Kansas City Royals vs Texas Rangers Picks and Predictions August 19th 2025

Last Updated on

The Texas Rangers are set to play against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. The Rangers have a record of 62-64 and are ranked third in the AL West. They have struggled recently, going 2-8 in their last 10 games and losing their last game.

The Royals, with a record of 64-61, also hold the third spot in their division, the AL Central. They are on a four-game winning streak and have won seven of their last ten games. The game will start at 7:40 PM on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, and will be broadcast on RSN.

Rangers vs Royals Key Information

  • Sport: Baseball
  • Teams: Texas Rangers vs. Kansas City Royals
  • Venue: Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO
  • Date: Tuesday, August 19, 2025
  • Betting Odds: Rangers Moneyline -105, Royals Moneyline -113, Rangers Runline -1.5 (+154), Royals Runline +1.5 (-190), Total Over 8.5 (-119), Total Under 8.5 (-102)

The Rangers Can Win If…

The Texas Rangers lost their most recent game against the Kansas City Royals, 4-3. Despite the loss, the Rangers had 11 hits, showing their ability to get on base. Corey Seager was a standout, going 3-for-4 with a double, while Evan Carter added an RBI.

The Rangers have shown power in recent games, hitting four home runs in their win against the Toronto Blue Jays. Their lineup includes hitters like Corey Seager and Wyatt Langford, who have 18 and 17 home runs respectively. This power can make a difference in tight games.

On the mound, Merrill Kelly will start for the Rangers with a strong ERA of 3.36, ranked first in the league. The Rangers’ pitching staff has kept opponents to a batting average of .228, which is second-best in the league. This solid pitching can help the Rangers control the game against the Royals.

The Royals Can Win If…

The Kansas City Royals come into this game with momentum. They recently won against the Texas Rangers, 4-3. Key performances included home runs from Vinnie Pasquantino, Maikel Garcia, and Mike Yastrzemski. Michael Wacha pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing only 2 earned runs. This victory adds to their four-game winning streak.

The Royals’ batting lineup shows depth and power. They rank 3rd in the league for doubles, with 221 this season. Vinnie Pasquantino leads the team with 23 home runs. Their batting average of .246 ranks them 11th, showing they can get on base and produce runs. The combination of power and consistency at the plate is key to their success.

The Royals’ pitching staff is strong, with an ERA of 3.60, ranking 4th in the league. Seth Lugo, with a 3.77 ERA, takes the mound for Kansas City. His ability to limit runs will be crucial. The team’s pitching depth and ability to strike out opponents will play a big role in their chances to win this game.

The Lean

The Rangers and Royals have close moneyline odds, with the Rangers at -105 and the Royals at -113. My model projects the Rangers to win with a score of 5-4. The Rangers have a stronger pitching staff, ranking first in ERA, which gives them an edge in this game. Therefore, the recommendation is to pick the Rangers on the moneyline.

The total for the game is set at 8.5 runs, with the over at -119 and the under at -102. My model predicts a combined score of 9 runs. Both teams have decent hitting stats, but the Rangers’ pitching could limit the Royals’ offense. Despite this, the projected score suggests taking the over for this game.

Royals’ Seth Lugo Aims to Get Back on Track vs. Rangers

Tuesday night’s matchup sees the host Kansas City Royals attempt to build on their latest win, while their opponent, the Texas Rangers, look to dig out of a deep slump.

Royals Riding Home Stand Momentum

The Royals are hosting a four-game series and have found their groove with a 4-0 start, including Monday’s 4-3 win. It marked their 17th victory in the last 26 games and their 40th home run during a standout 10-game homestand. Contributions came from Mike Yastrzemski, Vinnie Pasquantino, and Maikel Garcia, all going deep in a tight win over the Rangers.

Garcia noted the importance of these matchups: “When you’re playing teams fighting for a spot in the playoffs … you want to go out and beat them.”

Pitching Matchup Overview

Here’s how the evening’s starting pitchers stack up:

PitcherTeamRecordERARecent Form
Seth LugoRoyals8‑63.771‑1, 8.84 ERA in 4 starts
Merrill KellyRangers9‑73.36Winless in 3 Texas starts

Lugo, fresh off a two-year extension, has struggled lately—his four starts since signing show an inflated ERA and several disastrous outings, including giving up a grand slam against Washington. However, his track record against Texas is strong: a win and a 1.29 ERA in two career appearances.

Kelly has pitched better lately but has yet to secure a win for the Rangers. His most recent outing was solid until late-game turmoil took the win away. Home runs have been a major issue for Texas pitching—21 allowed in recent games, and home runs in eight straight contests.

Series Implications

This matchup is critical for both clubs. Kansas City aims to keep rolling and extend their lead in the Wild Card hunt, while Texas is desperate to stop the slide. Corey Seager has been heating up for the Rangers, tallying three hits Monday and five over the last two games, though he’s had little success against Lugo in matchups.

Salvador Perez may return for Kansas City, adding another potent bat to an already surging lineup.

For predictions and betting insights on this series and other MLB action, check out the MLB picks page and reference the expert betting guide. Stay updated with live scores and odds.