First pitch is scheduled for 9:40 PM ET, with exclusive coverage on Apple TV+.
Game Overview: Royals vs Padres – Interleague Clash at Petco Park
This is the first meeting of the 2025 season between the Royals and Padres. Both teams are hovering near playoff contention in their respective leagues. The Padres, third in the NL West, are looking to build on a strong home record, while the Royals, fourth in the AL Central, aim to reverse a recent slide and stay in the Wild Card hunt.
Kansas City Royals: Witt Jr. Leads the Charge
Record: 37–38 (18–19 on the road)
Last Game: 5–3 win vs Texas Rangers
Probable Starter: Michael Lorenzen (4–7, 4.91 ERA, 1.36 WHIP)
Strengths:
- Top-of-the-Lineup Production: Bobby Witt Jr. and Maikel Garcia have combined for 17 HRs, 75 RBIs, and 36 stolen bases.
- Speed Game: 78 stolen bases (5th in MLB), led by Witt Jr. (21 SBs).
- Defensive Efficiency: Top 10 in defensive runs saved.
Concerns:
- Road Struggles: Lorenzen has a 5.94 ERA and 1.43 WHIP in away games.
- Injuries: Cole Ragans, Michael Massey, and Alec Marsh remain on the IL.
Key Players:
- Bobby Witt Jr.: .285 AVG, 9 HRs, 39 RBIs, 25 doubles, 21 SBs
- Maikel Garcia: .313 AVG, 8 HRs, 36 RBIs, 15 SBs
- Vinnie Pasquantino: 11 HRs, 41 RBIs, .453 SLG
San Diego Padres: Pivetta Anchors the Rotation
Record: 40–34 (21–12 at home)
Last Game: 6–4 win vs Los Angeles Dodgers
Probable Starter: Nick Pivetta (7–2, 3.40 ERA, 1.05 WHIP)
Strengths:
- Home Dominance: Padres are 21–12 at Petco Park.
- Pivetta’s Petco Power: 2.40 ERA and 0.85 WHIP at home; 30.1% K-rate.
- Balanced Lineup: Five players with 10+ HRs, led by Machado and Tatis Jr.
Concerns:
- Injury List: Darvish, Musgrove, Merrill, and King are all sidelined.
- Inconsistent Bullpen: Blown saves in 4 of last 10 games.
Key Players:
- Manny Machado: .312 AVG, 11 HRs, 45 RBIs, .495 SLG
- Fernando Tatis Jr.: .270 AVG, 13 HRs, 31 RBIs, 15 SBs
- Luis Arraez: .283 AVG, 16 doubles, 3 HRs, .343 OBP
Head-to-Head & Betting Trends
| Category | Royals | Padres |
|---|---|---|
| Team Batting Avg | .241 (18th in MLB) | .254 (10th in MLB) |
| Team ERA | 4.12 (17th) | 3.80 (12th) |
| Home Runs | 84 (T-15th) | 92 (9th) |
| Last 10 Games | 4–6 | 3–7 |
| Season Series | First meeting | — |
- Padres are 19–13 on the run line at home
- Royals are 3–7 in Lorenzen’s last 10 starts
- Under has hit in 7 of the last 10 Royals–Padres matchups
Game Odds
Kansas City Royals 7.5
San Diego Padres – 149
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, June 19, 2025
