San Francisco Giants vs. Kansas City Royals: Preview, Predictions and Picks for September 20, 2024

Published on:
Sep 20, 2024 6:14 AM
The Kansas City Royals, sitting second in the AL Central with an 82-71 record, look to build on their impressive 45-33 home record at Kauffman Stadium as they host the San Francisco Giants on Friday, September 20, 2024, at 8:10 PM. The Giants, fourth in the NL West with a 74-79 record, will aim to improve their 33-42 road record in this interleague matchup. Expect an exciting contest between these MLB opponents.
Written by
Optimal Staff
San Francisco Giants
Kansas City Royals

Giants vs Royals starting pitchers

  • Michael Wacha for Kansas City Royals
  • Mason Black for San Francisco Giants

Giants vs Royals statistics

Stat Giants Royals
Hits 1227 (20th) 1296 (9th)
Batting Average .238 (21st) .252 (7th)
Runs Batted In 621 (18th) 696 (8th)
Runs 651 (17th) 718 (9th)
Home Runs 163 (Tied-19th) 167 (18th)
Walks 472 (12th) 401 (28th)
Stolen Bases 66 (28th) 128 (10th)
Strikeouts 1364 (11th) 1076 (29th)
Pitches 22534 (13th) 21516 (26th)

Kansas City Royals recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
9/18/24 vs Detroit Tigers L 4-2
9/17/24 vs Detroit Tigers L 3-1 F/10
9/16/24 vs Detroit Tigers L 7-6
9/15/24 @ Pittsburgh Pirates L 4-3
9/14/24 @ Pittsburgh Pirates W 5-1

San Francisco Giants recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
9/19/24 @ Baltimore Orioles L 5-3
9/18/24 @ Baltimore Orioles W 5-3
9/17/24 @ Baltimore Orioles W 10-0
9/15/24 vs San Diego Padres L 4-3 F/10
9/14/24 vs San Diego Padres L 8-0

Giants vs Royals predictions

As the San Francisco Giants gear up to take on the Kansas City Royals, eyes are on certain players who could swing the game. Patrick Bailey, notable for his steady hand at bat, is looking to maintain a solid performance with projections hinting at a .708 average in hits for singles and a couple of critical RBIs, potentially turning the tide in upcoming games. On the pitching end, Mason Black, despite a challenging season, has a chance to redeem himself, though he'll need to substantially lower the 1.1 home runs per game he's been giving up to hold back the Royals' aggressive hitters.

Switching to the Kansas City Royals, Bobby Witt Jr. stands out not just for his impressive season but for his projected performance in this series. Expected to bat around .781, his agility could see him turning singles into extra bases and driving in crucial runs. Michael Wacha, slated to start, could be a cornerstone for Kansas City with projections suggesting around 4.6 strikeouts and maintaining an ERA under control. This could be pivotal in stifling the Giants’ batting lineup, which has struggled with consistency.

Looking at the momentum and the stats backing both teams, the Royals seem better positioned to clinch this series opener. They’ve shown better form at home and their key players, like Witt Jr. and Wacha, are in prime positions to capitalize on their current trajectories. Meanwhile, the Giants will need more than average performances from their key players to overcome the Royals' strong home advantage. All signs point to a competitive match, but with the edge leaning towards Kansas City pulling off a win at Kauffman Stadium.

Kansas City Royals injuries

  • Hunter Harvey (RP): 15-Day-IL
  • Will Smith (RP): 15-Day-IL
  • Michael Lorenzen (SP): 15-Day-IL
  • Josh Taylor (RP): 60-Day-IL
  • Chris Stratton (RP): 15-Day-IL

San Francisco Giants injuries

  • Matt Chapman (3B): Paternity
  • Thomas Szapucki (SP): Day-To-Day
  • Robbie Ray (SP): 15-Day-IL
  • Randy Rodriguez (RP): 15-Day-IL
  • Tom Murphy (C): 60-Day-IL

Giants vs Royals game info

Venue Kauffman Stadium
Location Kansas City, Missouri
First pitch Fri 8:10 PM
Temperature 88°
Chance of Rain 4%

San Francisco Giants vs. Kansas City Royals Betting Odds

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