Tampa Bay Rays vs Kansas City Royals 7/16/2023 Picks Predictions Previews
The Tampa Bay Rays will go against the Kansas City Royals in MLB action in Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium, MO, on Sunday, July 16, 2023, at 2:10 PM ET.
The Rays had the best record in the AL at halftime after an incredible first half that included a season-opening record-breaking start.
Now that they’ve calmed down, they’ll attempt to repel the numerous opponents advancing on them. Due to an oddly quiet offensive, Tampa started the month of July with a 1-7 record.
In four of those games, the Rays were limited to one run, and only twice did they score more than five runs. The Rays scored 5.44 runs per game in their first half, which was nonetheless highlighted by a 10-run flurry (4th).
Expect the Rays to resume scoring at their usual rate, with the third-most home runs, the second-most stolen bases, and a couple of All-Stars.
The situation could have been better on the mound after surrendering 41 runs during the first eight games of July.
However, a good rotation and bullpen that threw the most innings in the first half should unquestionably gain from the break.
Before a flight to Texas, Zach Eflin will guide the Rays to victory. In 6.0 innings of a rout by the Rays over the Royals in June, Eflin allowed three runs.
Eflin has a 4.65 ERA after 40.2 away innings, so playing on the road could have been more enjoyable. He could lower that number against a poor lineup which he already succeeded.
For the season, the Rays sent 303 relievers to the mound. They missed 17 of their 42 save opportunities throughout the season, earning only 25 saves overall.
The Rays’ bullpen pitchers entered the game with 87 save opportunities and had a 59.5% save percentage. The relievers have 45 holds this season, ranking 19th in the MLB.
There were runners on base when the Rays’ bullpen pitchers entered the game 73 times, making 88 outings in high-leverage situations.
- The total went UNDER in five of Tampa Bay’s last six matches.
- The Tampa Bay Rays are 3-7 SU in their previous ten matches.
- The Tampa Bay Rays are 4-1 SU in their last five games against Kansas City.
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Tampa Bay Rays vs Kansas City Royals Predictions 7/16/2023
The Royals of this year would draw a lot more attention for their failure if it weren’t for the Athletics.
They ended the first half of the season without a winning streak more significant than two games, making them one of MLB’s worst teams overall. Their 29th-ranked offense in terms of runs per game is their biggest problem.
The Royals are in the bottom five in terms of walk rate, strikeout rate, OBP, slugging, batting average, and home runs. Oddly enough, they manage to do all that while having the sixth-highest rate of heavy hits in the league.
Kansas City is a good runner and came into the doubleheader on Saturday with 76 steals out of a possible 100.
But before they can be considered a competent offensive unit compared to the rest of the league, they still have a lot of work to do.
Only two teams have a more excellent ERA on the mound, making it just as awful. One of those clubs performs at a height of around one mile.
Jordan Lyles, a candidate for the worst starting pitcher in 2023, will be backed up by one of MLB’s worst bullpens. In Lyles’ starts with the Royals this year, they have a 1-16 record, including an 0-8 mark at home.
However, that lone victory over the Rays, who were in first place in the American League then, was orchestrated by the jokesters popularly known as the Baseball Gods.
Lyles didn’t pitch nicely, giving up four runs in 6.0 innings, but it was enough to complete the task. His stats are better at home (which doesn’t say much), and in his first start of July, he only gave up one run.
On Sunday afternoon, will he get a second victory?
The Royals’ staff has a WHIP of 1.447 and a FIP of 4.57 for the current season. With 813 total hits allowed, they rank 25th in the league as a staff.
The Kansas City pitching staff has a club ERA of 5.27 (463 earned runs allowed) and has given up 492 runs this season.
With 720 strikeouts and 330 bases on balls, they have a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 8.20. They allowed 106 home runs and ranked 28th in the MLB for runs allowed per nine innings (5.60).
- The total went UNDER in six of Kansas City’s last seven matches.
- The Kansas City Royals are 1-8 SU in their previous nine matches.
- The Kansas City Royals are 4-10 SU in their last 14 games at home.
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Kansas City Royals. The MLB pick for this game is the Kansas City Royals.
Even with Jordan Lyles pitching again, it’s impossible to imagine that the Royals would defeat the Rays again, but this game may be close. Tampa had a poor appearance going into the break at the plate and on the mound.
At the very least, rust and cool bats may still be at the plate. In addition, despite being substantially favored, the Rays don’t provide a terrific bargain for this game.
Take a risk on the Royals to trouble Tampa Bay one last time this year. The Kansas City Royals will win by a predicted score of 8-3.
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Tampa Bay Rays vs Kansas City Royals 7/16/2023 Picks Predictions Previews
MLB Starting Time: 1:40 PM ET
Location: Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium, MO
Date: Sunday, July 16, 2023
TV: BSKC
MLB Odds: Tampa Bay Rays -209
MLB Totals: 10.5