The Los Angeles Angels face disappointing season, and they’re underdogs in tonight's MLB odds as they take on the Kansas City Royals.
Though the Angels edged the Pittsburgh Pirates yesterday for their first series win since early April, the outlook is bleak, particularly with Mike Trout now injured.
Meanwhile, the impressive Royals are coming off a win in their series decider against the division-rival Brewers, with five different Kansas City hitters driving in a run in a 6-4 victory. Which will my Royals vs Angels predictions target?
Check out my MLB picks ahead of this May 9 battle.
Royals vs Angels prediction
My best bet
Bobby Witt Jr. Over 1.5 total bases (-114 at BetRivers)
Best odds available in your region
My analysis
The Royals may not be quite ready to take control of the AL Central, but they’re clearly a team on the rise — and Bobby Witt Jr. is a big part of the optimism in Kansas City. In just his third year in the majors, he looks ready for the moment and is already delivering on the monster 11-year contract he signed back in February.
I’m riding with Witt for my best bet today. He’s on a tear to start 2024, hitting .327 so far this year, with a .965 OPS, and going 9-for-23 in May.
He scored three times against the Brewers yesterday, including a dinger in the eighth inning, and he’s had five multi-hit games in his last eight contests.
Witt has piled up extra-base hits this year, with 11 doubles, five triples, and five home runs, and his ability to cash this prop with just one swing makes the odds even more appealing. His speed on the basepaths also gives him every chance of turning singles into doubles.
This pick isn’t just about his hot bat this month. Witt already has a home run off Angels starter Reid Detmers, and he racked up six hits in 25 at-bats against L.A. last season.
Today’s showdown feels like a matchup he can dominate, and I see Witt being a spark once again at the top of the Royals order.
Royals vs Angels same-game parlay (SGP)
Bobby Witt Jr. Over 1.5 total bases
Royals moneyline
Under 8.5
There’s a lot to like about the 22-16 Royals, including a +46 run differential, and they should have Salvador Perez back in the line-up here after a day off yesterday, so I’m taking the visitors’ moneyline for my SGP.
Though Kansas City starter Michael Wacha had a rough outing last weekend, giving up seven runs on nine hits in a 15-4 loss to the Texas Rangers, this is a great spot for the veteran to turn his year around. I still prefer to trust Wacha’s experience edge over Detmers, who looked shaky in his last start, too.
The Under is 8-2 in the past 10 meetings between these teams, and that’s where I’m looking again tonight. While L.A. feasted on the Pittsburgh rotation this week, I don’t expect fireworks here.
The Angels just don’t have enough offensive punch in their lineup, with Trout joining Anthony Rendon, Luis Rengifo, and Miguel Sano on the sidelines.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Royals vs Angels odds
Royals vs Angels live odds
Royals vs Angels opening odds
- Run line: Kansas City -1.5 (+149) | Los Angeles +1.5 (-166)
- Moneyline: Kansas City -110 | Los Angeles +102
- Over/Under: Over 8.5 (+101) | Under 8.5 (-113)
Royals vs Angels spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Royals have played a home-heavy schedule this year and still have something to prove on the road, with a 7-8 mark so far.
- But Kansas City is a worthy favorite tonight at -120, given Detmers has slumped after an impressive start. The Angels’ lefty is 0-3 in his last three starts, with an ugly 8.15 ERA.
- The Royals cashed in the Over in the last two games of their series against the Brewers, but the Under is still 6-4 across their past 10 contests and they’ve given up the second-fewest errors in the majors this season.
- It’s hard to trust the Angels to put runs on the board tonight. They’ve had some miserable outings at the plate this month, and they failed to score more than one run in four of their first five games in May.
DraftKings Early Win Payout: Up 2 = Win!
Make your moneyline bets less of sweat with DraftKings' EWP, where every day you can get one MLB moneyline bet paid out immediately — as soon as your team goes up by 2+ runs
Eligible USA locations only. Also, see our full list of best sportsbook promotions for 2024.
21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Royals vs Angels trend
This banged-up L.A. team is just 4-11 at Angel Stadium this season. Find more MLB betting trends for Royals vs. Angels
Royals vs Angels game info
| Location: | Angel Stadium, Los Angeles, CA |
| Date: | Thursday, 5-9-2024 |
| First pitch: | 9:38 p.m. ET |
| TV: | FS1 |
| Royals starting pitcher: | Michael Wacha (1-4, 5.50 ERA) |
| Angels starting pitcher: | Reid Detmers (3-3, 4.24 ERA) |
Royals vs Angels latest injuries
Royals vs Angels weather
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or betting site.
