MLB Play of the Day for Monday, April 19: Tampa Bay Rays vs. Kansas City Royals

Off a three game sweep of the New York Yankees, the Tampa Bay Rays are in Kansas City for a matchup with the AL Central leading Kansas City Royals.

How should you play this matchup between the streaking Rays and the surprising Royals? We got you covered.

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Tampa Bay Rays (+110, 7.5) vs. Kansas City Royals - 8:10 PM EST

The BetQL Model has a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ on the Rays tonight, making them -124 favorites, making this a strong bet at +110.

Tampa Bay will send out young southpaw Josh Fleming, who continued on his promising rookie season with a great first start in 2021. Fleming tossed five innings of one run ball against the Rangers and will take on a Royals team that has not seen many lefties this season.

Kansas City is 24th in at bats against left handed pitchers through the early portion of this season. While they have been around the middle of the pack in hitting metrics against lefties, if we take a look back to 2020 the Royals had the third lowest on base percentage. 

KC will have a lefty of their own in Danny Duffy on the mound, who has also had a promising start to 2021. He has allowed one run over 12 innings this season with a 2-0 record. However, this is a pitcher that is 32 and has had an ERA over four over the past three seasons. Expect some regression in order for Duffy.

The Rays have not been great at hitting lefties this season, sub .300 OBP, but the BetQL Model is banking on Duffy taking a step back after a hot start to the season. Tampa Bay represented the American League in the World Series this season and seem ready to go on a run after a sweep of the Yankees over the weekend.

The Royals have surprised many with a 9-5 start, but should not be favored in this matchup. Back Tampa Bay with confidence. 

Pick: Rays +110