The Indians have all but clinched the AL Central and it would take an epic collapse for them to yield the 7.5-game lead they have over the Tigers with just 10 games left on the docket. Cleveland’s remaining games all come against teams in their division and they are just one win away from a sweep of the Royals. I think it’s safe to call the Indians division champs.
Mike Clevinger will take the hill tonight looking to stop the skid his team has been on in games he has pitched. The 25-year-old Florida man has been in and out of the Indians’ rotation this year and he’s started just eight games. He has, however, hurled pretty well at home and owns a 3.52 ERA in seven appearances at Progressive Field.
The Royals will throw Jason Vargas out for his second start of the season after he successfully threw three innings of two-hit, one-run baseball in his first start since Tommy John surgery. He was only allowed to throw 52 pitches in the contest so it’s likely the Royals will have the lefty on a limited pitch count and may have to rely heavily on a bullpen that is 27-21 with an ERA of 3.43.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Betting fans looking to pick the Cleveland Indians in this matchup found them as -155 favorites on the MLB money line at Sportsbook. Betting the over under instead? It was 9 at its open earlier today and hovering near that number at Sportsbook.
Odds Shark computer prediction handicapping models run on this game pick a 5.1-2.9 victory for the Indians. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming MLB matchups here.
Kansas City Royals vs Cleveland Indians Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
Cleveland (88-63) will face the 77-75 Royals in this tilt. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Cleveland vs Kansas City injuries news.
This game puts the Cleveland Indians, most recently No. 6 in Odds Shark MLB Power Rankings, up against the Kansas City Royals, who rate a No. 20 in the latest survey.
Statistical Matchup
Offensively, the game matches up Cleveland Indians No. 4 ranked offense (4.87 runs per game) against a Kansas City Royals defense and pitching staff that sits at No. 10 at 4.33 runs allowed per game. The Cleveland Indians have been averaging 9.04 hits per game, more than the Kansas City Royals have managed so far this season (8.93 hits on average).
Comparing defensive stats, Kansas City owns the No. 8-rated road mark, allowing 4.09 runs per game on the highway. Cleveland, on the other hand, rates No. 3 in scoring at home.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Kansas City suffered a 4-3 loss against Cleveland on Wednesday, as I Kennedy wasn't able to lead his team to victory at Progressive Field.
Next Betting Matchups
Kansas City at Detroit, Friday, September 23rd
Cleveland home to Chicago, Friday, September 23rd