Kansas City Royals vs. Baltimore Orioles Prediction, Preview, Picks & Odds - 5/8/2022

Time: 5:35 p.m. ET

Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, MD

Where to watch: Bally Sports Kansas City, MASN

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Caesars: Check back later

Royals: 8-15

Orioles: 10-16

It's pretty weird that we're talking about the Kansas City Royals and Baltimore Orioles not completely being horrible at this point in the year. Although the actual records indicate they're not even close to playoff contention, watching them play isn't a complete eyesore anymore.

Especially considering the alternative for both teams, at least they're making some effort and winning some games. The teams will play a doubleheader to close the series on Sunday in Baltimore, in what should be a good sign of pitching for Kansas City.

Zack Greinke will get the call on the bump for Kansas City, taking on a starter for this Baltimore group that has yet to be named.

The Royals don't have a lot to like in the batting order yet, but everything is coming up Andrew Benintendi to this point. Benintendi is batting .354 and also leads this group in hits and RBI. If he had an ounce of power, he'd probably be holding the quadruple crown at this point but Salvador Perez is still hitting dingers, though it's just five so far for last year's home run king.

I'd feel a ton better if Kansas City had that extra pop from Perez in carrying over to this season, but I don't think there's too much to complain about. You've got to like the direction, but not to the full extent just yet.

The same can be said for the Orioles, too. There's talent on this group with Ryan Mountcastle coming off a strong rookie campaign, and Cedric Mullins hitting around .300 in a surprise season filled with plenty of downs.

The problem with Baltimore, at least for now, is the inability to pitch. John Means is out with Tommy John surgery, so there's not much there to say it's been a success to this point. Their best ERA among starters is Jordan Lyles at 4.50. They need to hope that actually improves through the farm system. Who exactly that's going to be down the road remains to be seen.

But if there's good news for the Orioles, they are coming off an impressive four-game split against the Minnesota Twins, with the latest game a 5-3 win back on May 5. It's honestly been this long since either team played a game. Kansas City hasn't played since May 4, a 10-0 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals.

"Some of these guys are at their best when they're using the big part of the field and staying into right-center anyways," Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said.

When it comes to two bad teams, I'm willing to guess that the better pitcher will dictate a victory. For that alone, I'm taking Greinke. His last start was a game in St. Louis, a 1-0 loss, in which he pitched a gem. It might not be that masterful, but expect Greinke to empty the chamber in this doubleheader. Royals win 5-2

Royals are 7-11 against right-handed starters this season.

Royals are 4-10 after a loss this season.

Orioles are 29-33 the past three seasons when the line is between +125 and -125.

Royals:
Edward Olivares (R) RF
Andrew Benintendi (L) LF
Salvador Perez (R) DH
Ryan O'Hearn (L) 1B
Whit Merrifield (R) 2B
Bobby Witt Jr. (R) 3B
MJ Melendez (L) C
Michael A. Taylor (R) CF
Nicky Lopez (L) SS
SP - Zack Greinke

Orioles:
Cedric Mullins (L) CF
Trey Mancini (R) DH
Anthony Santander (S) RF
Austin Hays (R) LF
Ryan Mountcastle (R) 1B
Rougned Odor (L) 2B
Ramon Urias (R) 3B
Robinson Chirinos (R) C
Jorge Mateo (R) SS
SP - TBD

Batting average: Andrew Benintendi -- .354

Hits: Andrew Benintendi -- 29

Home runs: Salvador Perez -- 5

RBI: Andrew Benintendi -- 11

Wins: Three tied -- 2

Saves: Josh Staumont -- 2

ERA: Brad Keller -- 1.74

Batting average: Austin Hays -- .287

Hits: Austin Hays -- 27

Home runs: Two tied -- 3

RBI: Three tied -- 12

Wins: Jorge Lopez -- 3

Saves: Jorge Lopez -- 4

ERA: Jordan Lyles -- 4.50