The Kansas City Royals (66-85) and Houston Astros (76-75) play the second game of their 3-game series in Houston, Texas, Wednesday. First pitch from Daikin Park is at 8:10 p.m. ET. Let's analyze MLB odds around the Royals vs. Astros odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Astros lead 3-1
The Royals have lost 3 games in a row and are 4-10 in their last 14 games. They lost the series opener on Tuesday 4-2 as +136 underdogs with the Under (8) cashing. SP Michael Wacha allowed only 4 hits in 6 innings, but 3 were home runs. 1B Vinnie Pasquantino homered in the loss.
The Astros hold a 1-game lead in the AL West over the Texas Rangers. Houston's win Tuesday as -165 favorites snapped a 3-game losing streak.
SS Jeremy Pena went 3 for 5 with 3 runs and 2 RBIs, hitting 2 homers. DH Yordan Alvarez hit a 2-run shot, his 39th. SP Hunter Brown (5 IP, 1 ER, 2 H, 3 B, 10 K) improved to 6-3.
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Royals at Astros projected starters
LHP Daniel Lynch IV vs. RHP Cristian Javier
Lynch (5-5, 3.52 ERA) makes his eighth start and 54th appearance. He has a 1.10 WHIP, 2.8 BB/9 and 6.2 K/9 in 71 2/3 innings.
- Last start: Win, 5 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 3 K in 5-2 home win over Arizona Diamondbacks last Wednesday
- Career vs. Astros: 2-0, 1.26 ERA (14 IP, 2 ER), 1.12 WHIP, 6.9 K/9 in 5 games (2 starts)
- 2026 road splits: 3-3, 4.00 ERA (27 IP, 12 ER), 1.19 WHIP, 7.7 K/9 in 24 games (2 starts)
Javier (2-5, 5.50 ERA) makes his 11th start and 16th appearance. He has a 1.46 WHIP, 3.7 BB/9 and 8.9 K/9 in 55 2/3 innings.
- Last start: No-decision, 6 IP, 1 ER, 3 H, 1 BB, 5 K in 2-1 win at Philadelphia Phillies Thursday
- Career vs. Royals: 0-2, 5.60 ERA (17 2/3 IP, 11 ER), 1.25 WHIP, 9.7 K/9 in 5 games (3 starts)
- 2026 home splits: 1-2, 5.40 ERA (26 2/3 IP, 16 ER), 1.31 WHIP, 10.1 K/9 in 7 games (5 starts)
Royals at Astros odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:59 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Royals +118 (bet $100 to win $118) | Astros -145 (bet $145 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Royals +1.5 (-170) | Astros -1.5 (+140)
- Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -130 | U: +100)
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Royals at Astros picks and predictions
Prediction
Astros 5, Royals 3
Moneyline
The Royals have lost 5 of the last Game 2s in their last 6 series, including 4 in a row. But they have won 4 of Lynch's last 5 starts.
However, Javier has allowed 1 run in each of his 2 September starts, both Astros wins.
The Royals are 27-49 on the road and 20-44 against teams with at least a .500 record.
The Astros win and clinch the series.
BET ASTROS (-145).
Run line/Against the spread
While the moneyline isn't a bad bet, the run line is better. Nine of the Royals' last 11 losses have been by 2 or more runs. Ten of the Astros' last 12 wins have been by multiple runs.
BET ASTROS -1.5 (+140).
Over/Under
Nine of the Astros' last 10 wins and 15 of their last 18 games overall have had totals of 9 or below.
The Royals' last 9 games have not reached double-digit totals.
BET UNDER 8.5 (+100).
Best prop bet
Cristian Javier 5+ strikeouts (+105)
Javier has struck out at least 5 batters in 4 of his last 5 outings.
Betting odds calculator
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This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: Kansas City Royals at Houston Astros odds, picks and predictions
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