royals have been a profitable team to back the last few nights, but there has to be a time to jump off. That being said, Houston doesn’t exude a lot of confidence as losers of four straight.
There’s definitely better ROI on Kansas City at +160 as the Royals are 31-30 at home on the season. The Astros offense is brutal right now too, ultimately making this play on another low scoring contest.
4* Free MLB Betting Pick: Under 9
This one’s either going to be 4-3 or 11-10.
If you’re looking for more MLB picks like this Houston Astros vs. Kansas City Royals matchup we’ll be providing 4* free MLB plays on the blog all season long, and check out our Experts for guaranteed premium & free MLB Baseball picks!
Register here for a FREE MLB Betting Account Now for Daily Free Picks & More Special Offers!