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Shota Imanaga’s Cubs Seeks to End 3-Game Skid vs. Royals

The Cubs and the Royals will both be trying to pick up a win when they battle at Kauffman Stadium in an interleague contest.

(Photo by Getty Images) Shota Imanaga

Chi Cubs (49-56) at Kansas City (57-47)

  • When: Jul 27 2024, 7:10 PM
  • Where: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City
  • Where to watch: BSKC

Game Odds, Spread, Moneyline & Total

Chicago Cubs @ Kansas City Royals
Moneyline

Chicago Cubs   +109
Kansas City Royals   -131

Chicago Cubs @ Kansas City Royals
Runline

Chicago Cubs   1.5 (-185)
Kansas City Royals   -1.5 (+160)

Chicago Cubs @ Kansas City Royals
Total

Over   8.0 (-110)
Under   8.0 (-110)

Probable Pitchers:
Chi Cubs: Shota Imanaga (8-2, 2.86)
Kansas City: Seth Lugo (12-4, 2.38)

Team Stats

Cubs   Royals
49-56 Record 57-47
22-31 Away & Home 21-27
3-7 Last 10 6-4
L3 Streak W1

Game Preview

If the Chicago Cubs hope to overcome the Kansas City Royals in Saturday’s matchup, the burden may fall heavily on their pitching staff.

In Friday’s 6-0 defeat, Cubs pitchers struggled, and the team’s offense, which sports the National League’s second-lowest batting average at .232, failed to ignite. Despite these challenges, the Cubs’ arms have generally excelled, boasting the league’s best ERA at 2.92 since June 27 and delivering 13 quality starts in the last 24 games.

The bullpen, in particular, has been effective, allowing fewer than two runs in 21 of these games and holding opposing hitters to a .211 average. Cubs manager Craig Counsell praised the bullpen’s performance, noting the significant contributions from several players.

As the July 30 trade deadline approaches and with the Cubs distant from playoff contention, speculation grows around potential trades, especially concerning closer Hector Neris, who has rebounded from a rough patch with nine consecutive scoreless appearances.

Jed Hoyer, the team’s president of baseball operations, hinted at being open to trades that might not solely benefit the team this year but could provide future value.

Starting pitchers for the Cubs have consistently performed well, yielding fewer than three earned runs in 69 games this season, nearly matching the Seattle Mariners for the major league lead. Rookie All-Star Shota Imanaga (8-2, 2.86 ERA), who is scheduled to start against the Royals, has been particularly effective, securing quality starts in his last four appearances.

On the opposing mound, Royals’ All-Star right-hander Seth Lugo (12-4, 2.38), fresh from his first complete game, will face the Cubs, against whom he has historically struggled.

The Royals, energized since the All-Star break, have seen significant contributions from their lower batting order, which has combined for a .296 average with 13 runs and nine RBIs in the past seven games.

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MLB Parlay Picks & Predictions

Final Score: Kansas City 4-2
Expert Pick: Kansas City -131 & Under 8 (-120)
A $100 Parlay Bet will return $337

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