MLB Spread Play: Red Sox vs Royals 7/12
- Big Ben Profits
- Jul 11, 2024, 3:41:59 PM
© Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
MLB Spread Play: Boston Red Sox vs Kansas City Royals 7/12
Game Summary
The Boston Red Sox will face off against the Kansas City Royals on July 12 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. The Red Sox come into this game with a 50-41 record and have shown strength in both hitting and pitching throughout the season. They are currently ranked 9th in hits and batting average while maintaining an impressive 6th place in ERA. However, their fielding has been an issue, leading the league in errors.
On the other hand, the Kansas City Royals hold a 51-43 record and have been competitive in both hitting and pitching. They rank 13th in hits and 11th in batting average, with a solid ERA ranking of 9th. Their standout player, Bobby Witt Jr., leads the team with a batting average of .325. The Royals' fielding is significantly better compared to the Red Sox, ranking 19th in errors.
This matchup will be interesting as both teams have shown similar strengths and weaknesses, making it a closely contested game. The probable starting pitcher for the Royals is Cole Ragans, who has a 5-6 record with a 3.28 ERA. The Red Sox have yet to announce their starting pitcher for this game.
Odds and Betting Lines
| Market | Odds |
|---|---|
| Over/Under | 8.5 |
| Boston Red Sox Spread | -1.5 |
| Kansas City Royals Spread | +1.5 |
| Boston Red Sox Moneyline | -152 |
| Kansas City Royals Moneyline | +126 |
Pitching Probables
| Player | W-L | ERA | WHIP | IP | H | K | BB | HR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C. Ragans | 5-6 | 3.28 | 1.17 | 109.2 | 91 | 134 | 37 | 8 |
| Undecided | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Team Previews
Boston Red Sox
Hitting: The Red Sox have been solid offensively, ranking 9th in hits (793) and batting average (.253). Rafael Devers has been a key player, leading the team with a .292 batting average, 21 home runs, and 58 RBIs.
Relief Pitching: The bullpen has been reliable, with the team ranking tied-12th in saves (24). Their overall ERA of 3.69 is 6th in the league, indicating a strong pitching staff.
Fielding: Fielding has been a concern for the Red Sox, leading the league with 67 errors. This could be a critical factor in close games.
Starting Pitchers: The starting rotation has been effective, contributing to the team's 3.69 ERA. However, the team has not yet announced their starting pitcher for this game.
Kansas City Royals
Hitting: The Royals' offense has been productive, ranking 13th in hits (771) and 11th in batting average (.247). Bobby Witt Jr. leads the team with a .325 batting average.
Relief Pitching: The bullpen has been solid, ranking tied-12th in saves (24) with an ERA of 3.79, which is 9th in the league.
Fielding: The Royals' defense is better compared to the Red Sox, ranking 19th in errors with 46.
Starting Pitchers: Cole Ragans will start for the Royals, boasting a 3.28 ERA and a 5-6 record. He has shown consistency and effectiveness on the mound.
Team Injuries
| Player Name | Position | Injury | Injury Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| V. Grissom | 2B | Hamstring | Expected to be out until at least Jul 29 |
| Player Name | Position | Injury | Injury Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| D. Altavilla | RP | Oblique | Expected to be out until at least Sep 18 |
| J. Taylor | RP | Biceps | Expected to be out until at least Jul 25 |
Betting Trends
- Boston Red Sox are 4-1 in their last 5 games following a loss.
- Kansas City Royals are 5-2 in their last 7 games as an underdog.
- Over is 6-2 in Red Sox's last 8 home games.
- Under is 5-2 in Royals' last 7 road games.
Recent Games
| Opponent | Score | W/L |
|---|---|---|
| vs Oakland | W12-9 | W |
| vs Oakland | L5-2 | L |
| @ New York | W3-0 | W |
| @ New York | L14-4 | L |
| @ New York | W5-3 | W |
| Opponent | Score | W/L |
|---|---|---|
| @ St. Louis | W8-5 | W |
| @ St. Louis | W6-4 | W |
| @ Colorado | W10-1 | W |
| @ Colorado | L3-1 | L |
| @ Colorado | L4-2 | L |
Team Rankings
| Category | Boston Red Sox | Kansas City Royals |
|---|---|---|
| Hitting | 9th | 13th |
| Starting Pitching | 6th | 9th |
| Relief Pitching | Tied-12th | Tied-12th |
| Fielding | 1st (most errors) | 19th |
Significant Betting Stats
- Boston Red Sox are 50-41 overall this season.
- The Red Sox are 21-24 at home.
- Kansas City Royals are 51-43 overall this season.
- The Royals are 20-25 on the road.
- Over is 45-39-6 in Red Sox games this season.
- Under is 38-51-3 in Royals games this season.
- Boston Red Sox are 4-1 in their last 5 games following a loss.
- Kansas City Royals are 5-2 in their last 7 games as an underdog.
- Rafael Devers leads the Red Sox with 21 home runs and 58 RBIs.
- Bobby Witt Jr. leads the Royals with a .325 batting average.
Weather
The weather forecast for the game at Fenway Park on July 12 is intermittent clouds with a high temperature of 83°F.
Prediction
Pick: Boston Red Sox to cover -1.5
The Boston Red Sox have shown strong offensive capabilities and solid pitching throughout the season. Despite their fielding issues, their overall performance at home and the Royals' struggles on the road give them an edge in this matchup. With the Royals' starting pitcher Cole Ragans having a decent 3.28 ERA, it will still be challenging for them to contain the Red Sox's powerful lineup led by Rafael Devers. Therefore, I predict the Boston Red Sox to cover the -1.5 spread.
