Consistent pitching has been the key to the Royals' return to the postseason for the first time since winning the 2015 World Series.
But if you look a little closer, the number of employees reveals vulnerabilities.
Aside from the benefits of pitching in a home run-low ballpark like Kauffman Stadium, which has the fourth-fewest home runs in baseball, Kansas City's pitchers didn't get the most strikeouts, ranking 22nd overall. There is.
Cole Regans, who has started four games and posted a 1.08 ERA in his career season, is on track to achieve his best performance, but he will make his playoff debut in Game 1 of the Wild Card Round against the Orioles.
Momentum aside, Ragans has improved his exit velocity overall this year. The third-year left-hander is tasked with shutting down a Baltimore batting lineup that has the fourth-highest number of hits per at-bat.
Royals vs. Orioles Game 1 odds
| team | money line | run line | total |
|---|---|---|---|
| royals | +124 | +1.5 (-184) | o6.5 (-122) |
| orioles | -146 | -1.5 (+152) | u6.5 (+100) |
Corbin Burnes stepped onto the hill in Baltimore as the No. 1 acquisition the Orioles acquired in an offseason trade. Burns was in the top 5 percent of pitchers in hard-hitting percentage, according to Statcast.
With the exception of Bobby Witt Jr., who finished second with a combined WAR of 9.2, the Royals' lineup is not strong with power hitters.
According to Statcast, Kansas City hit .236 on the road, with Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez the only Royals to barrel more efficiently.
Barnes is making his ninth postseason appearance and owns a 2.84 playoff ERA.
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There isn't much of a difference between the two as both bullpens are at full strength. Both ERA and FIP in 2024 were about the same.
This is shaping up to be the first pitching show between Burns and the upstart Reagans, but when pushed, the advantage will come down to experience and power-hitting depth.
The Play: Orioles Moneyline (-146, FanDuel)
Why trust New York Post Betting?
Sean Trepedi is handicapped by the NFL, NHL, MLB and college football for the New York Post. He primarily focuses on picks that reflect market value while tracking trends to reduce risk.
