The Texas Rangers (63-65) visit the Kansas City Royals (65-62) for the finale of their 4-game series Thursday. First pitch from Kauffman Stadium is set for 2:10 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s MLB odds around the Rangers vs. Royals odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Royals lead 5-1

The Rangers dropped the first 2 games of the series to the Royals, losing 4-3 Monday and 5-2 Tuesday. They bounced back with a 6-3 win Wednesday though, using a 3-run ninth inning to secure the victory. Texas was led by C Kyle Higashioka, who had 3 RBIs.

The Royals had their 5-game winning snapped streak. Despite the loss, Kansas City is still 7-2 over its last 9 games and has jumped to second in the AL Central. It has gone 35-30 at home, ranking 16th in the MLB.

Rangers at Royals projected starters

LHP Patrick Corbin vs. RHP Michael Lorenzen

Corbin (6-9, 4.45 ERA) makes his 24th start. He has a 1.38 WHIP, 3.0 BB/9 and 7.5 K/9 through 119 1/3 innings.

Last start: Loss, 2 1/3 IP, 7 ER, 8 H, 2 BB, 2 K in 14-2 road defeat vs. Toronto Blue Jays Saturday2025 road stats: 4-5, 5.17 ERA (62 2/3 IP, 36 ER), 1.45 WHIP, 69 H, 22 BB, 47 K in 12 startsCareer vs. Royals: 1-1, 4.78 ERA (26 1/3 IP, 14 ER), 1.33 WHIP, 8.9 K/9 in 5 games (4 starts)

Lorenzen (5-8, 4.43 ERA) makes his 20th start. He has a 1.30 WHIP, 2.7 BB/9 and 7.6 K/9 through 103 2/3 innings.

Last start: No-decision, 4 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 2 BB, 3 K in 6-2 home win vs. Chicago White Sox Saturday2025 home stats: 2-3, 3.40 ERA (39 2/3 IP, 15 ER), 1.29 WHIP, 39 H, 12 BB, 30 K in 7 startsCareer vs. Rangers: 0-0, 3.86 ERA (7 IP, 3 ER), 0.57 WHIP, 11.6 K/9 in 3 games (1 start)

Win your fantasy baseball league with BaseballHQ.com. For decades, BHQ has been helping players just like you win! BHQ offers full-season subscriptions. Sign up today and start winning!

Rangers at Royals odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:03 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Rangers -105 (bet $105 to win $100) | Royals -115 (bet $115 to win $100)Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rangers -1.5 (+155) | Royals +1.5 (-190)Over/Under (O/U): 9 (O: -110 | U: -110)Rangers at Royals picks and predictionsPrediction

Royals 5, Rangers 3

BET ROYALS (-115).

Lorenzen has been solid at home and has allowed 1 or fewer ERs in 4 of 7 starts. The Royals have also made a fortress of Kauffman Stadium, going 9-2 over their last 11 home games.

The Rangers, on the other hand, are just 2-6 over their last 8 games and have gone 3-7 in their last 10 road games. They have lost 3 of Corbin’s last 4 starts as well.

Back ROYALS (-115).

PASS.

There’s no great moneyline option here. The Rangers (+155) are too risky as a run-line favorite, while the Royals (-190) are far too expensive to even consider as the underdog.

BET UNDER 9 (-110).

Both teams have quality starting options and have season-long Under trends. The Rangers are 55-70-3 O/U on the year and 1-2 O/U in their last 3 contests.

Meanwhile, the Royals are 54-72-1 O/U on the year and are 1-5 O/U in their last 6 games, allowing 3 or fewer runs in 5 of those 6 games. Considering those trends, back UNDER 9 (-110).

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.