Baltimore Orioles vs Kansas City Royals Picks and Predictions May 4th 2025

Royals, Orioles Close Out Series with Offense Hard to Find

When the Kansas City Royals and Baltimore Orioles hit the field Sunday afternoon, expect runs to be scarce and pitching to dominate. Each team has claimed a shutout in the first two games of this tightly contested three-game series. The Royals answered Friday night’s 3-0 loss with a crisp 4-0 win on Saturday, knotting things up for what’s shaping up to be a gritty rubber match.

Who blinks first: Lorenzen vs. Gibson

The Royals hand the ball to right-hander Michael Lorenzen, who’s been lights out recently—going six innings with just one earned run in back-to-back outings. He’s carrying a 3-3 record and a strong 3.48 ERA into Baltimore. He didn’t pitch in their previous series against the Orioles but does have limited history: a 4.09 ERA in three career games (two starts) versus them.

Baltimore counters with veteran Kyle Gibson, who’s got experience but comes in bruised. He was tagged for five home runs and nine earned runs in just 3.2 innings against the Yankees in his 2024 debut. Still, his career record against the Royals tells a different story—11-6 with a 4.00 ERA across 28 appearances. Whether Gibson rebounds or struggles again could tip the balance.

Dive deeper into this pitching matchup using the MLB Odds Page from ScoresAndStats.

Royals Tweak Lineup Amid Injury Concerns

Kansas City is making adjustments behind the plate due to Salvador Perez’s sore hip, which has kept him sidelined since Thursday. In response, the club recalled veteran catcher Luke Maile from Triple-A Omaha. Maile, a nine-year MLB vet, is looking to capitalize on this call-up after spending spring training with the Royals.

“The pitching staff has always been super consistent here,” Maile said. “So to kind of be on the other side of it, to be with these guys, is awesome.”

With Saturday’s game dragging past midnight after a 57-minute rain delay, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Maile start Sunday. Freddy Fermin has been logging innings behind the dish in Perez’s absence, but Quatraro said Perez is “day-to-day” and hopeful to avoid the injured list.

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Orioles Look to Coby Mayo for Spark

Infielder Coby Mayo, a promising Orioles prospect, rejoined the big-league club this weekend. He didn’t make an immediate impact—going 0-for-2 as a pinch hitter Saturday—but Baltimore hopes he can heat up quickly.

With a lineup needing a jolt, Mayo could find himself in the starting nine Sunday. The Orioles haven’t managed a run since Friday’s win and need production beyond the usual stars.

On the mound, they’ve got options. With an off day on both sides of this weekend, the bullpen is fresh. Charlie Morton, now working in relief, could be used if Gibson falters. Morton tossed 2 1/3 solid innings in Tuesday’s loss to the Yankees and seems poised for a comeback role.

Need a strategic edge? Read the Expert Betting Guide for insights on betting unpredictable series like this.

Series Snapshot: Royals Lead 3-2

With Kansas City leading the season series 3-2, this rubber match has extra weight. The Royals have leaned on timely hitting and a reliable pitching staff, while the Orioles have shown flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency.

Baltimore’s rotation is in flux, and Kansas City is battling injuries, but both clubs remain locked in as they chase momentum heading into next week. With division races tightening, every series counts.

FAQs

Who is starting for the Royals today?
Michael Lorenzen, who’s 3-3 with a 3.48 ERA and coming off two strong starts.

What’s Kyle Gibson’s record against the Royals?
He’s 11-6 with a 4.00 ERA over 28 career appearances.

Is Salvador Perez playing today?
He’s considered day-to-day with a sore hip and may miss the game.

Who is Coby Mayo?
A top Orioles infield prospect rejoining the big-league team, currently looking to earn playing time.

Will Charlie Morton pitch today?
He’s available out of the bullpen and could be used as long relief if needed.

Where can I find betting lines for this game?
Check the latest lines and trends on the MLB Odds Page.