The Kansas City Royals and the Chicago White Sox meet Friday in MLB action from Guaranteed Rate Field. Kansas City played the Padres in their last series, winning two of the three games. As for the White Sox, they’re fresh off a set versus the Guardians. After wins in the first pair, in the Thursday finale Chicago ended up losing by two runs. Check back all season long for free MLB picks at Sports Chat Place.
Kansas City Royals
The Royals took a 4-0 shutout loss in the Monday opener of their Padres series. Kansas City bounced back with wins 5-4 and 4-3 in the remaining pair, however. In the finale, starter Carlos Hernandez managed 2.0 clean frames with two hits, no walks and four Ks.
For the starter job in the Friday matchup the Royals will go with Zack Greinke. Over his nine starts this year Greinke is 1-4 with a 5.01 ERA and 32 Ks in 46.2 innings. Greinke is 224-145 in his career with a 3.45 ERA in 565 games (523 starts).
Chicago White Sox
Over on the White Sox’ side, they beat the Guardians 8-3 Tuesday and 7-2 in game two. In the Thursday finale Chicago had a brief lead early but ultimately fell 3-1. Starting pitcher Dylan Cease lasted 6.1 innings with three earned on five hits and a walk.
It’ll be Michael Kopech in the starting role for the White Sox on Friday. Over his eight starts this year Kopech is 1-4 with a 5.74 ERA and 41 Ks in 42.1 innings. Kopech is 11-17 with a 4.00 ERA in 81 games (41 starts) over his career.
The Royals are 16-38 in their last 54 overall and 17-43 in their last 60 road games. Kansas City is 6-14 in their last 20 versus the AL Central.
Meanwhile, the Sox are 1-6 in their last seven Friday games and the over is 15-7-1 in their last 23 at home. The over is 13-6-1 in Chicago’s last 20 at home versus a right-handed starter.
ANDREW’S FREE PICK
I’ll probably try the Royals in this one. Greinke hasn’t been too bad lately and he should put KC in a decent position. Over his last three starts combined, Greinke is 1-0 with five earned on 12 hits and one walk in 15.2 innings. As for Kopech, he’s been a little shaky over his last pair with 10.2 combined frames, six earned, nine hits and seven walks. Kansas City has four or more runs in three of tier last four games, so if they can keep that trend going the Royals should be in good shape here.
