San Francisco Giants vs Kansas City Royals Picks and Predictions May 19th 2025

Giants’ Robbie Ray, Royals’ Kris Bubic Test Mettle in Series Opener

Two of the most electric left-handers in Major League Baseball this season are set to face off when the San Francisco Giants host the Kansas City Royals on Monday night, opening what promises to be a gripping three-game series.

With Robbie Ray toeing the rubber for San Francisco and Kris Bubic dealing for Kansas City, fans are in for one of the better pitching duels of the season.

Ray Riding Unbeaten Start with Giants

Since joining the Giants, Robbie Ray (6-0, 3.04 ERA) has looked every bit the former AL Cy Young Award winner. He became the first San Francisco starter since John Burkett in 1993 to notch six wins in his first nine starts. Ray’s dominance has been particularly apparent in May, collecting three wins in as many outings.

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“First inning, felt like the slider wasn’t really there, but all three of my other pitches felt really good,” Ray said after his last start. “Later in the game I found the slider and was able to incorporate it a little more.”

Ray overcame a rocky opening frame in his most recent outing by blanking the Arizona Diamondbacks over the next five innings in a 10-6 win. He’s been resilient, reliable, and a stabilizing force for a Giants rotation that has needed exactly that.

Though he’s never recorded a win against the Royals, Ray has compiled a 2.13 ERA across three career starts against Kansas City — proving he knows how to navigate their lineup effectively.

Bubic Blossoming as One of MLB’s Best

On the other side, Kris Bubic (4-2, 1.66 ERA) is enjoying a breakout year. Once a long-relief option, Bubic has transformed into a frontline starter, boasting the fifth-best ERA in baseball. In May, he’s been nearly untouchable — posting a 0.49 ERA over 18 1/3 innings across three starts.

“I think it’s just constantly staying on the attack and getting good counts,” Bubic said when asked about his recent success. “It gives me more options from my arsenal.”

Bubic struck out nine in his last outing against the Houston Astros, allowing just one run over 6 1/3 innings in a no-decision. It was the second time this season he’s hit that strikeout mark, both against playoff-caliber teams.

“He’s spoiled us,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “He’s thrown the ball exceptionally well all year.”

Bubic, a Bay Area native, has faced the Giants three times in his career and owns a stellar 2.03 ERA against them, including a six-inning shutout performance in San Francisco last April.

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A Duel That Could Define the Series

With both starters in peak form, Monday’s matchup could easily come down to a single swing or a key bullpen moment. Both teams are hovering around postseason contention, and a statement win here could spark momentum on either side.

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For fans following MLB betting trends, this series opener is a classic pitcher’s duel scenario — and a smart time to track MLB picks and predictions to find value on totals or underdog lines.