Texas Rangers visit the Kansas City Royals in a four-game series that's pivotal for both clubs’ playoff chances. The opener features Jack Leiter against Michael Wacha, with wagers leaning Rangers +1.5 and Royals -1.5 and a 9-run total. A standout prop is Leiter under 3.5 strikeouts, given Kansas City’s strong contact discipline since the All-Star break and Leiter’s recent inability to reach four Ks in back-to-back starts.

The Royals boast a clear offensive edge since the break, ranking sixth in wRC+ while Texas sits in the lower tier. Kansas City’s bullpen and Wacha’s recent form (no more than two runs in six straight starts) amplify the Royals’ chances to seize momentum in this series, making Royals -126 an appealing play. The under on the total feels plausible thanks to solid pitching matchups and a potentially tight collection of early innings.