MLB Game Preview: Kansas City Royals (25-18) vs. Houston Astros (20-20)

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The Kansas City Royals and Houston Astros continue their three-game series at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas. First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 PM ET.

Team Overview & Recent Form

Kansas City Royals (25-18, 2nd in AL Central)

  • Last Five Games: Win, Loss, Loss, Win, Win
  • Road Record: 9-11
  • Batting Average: .242 (12th in MLB)
  • Key Players:
  • Bobby Witt Jr. – 17 doubles, five home runs, 23 RBIs, 14 stolen bases.
  • Maikel Garcia – 10 doubles, a triple, four home runs, 17 RBIs, 10 stolen bases.
  • Vinnie Pasquantino – Six home runs, 24 RBIs, batting .230.

Houston Astros (20-20, 3rd in AL West)

  • Last Five Games: Loss, Win, Loss, Win, Win
  • Home Record: 13-9
  • Batting Average: .285 (7th in MLB)
  • Key Players:
  • Jeremy Peña – Five home runs, 19 RBIs, batting .259.
  • Isaac Paredes – Four home runs, 24 walks, 17 RBIs.
  • Jose Altuve – Five doubles, four home runs, 14 RBIs, batting .259.

Pitching Matchup

  • Royals: Kris Bubic (LHP, 4-2, 3.01 ERA) – Has been dominant, holding opponents to a .242 batting average.
  • Astros: Framber Valdez (LHP, 2-4, 3.94 ERA) – Looking for his third win of the season, averaging 8.3 strikeouts per nine innings.

Game Analysis & Predictions

  • Royals’ Strategy: Kansas City needs Witt Jr. and Garcia to generate offense while Bubic delivers a strong outing.
  • Astros’ Strategy: Houston must capitalize on their home-field advantage and rely on Peña and Altuve to drive in runs.

Game Odds

Kansas City Royals           7.5

Houston Astros                 – 142

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, May 12, 2025