MLB Predictions: Kansas City Royals vs. New York Yankees

The Kansas City Royals (41-44) and New York Yankees (48-40) will open up a four-game American League series Monday night at Yankee Stadium, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET

Kansas City Royals vs. New York Yankees

The New York Yankees are 10-5 as home favorites of -125 to -150 this season

Kansas City has alternated wins and losses over its last four games, as it looks to bounce back from a 10-4 setback at home to the Oakland Athletics Sunday, while going OVER the betting total of 9. “We’re in the middle of a tough stretch,” commented Royals manager Ned Yost. It’s important to point out that 48 of the team’s 85 games have been decided by one or two runs. Kansas City is 5-7 as road underdogs of +125 to +150, with the UNDER going 7-4-1 in that situation.

Royals starting pitcher Jeremy Guthrie (7-6, 4.29 ERA) didn’t earn a decision in a 6-5 home win over the Cleveland Indians last time out, as he allowed five runs and five hits over 6.1 innings of work. The right-hander is 2-4 with a 4.31 ERA in nine road games, surrendering 13 home runs over 56.1 combined frames. In 17 career games (15 starts) versus the Yankees, Guthrie has compiled a 4-9 record and 5.15 ERA.

New York had its six-game winning streak snapped Sunday, as it suffered a 2-1 defeat to the Baltimore Orioles as -121 home favorites, while going UNDER the betting total of 9. Yankees closer Mariano Rivera ended up blowing just his second save in 31 tries this season, which was a shocking result to many. “You don’t see it happen very often,” commented Yankees manager Joe Girardi. Outfielder Vernon Wells figures to play an important role in this series, as he’s gone 8 for 21 (.381) in his last five games versus the Royals. New York is 10-5 as home favorites of -125 to -150 this season.

Yankees starting pitcher Phil Hughes (4-7, 4.55 ERA) snapped a personal three-game losing streak last time out, as he picked up a 7-3 road victory over the Minnesota Twins, allowing one run and six hits over seven frames. The right-hander is 1-5 with a 5.86 ERA in eight home outings, with opposing hitters batting .310 against him. In eight career games (seven starts) versus the Royals, Hughes has tallied a winning 5-1 record and 6.10 ERA.