Royals vs. Rays Odds, Props, Splits, Picks & Predictions for June 23

The Tampa Bay Rays (43-32) host the Kansas City Royals (33-46) for Game 2 of a four-game series Tuesday night at Tropicana Field in Florida.

The Rays’ struggles continued Monday night with a 2-1 loss in the series opener. Tampa Bay has now lost five of its last seven games and is just 9-17 since May 24. The Royals, meanwhile, remain among the worst teams in MLB this season but have won four of their last five games.

Veteran right-hander Michael Wacha was outstanding in the opener, tossing seven innings while allowing just one earned run. Kansas City got on the board early with an RBI double by Lane Thomas in the second inning and added another run in the fifth on an RBI single by Carter Jensen. Rays designated hitter Yandy Díaz drove in Tampa Bay’s only run with an RBI double in the fifth inning, his 50th RBI of the season.

The Rays will look to bounce back Tuesday night behind Shane McClanahan, while the Royals are expected to counter with 24-year-old right-hander Luinder Avila, who owns a 7.45 ERA as a starter this season.

Royals vs. Rays Current Odds

The Rays may be struggling, but they still own one of the best records in the American League and hold a significant pitching advantage Tuesday night. As a result, Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook lists Tampa Bay as a home favorite:

• Moneyline: Rays -195, Royals +160
• Run Line: Rays -1.5 (+110), Royals +1.5 (-130)
• Total (Runs): Over 7.5 (-125), Under 7.5 (+105)

Royals vs. Rays Predictions

Check out the Stats Hub at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook for baseball betting insights and trends surrounding both teams before placing wagers on Tuesday night’s game.

Here’s a featured pick from the Stats Hub:

Royals vs. Rays Best Bet: Taylor Walls Over 0.5 Hits

While Luinder Avila has shown flashes of promise between the bullpen and rotation this season, the young right-hander has also endured a few rough outings as a starter, which will again be his role Tuesday night.

Avila pitched well in his last start against Washington, but in the outing before that, he allowed five hits and eight earned runs in just 0.2 innings. He also struggled in his first start of the season on April 4, surrendering eight hits and five earned runs in three innings against Milwaukee.

That creates a favorable matchup for a hitter like Taylor Walls, who enters Tuesday on a three-game hitting streak and has recorded at least one hit in seven of his last nine games.

Left-handed hitters are batting .291 against Avila this season, while right-handed hitters are batting .255. As a switch hitter, Walls could be in a strong position to extend his hitting streak to four games.

It’s also worth noting that Walls has recorded at least one hit in nine consecutive games when the Rays have been listed as favorites, as they are Tuesday night.

• Royals vs. Rays Player Prop Pick for June 23: Taylor Walls Over 0.5 Hits (-120)

Top 5 Most-Bet Player Props for KC-TB

Rays players are dominating player prop markets, accounting for eight of the top 10 most-bet props heading into first pitch:

1. Yandy Díaz – To Record 1+ Hits
2. Junior Caminero – Home Runs Over 0.5
3. Jonathan Aranda – Hits Over 0.5
4. Junior Caminero – Hits Over 0.5
5. Jonathan Aranda – Home Runs Over 0.5

Royals vs. Rays Betting Splits

Here’s how the action is trending at Hard Rock Bet for June 23:

• The Rays are extremely popular on the moneyline, drawing 84.85% of bets and 94.67% of the handle.
• Tampa Bay also has strong run line support with 81.62% of bets and 91.94% of the handle.
• The total is seeing nearly split action, with the Over attracting 51.89% of bets, while the Under accounts for 67.47% of the handle.

Royals vs. Rays Game Info

• 📍 Where: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, FL
• 📅 Date: Tuesday, June 23
• ⏰ First Pitch: 6:40 PM ET
• 📺💻 TV/Streaming: MLB.TV
• ⚾ Probable Pitchers:
  • Royals: Luinder Avila
  • Rays: Shane McClanahan

More Ways to Bet

One swing can cash your ticket, but until then, Florida players can keep things interesting with Real Money Games powered by Past Motor Racing, only on Hard Rock Bet. It’s another way to stay engaged between plate appearances.

Referenced odds are subject to change.