Kansas City Royals vs Chi. Cubs Cubs Picks and Predictions July 27th 2024

Cubs’ Shota Imanaga Expects to Close Down Royals

In the event that the Chicago Cubs are to overcome the host Kansas City Royals on Saturday in the second round of a three-game set, they’ll require serious areas of strength for a from their pitching staff.

Cubs’ Pitching Troubles and Hitting Battles

On Friday, the Cubs had an uncharacteristically unfortunate game, losing 6-0. The offense oversaw only four hits, adding to their .232 average, the second-most minimal in the National League. Regardless of their battles, the Cubs’ pitchers have generally been a brilliant spot. They have allowed three or less runs in 15 of their last 24 games since June 27, procuring 13 quality starts and posting a National League-best 2.92 ERA.

Cubs’ relievers have likewise been powerful, giving up less than two runs in 21 of those games while holding hitters to a .211 average.

“We’ve worked effectively down there,” Cubs chief Craig Counsell said of his warm up area. “We have a few people that have come and aided us, really.”

Hector Neris’ Role and Trade Speculations

Closer Hector Neris has rebounded from a rough patch in mid-June, delivering nine straight scoreless outings and converting all four save opportunities while also collecting two wins. However, with the July 30 trade deadline approaching and the Cubs falling further from postseason contention, there is speculation about Neris being traded for future help.

“I think you have to be opportunistic, not just as it relates to the bullpen,” said Jed Hoyer, the president of baseball operations. “But where we are right now, we probably won’t do a lot of moves that only help us for this year.”

Shota Imanaga’s Recent Success

Chicago starters have surrendered fewer than three earned runs 69 times this season—one less than Seattle’s major-league best 70. All-Star left-hander Shota Imanaga (8-2, 2.86 ERA), a rookie, has been particularly impressive. The Cubs have won six of his last eight starts, and he has delivered quality starts in each of his past four outings. Imanaga struck out a career-best 10 while allowing a run on two hits in seven innings against the Diamondbacks last Sunday.

Royals’ Pitching and Offensive Production

For the Royals, All-Star right-hander Seth Lugo (12-4, 2.38 ERA) will take the mound, coming off his first career complete game, a three-hitter against the White Sox on Sunday. Lugo is 0-3 with a 5.26 ERA in 13 appearances—three starts—against the Cubs.

Kansas City has found success from the bottom of their batting order, contributing to their winning five of seven games since the All-Star break. The seventh-, eighth-, and ninth-place hitters have combined to hit .296 with 13 runs and nine RBIs in that span.

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“Anytime you get production up and down the lineup, it makes you a better team,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “They always want to produce, no matter where they hit in the lineup.”

Maikel Garcia has seven hits and seven runs, parting time between the seventh and eighth spots, while Kyle Isbel has four runs and four RBIs while batting ninth.

Top of the Order Contributions

This accomplishment from the lower part of the request has prompted critical run creation from the top, where three Royals hitters rank among the American League leaders in RBIs. Bobby Witt Jr. also, Salvador Perez are tied for 6th with 70, and Vinnie Pasquantino is 10th with 67.

“They’ve delivered a greater amount of late,” Quatraro said of the base hitters. “What’s more, when you have Bobby hitting second, the manner in which he’s been ablaze, you simply need to get him up however much as could reasonably be expected.”

As the Cubs and Royals go head to head, the two groups will be hoping to gain by their assets to get a success. The Cubs will depend on their pitching staff to return quickly, while the Royals will trust their base request hitters keep on giving key commitments.