Kansas City Royals vs Chicago White Sox 5/19/22 MLB Picks, Predictions, Odds

Chicago White Sox (18-18) vs. Kansas City Royals (13-22)
May 19, 2022 2:10 pm EDT
The Line: Kansas City Royals +110 / Chicago White Sox -147; Over/Under: -9.5
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The Chicago White Sox and the Kansas City Royals meet Thursday in MLB action from Kauffman Stadium. This will be the finale in a lengthy five-game series. Chicago won two of the first three installments of this set, then on Wednesday the Royals posted a four-run victory. Check back all season long for free MLB picks at Sports Chat Place.

Chicago managed a 5-3 win Monday, then took game one of the Tuesday doubleheader 3-0 before a 2-1 loss in the nightcap. On Wednesday, the Sox had 10 hits during a 6-2 defeat. Starter Lucas Giolito lasted 5.0 frames with two earned on seven hits and two walks.

For the starter job in the Thursday finale, the Sox are going with Vince Velasquez. Across his six starts this year Velasquez is 2-3 with a 5.53 ERA. In his 27.2 innings total he’s put up 30 hits, 17 earned runs, 12 walks and 25 Ks.

Over on the Royals’ side, they scored a tepid five runs across the first three games of the series but fortunately only went 1-2. On Wednesday, KC posted 12 team hits in the victory. Zack Greinke managed 5.2 innings with two earned on seven hits and a walk. 

Carlos Hernandez will take the mound for the start on Thursday for the Royals. In his six starts this year Hernandez is 0-3 with a 9.11 ERA. In 26.2 innings total he’s put up 39 hits, 27 earned runs, 15 walks and 13 Ks. 

The White Sox are 4-1 in the last five in game five of a series and and 4-10 in their last 14 versus the AL Central. Chicago is 0-6 in their last six Thursday games. 

Meanwhile, the Royals are 8-17 in their last 25 overall and 2-5 in their last seven Thursday games. Kansas City is 2-6 in the last eight at home versus a right-handed starter. 

PICK: I’m going to stick with the Sox here. Both these starters could use a good outing, though. Velasquez posted 5.0 innings his last time up, giving away seven earned on eight hits and three walks. Outside of that, he’s been solid lately though. As for Hernandez, he’s given up 15 earned over his last 8.2 innings and is 0-3 in his last trio. I like Hernandez to take a step forward here but this one is probably Chicago’s game to control.