Kansas City Royals vs. Cleveland Guardians Prediction and Picks - September 10, 2025

The Kansas City Royals face the Cleveland Guardians with both teams looking to wrap up rocky seasons strong. The Royals are 73-72, and three losses in a row have them in third place in the American League Central Division. The Guardians are 74-70 and with five wins in a row, they have the second-best record in the division and are only two games out of a wild card spot in the American League. Who will win this game? Check out our Royals vs Guardians prediction!

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Royals hope Bowlan helps awful lineup

The Royals are having a rough season and hope a final few weeks can backdoor them into a wild card spot. Jonathan Bowlan is one of the few bright spots as the starting pitcher has allowed only 16 runs in 35 innings pitched while tossing 35 strikeouts. Additionally, with a .221 expected opponent Batting Average, a .396 expected opponent Slugging Percentage, and a 3.69 expected ERA, opponents are making minimal contact and struggling to drive in runs against Bowlan.

Bowlan has stepped up but the lineup has struggled, scoring only 3.84 runs per game with only three runs in the last three games. Bobby Witt Jr. is slashing .294/.352/.503 with 21 home runs and 274 total bases while Maikel Garcia is slashing .292/.357/.469 with 16 home runs and 247 total bases but the rest of the lineup has struggled. Only three active batters have an OPS+ over 100, and opposing pitchers can eliminate the hapless lineup as a result.

Cleveland hopes Allen and lineup improve

The Guardians are having a rocky season but hope a strong finish puts them into the postseason. Logan Allen will start the upcoming game, and he looks to improve on what’s been a rough season as he’s allowed 78 runs in 139 innings pitched. Moreover, with a .260 expected opponent Batting Average, a 20.4 Whiff Rate, and a 4.66 expected ERA, opponents are making contact and driving in runs against Allen this season.

Allen has struggled but the lineup has let the Guardians down this season, scoring only 3.93 runs per game. Jose Ramirez is slashing .283/.357/.501 with 27 home runs and 262 total bases while Kyle Manzardo is slashing .239/.323/.470 with 25 home runs and 191 total bases but the rest of the lineup has struggled. Only two batters have an OPS+ over 100, and opposing pitchers can eliminate the awful lineup with ease.

Royals vs. Guardians Pick

Spread Pick for Royals vs. Guardians Pick

• Guardians (-110) (4 Units)

The Royals look to pull off the upset but the Guardians have won five games in a row and look to take over this one at home. The Guardians should constantly plate baserunners with Jose Ramirez, Kyle Manzardo, and the rest of the batting order making contact and putting together strong plate appearances. The Guardians should limit the Royals lineup, which averages only 3.84 runs per game, with Logan Allen stepping up on the mound and pitching multiple strong innings to hand the ball over to the bullpen with the lead. The Guardians should win the game with a strong performance at home.

Take the Guardians money line as home Favorites.

Over/Under Pick for Royals vs. Guardians Pick

• Under 8 (5 Units)

Both teams have awful lineups, and this game looks to be a low-scoring one from the first pitch. The Royals should limit the Guardians lineup, which averages only 3.93 runs per game, with Jonathan Bowlan pitching multiple strong innings. The Guardians should eliminate the Royals lineup, which has scored only three runs in the last three games, with Logan Allen tossing multiple scoreless innings with weak contact and a surplus of strikeouts. The Under should cover in a low-scoring game with both starting pitchers stepping up.

Take the Under on 8 runs.