Atlanta Braves at Kansas City Royals: MLB Game Preview, Odds & Spencer Strider (July 28, 2025)

Monday, July 28th, 2025

Atlanta Braves at Kansas City Royals Game Preview

Game Details

The Atlanta Braves (44-60, fourth in the NL East) are set to face the Kansas City Royals (52-54, third in the AL Central) on Monday, July 28, 2025, at 6:40 PM CT (7:40 PM EDT).

The game will take place at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The Braves are looking to break a five-game losing streak against the Royals in this first meeting between the two teams this season.

Pitching Matchup

For the Atlanta Braves, Spencer Strider is the probable starter. He holds a season record of 4-8 with a 3.72 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 89 strikeouts.

The Kansas City Royals will counter with Richard Hill, who has an ERA of 1.80, a WHIP of 1.60, and one strikeout over limited action (0-1 record).

Betting Odds

The Atlanta Braves are favored at -169, while the Kansas City Royals are the underdog at +142. The over/under for the game is set at 9 1/2 runs.

Team Performance Snapshot

The Kansas City Royals boast an overall record of 52-54, including a 26-27 record at home. Their collective batting average of .243 ranks ninth in the American League.

The Atlanta Braves have struggled on the road this season with an 18-34 record away from home, contributing to their 44-60 overall standing. The Braves' team slugging percentage is .387, ranking 10th in the National League.

Key Players to Watch

Kansas City Royals

Bobby Witt Jr. has been a significant contributor for the Royals, tallying 34 doubles, three triples, and 15 home runs.

Salvador Perez has been hot over the last 10 games, going 12 for 38 with three doubles and five home runs.

Atlanta Braves

Matt Olson leads the Braves with 25 doubles and 18 home runs while maintaining a .263 batting average.

Michael Harris II has been productive recently, with 16 hits in his last 38 at-bats, including three doubles, two triples, and three home runs.

Recent Form

The Kansas City Royals have a recent record of 6-4 over their last 10 games, with a .237 team batting average and a 3.33 ERA. They have outscored opponents by 10 runs during this stretch.

The Atlanta Braves are struggling, with a 2-8 record in their last 10 outings. Their team batting average in this period is .228, with a high 6.83 ERA, and they have been outscored by 26 runs.

Injury Report

Kansas City Royals Injuries

Kris Bubic: 15-Day IL (rotator cuff)

Jac Caglianone: 10-Day IL (hamstring)

Nick Loftin: 7-Day IL (concussion)

Michael Lorenzen: 15-Day IL (oblique)

Cole Ragans: 60-Day IL (rotator cuff)

Mark Canha: 10-Day IL (elbow)

Daniel Lynch: 15-Day IL (elbow)

Michael Massey: 10-Day IL (ankle)

Alec Marsh: 60-Day IL (shoulder)

James McArthur: 60-Day IL (elbow)

Atlanta Braves Injuries

Grant Holmes: 60-Day IL (elbow)

Spencer Schwellenbach: 60-Day IL (elbow)

Chris Sale: 60-Day IL (rib)

AJ Smith-Shawver: 60-Day IL (calf/elbow)

Reynaldo Lopez: 60-Day IL (shoulder)

Joe Jimenez: 60-Day IL (knee)

In Summary

The Atlanta Braves, facing a five-game losing streak, will visit the Kansas City Royals for their first matchup of the 2025 season. The Braves, with a 44-60 record, will start Spencer Strider against the Royals' Richard Hill. Kansas City enters the game with a 52-54 record and stronger recent form, going 6-4 in their last 10 games compared to Atlanta's 2-8. Key players like Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez for the Royals, and Matt Olson and Michael Harris II for the Braves, will be crucial. Both teams are dealing with extensive injury lists affecting their pitching rotations and position player depth.

MLB Schedules

Today's MLB Games

There are no baseball games today.

Tomorrow's MLB Games

There are no baseball games tomorrow.

Yesterday's MLB Games

There were no baseball games yesterday.