The Kansas City Royals will host the Chicago Cubs for a three game InterLeague series this week at Kauffman Stadium. The Cubs and Royals do not meet up each season, but both teams have recently won a World Series. The Cubs fans will likely show up in full force as Kansas City is close to the Windy City.
The Chicago Cubs still hold the best record in the National League, but teams are closing the gap quickly. The Royals are in a tight battle with the Baltimore Orioles for the worst record in baseball, and the number one draft pick in the 2019 MLB Draft. The Cubs should dominate this series, but the Royals will look to play the role of spoilers. The Cubs are a whopping -202 over the Royals in the series opener on Monday.
Cubs In Tight NL Central Race
The Chicago Cubs hold a slim one-game lead over the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central Division. These two teams have been battling all season long, and it appears that they will fight to the finish line. The Cubs will be looking to pile up the wins against a struggling Kansas City Royals squad this week. The Cubs fell to the San Diego Padres on Sunday afternoon by a score of 10-6.
Newly acquired lefty Cole Hamels will make the start for the Cubs on Monday night. Hamels has had a terrific MLB career, but was struggling as a member of the Texas Rangers in 2018. The veteran was solid in his Cubs debut, allowing just one run in five innings pitches. Hamels will look to win his second straight game for the Cubs on Monday night.
Royals In Total Rebuild
The Kansas City Royals have struggled since winning the 2015 World Series, and are now in a total rebuild. The Royals saw outfielder Lorenzo Cain leave them in the offseason, and traded away third baseman Mike Moustakas before the trade deadline. Kansas City operates as a small market club, and are trying to restock their Minor League system with top prospects.
Young right-hander Jakob Junis will make the start for the Royals in the series opener. Junis is just 6-11 with a whopping 5.12 earned run average for Kansas City in 20 starts this season. The 25 year old had lost his last eight decisions before defeating the White Sox in his last start. The Rock Falls, Illinois native will have extra motivation facing the Chicago Cubs on Monday night.
Hamels Wins Again For Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are 8-4 against the American League in 2018, and will look to stay hot this week in Kansas City. The Cubs are in a tight race in the NL Central and need every win they can get. Look for Joe Maddon’s club to play well against the struggling Royals.
Kansas City is just trying to finish out the 2018 season before starting over next year. Jakob Junis figures to be a permanent fixture in the Royals rotation, but 2018 has not been good to him. Look for his struggles to continue against a very solid Cubs offense. Bet the Chicago Cubs -202 to defeat the Royals on Monday night.
