The New York Yankees host the Kansas City Royals on April 19, 2026. First pitch from Yankee Stadium is scheduled for 1:35 p.m. EDT. The game will be broadcast on ROYL.
The Yankees are favored by -138 on the moneyline and by -1.5 on the run line. The Royals are +118 on the moneyline and +1.5 on the run line. The total is set at 7.5 runs.
Find my MLB picks and Royals vs Yankees prediction below, as well as probable pitchers, weather report, and more.
Royals vs Yankees Prediction
- Royals vs Yankees Pick: Yankees F5 -0.5 (+102)
My Royals vs Yankees best bet is on the Yankees' first five spread. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live MLB odds page.
Royals vs Yankees Odds
| Royals Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -178 | 7.5 -118o / -104u | +118 |
| Yankees Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 +146 | 7.5 -118o / -104u | -138 |
- Royals vs Yankees moneyline: Royals +118, Yankees -138
- Royals vs Yankees over/under: 7.5 (-118o / -104u)
- Royals vs Yankees spread: +1.5 (-178), – 1.5 (+146)
Royals vs Yankees Probable Pitchers
| Cole Ragans (LHP) | Stat | Ryan Weathers (LHP) |
|---|---|---|
| 0-3 | W-L | 0-2 |
| -0.1 | fWAR (FanGraphs) | 0.3 |
| 3.78/5.17 | ERA / xERA | 4.29/5.78 |
| 5.37/4.44 | FIP / xFIP | 3.96/2.79 |
| 1.38 | WHIP | 1.38 |
| 9 | K-BB% | 23.3 |
| 46.3 | GB% | 31.5 |
| 103 | Stuff+ | 101 |
| 96 | Location+ | 120 |
Royals vs Yankees MLB Betting Preview
Kansas City Royals Betting Preview: Royals Bats Under the Weather
The Royals' lineup has been dormant in this series when compared to the output we've seen from the Yankees. However, while New York's lineup has finally come to life, the same can't be expected for Kansas City in this series finale.
Kansas City has had a rough time against lefties to this point in the season. They hold a wRC+ of 70, and well below average barrel and fly ball rates. Their issues have stemmed from not being able to drive the ball on the rare occasion they've squared up a ball off lefties.
Well, that task gets significantly more difficult against Ryan Weathers. Weathers has been one of the unluckiest pitchers in the majors as he enters this outing with a 4.25 ERA on the season, but has an xFIP of 2.79.
Weathers has fallen victim to the long ball, but when he gets ahead of hitters, he's been lights out. Given the Royals' lack of aggression and power at the plate, we should see them remain quiet on the scoreboard in this one.
New York Yankees Betting Preview: Run Support Incoming
When I mentioned above that Ryan Weathers has been unlucky this season, it didn't just have to do with the results when he's on the mound. Incredibly, Weathers has yet to receive any run support.
Although the Yankees' bats have come alive, yesterday's 13-run performance is a testament to that. We should see them continue to produce against a regressing Cole Ragans.
Ragans has been polarizing during his young career as he's seemed to be one of three things: dominant, rocked, or injured. So far in 2026, we've seen all three of those outcomes as he shut down the Tigers in his last outing after having to leave the start prior when he was hit in the pitching hand by a line drive.
The biggest red flag for Ragans coming into this outing is his command. His first pitch strike rate and subsequently, his walk rate are well below average. This Yankees lineup has remained disciplined and shown they can drive the ball out of the park when given the chance to connect.
Ragans is averaging 1.62 home runs per nine innings and is below average in fly ball rate. If he falls behind, look for the Yankees to make him pay.
Royals vs Yankees Pick, Betting Analysis
This matchup is a tale of two starters trending in opposite directions as Ryan Weathers has been nasty, but unlucky. Meanwhile, Cole Ragans is not the same pitcher we saw when he first burst on the scene a few seasons ago.
Ragans' struggles are going to prove costly in a hurry against a New York lineup that is beginning to find its groove. Look for them to give Weathers the run support he's owed as they cover the run line halfway through this matchup.
Pick: Yankees F5 -0.5 (+102)
