Thursday, July 17, 2025
Fantasy Guru - Baseball

MLB Game Preview: Kansas City Royals (41-47) vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (43-44)

Matchup: Kansas City Royals (41–47) vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (43–44)
Date: Friday, July 4, 2025
Time: 9:40 PM ET
Venue: Chase Field, Phoenix, AZ
Watch: MLB Network, Fubo, Bally Sports Kansas City, ARID
Odds: Diamondbacks -114 | Royals -105 | Over/Under: 8.5 runs

Game Overview

The Arizona Diamondbacks open a three-game home series against the Kansas City Royals on Independence Day. Both teams are hovering near .500 and looking to gain ground in their respective divisions. Arizona is 22–23 at home, while Kansas City is 21–23 on the road.

This is the first meeting between the two clubs in 2025. The Royals have dropped 7 of their last 10, while the D-backs are 4–6 in that span but have outscored opponents by 7 runs.

Starting Pitching Matchup

Kris Bubic (Royals)

  • Record: 6–6
  • ERA: 2.25
  • WHIP: 1.12
  • Strikeouts: 101 in 96.2 IP
  • Last Start: 5 IP, 2 ER vs. Dodgers
  • Opponent AVG: .223

Bubic has been one of the most consistent arms in the Royals’ rotation, posting 10 quality starts and holding opponents to a sub-.230 average. He’s averaging 9.5 K/9 and has allowed just 7 home runs all season.

Eduardo Rodriguez (D-backs)

  • Record: 3–4
  • ERA: 5.12
  • WHIP: 1.56
  • Strikeouts: 80 in 72.2 IP
  • Last Start: 5.1 IP, 1 ER vs. Marlins
  • Opponent AVG: .289

Rodriguez has struggled with consistency and command, but he’s coming off one of his best outings of the season. He’s allowed 4+ earned runs in 6 of his 14 starts and has just 3 quality starts in 2025.

Key Hitters to Watch

Royals

  • Maikel Garcia: .305 AVG, 22 2B, 8 HR, 39 RBI
  • Bobby Witt Jr.: .290 AVG, 30 2B, 11 HR, 5 RBI in last 10 games
  • Vinnie Pasquantino: 12 HR, .263 AVG
  • Jonathan India: .243 AVG, 17 2B, 4 HR

Diamondbacks

  • Josh Naylor: .303 AVG, 10 HR, 54 RBI
  • Ketel Marte: .300 AVG, 18 HR, 11 2B
  • Eugenio Suárez: 26 HR, 69 RBI
  • Geraldo Perdomo: .272 AVG, 9 HR, 49 BB

Team Stats & Trends

CategoryRoyalsDiamondbacks
Team Batting Avg.242 (19th in MLB).254 (8th in MLB)
Runs Scored290 (30th)451 (3rd)
Home Runs58 (30th)130 (3rd)
Team ERA3.48 (2nd in AL)4.15
Bullpen ERA4.134.28
Last 10 Games3–74–6

While Kris Bubic has been excellent, the Royals’ offense is the worst in baseball in both runs and slugging. Arizona’s power and home-field advantage give them the edge, especially if Rodriguez can limit damage early.

Betting Trends

  • Royals are 2–7 in their last 9 games as underdogs
  • Diamondbacks are 30–28 as favorites this season
  • Over is 7–3 in D-backs’ last 10 games
  • Royals are 46–42 ATS this season; D-backs are 42–44 ATS

Game Odds

Kansas City Royals           8

Arizona Diamondbacks – 115

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, July 3, 2025

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