Royals vs. Astros Prediction, Odds, and Probable Pitchers for Friday, Aug. 30

Iain MacMillan | Aug 30, 2024

Aug 28, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (9) hits a home run during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports / Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Royals sit 1.5 games behind the Cleveland Guardians for the AL Central lead and they have a chance to gain some ground if they can win their weekend series against the AL West-leading Houston Astros.

The Astros won the series-opener on Thursday, beating them by a final score of 6-3. Will we see a similar result tonight, or will the Royals bounce back with an important win?

Let's find out what the oddsmakers think.

Royals vs. Astros Odds, Run Line, and Total

All odds listed below are via FanDuel Sportsbook.

Run Line:

• Royals +1.5 (-150)
• Astros -1.5 (+125)

Moneyline:

• Royals +152
• Astros -178

Total:

• OVER 7.5 (-108)
• UNDER 7.5 (-112)

Royals vs. Astros Probable Pitchers

• Kansas City: Seth Lugo (14-8, 3.19 ERA)
• Houston: Framber Valdez (13-6, 3.27 ERA)

Royals vs. Astros How to Watch

• Date: Friday, August 30
• Time: 8:10 p.m. EST
• Venue: Minute Maid Park
• How to Watch (TV): Bally Sports Kansas City, Space City Home Network
• Royals record: 75-60
• Astros record: 78-55

Royals vs. Astros Key Players to Watch

Kansas City Royals

Bobby Witt Jr.: Bobby Witt Jr. has had an unbelievable season, sporting the second-best WAR in the Majors at +8.7 behind only Aaron Judge. He leads the Royals in batting average (.344) and home runs (28) and if he keeps playing at that level, the Royals are going to be a dangerous opponent for anyone to face in the playoffs.

Houston Astros

Framber Valdez: The Astros' ace has been on fire in the second half of the season. He had a 3.66 ERA in the first half and then has posted a 2.40 ERA and a 5-1 record so far in the second half. That's great news for Astros fans and bettors.

Royals vs. Astros Prediction and Pick

Why are the Royals as big of underdogs as they are in this game?

They're third in OPS this month at .799 and now they have Seth Lugo with his 14-8 record and 3.19 ERA. Even considering the Astros have Framber Valdez (3.27 ERA) on the mound, the Royals present plenty of value at their current price tag.

There may not be a better underdog on the board today than the Royals.

Pick: Royals +150

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Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

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