Guardians vs. Royals Prediction, Odds & Best Bets: Expert Picks for July 26 Doubleheader

We have our Guardians vs. Royals prediction after the series opener between these American League Central rivals was rained out yesterday. The series begins with a doubleheader from Kauffman Stadium today.

The first game is slated for 2:40 p.m. ET with the Royals as -115 moneyline favorites according to our best sports betting sites, and Kansas City is a higher -130 betting favorite in the second showdown at 7:15 p.m. ET (FOX).

⚾ Guardians vs. Royals predictions & odds: Game 1

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• Guardians vs. Royals prediction: Guardians to win (+104 via DraftKings) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Over/Under prediction: Over 8 (-105 via bet365) ⭐⭐⭐
• Best player prop pick: Jose Ramirez Over 1.5 total bases (-115 via Caesars) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

🧢 Guardians vs. Royals starting pitchers: Game 1

• Guardians: Gavin Williams (6-4, 3.54 ERA)
• Royals: Michael Wacha (4-9, 3.62 ERA)

💰 Guardians vs. Royals prediction & best bet: Game 1

✅ Best bet: Guardians to win (+104 via DraftKings)

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Cleveland failed to complete a four-game sweep of the Baltimore Orioles in Thursday’s 4-3 loss, but its hot play of late has me backing the road underdogs as my Guardians vs. Royals prediction for the first game of this doubleheader.

Prior to Thursday’s loss, the Guardians had won 11 of 13 games, which followed a 10-game losing streak. The hot streak had Cleveland over .500 for the first time since June 26 when it was 40-39. Thus, this series could be integral in the team’s decision making heading into next week’s trade deadline.

Kansas City’s rest advantage it would have enjoyed yesterday following an off day while Cleveland was coming off no rest was mitigated by the rainout. Instead, I trust Cleveland and the fact it is a profitable 17-17 as a road dog this year, while winning four of the six matchups to this point against Kansas City as my Guardians vs. Royals best bet.

DraftKings is the only one of the best sports betting apps at which one can back Cleveland at better than +100 odds. A winning $10 wager would pay out $10.40 in profits.

⚾ Guardians vs. Royals predictions & odds: Game 2

• Guardians vs. Royals prediction: Royals to win (-130 via BetMGM) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Over/Under prediction: Under 8.5 (-124 via FanDuel) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Best player prop pick: Kris Bubic Over 5.5 strikeouts (+115 via Caesars) ⭐⭐⭐

📊 Live Guardians vs. Royals odds: Game 2

🧢 Guardians vs. Royals starting pitchers: Game 2

• Guardians: Tanner Bibee (6-9, 4.27 ERA)
• Royals: Kris Bubic (8-6, 2.38 ERA)

💰 Guardians vs. Royals prediction & best bet: Game 2

✅ Best bet: Royals to win (-130 via BetMGM)

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Kris Bubic was well-deserving of his first All-Star Game nomination this year, as his 2.38 ERA is on pace to be a career best.

Bubic has his work cut out for him facing a Guardians lineup that enters the series second in runs per game (6.2) since the All-Star break. However, his 1-3 record and 5.18 ERA in nine career appearances (four starts) are misleading considering most of that damage was done earlier in his career.

Bubic was the hard-luck loser in a start against Cleveland earlier this year after throwing a quality start and allowing two earned runs over six innings. I expect his fate will be different at home, especially when opposing Tanner Bibee, as the Guardians are just 5-8 in his last 13 starts.

For those looking for a bit of a better payout than the -130 odds BetMGM offers for the moneyline, one can get +115 odds for Bubic to strike out six or more batters for the seventh time in his last 10 starts.

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❓MLB betting FAQs

How do betting odds work?

Betting odds represent the probability of a specific outcome and determine how much money you can win on a bet. There are three main formats: American odds, Decimal odds, and Fractional odds. In the U.S., American odds are most common. 

What is the run line in baseball?

The run line in baseball is a form of point spread betting unique to MLB. It typically sets a standard spread of 1.5 runs, meaning the favored team must win by at least two runs to cover the run line, while the underdog can lose by one run or win outright to cover.

What does moneyline mean in betting?

The moneyline in betting refers to a wager on which team or player will win the game outright, with no point spread involved. It’s the most straightforward type of sports bet - just pick the winner.

💵 Best MLB betting sites

Want to bet on Guardians vs. Royals? Check out the best MLB betting sites and best sportsbook promos for today's MLB games:

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