White Sox at Royals 3/28/19 - MLB Picks & Predictions

The Chicago White Sox will open their 2019 MLB regular season on the road Thursday against the Kansas City Royals. The White Sox are expected to finish third in the American League Central after adding first baseman Yonder Alonso and pitchers Alex Colome and Kelvin Herrera. Yoan Moncada at third base and Yolmer Sanchez at second base return, but the outfield could be suspect, with the exception of slugger Daniel Palka.

Kansas City is expected to finish last in the AL Central after not acquiring any new talent over the winter. Shortstop Adalberto Mondesi, second baseman Whit Merrifield, left fielder Alex Gordon and right fielder Jorge Soler are expected to carry the offensive load for the Royals. Jose Abreu led the White Sox last season in batting average at .265 and In RBIs with 78. Daniel Palka led the White Sox in home runs with 27. Yoan Moncada is expected to increase from his 17 home runs and 61 RBIs from last season. Carlos Rodon will start on the mound for the White Sox on opening day. Rodon last season was 6-8 with an ERA of 4.18, 90 Ks and 55 BBs in just 20 starts.

Whit Merrifield led the Royals in hitting with a batting average of .304. Salvador Perez led the Royals in home runs with 27 and RBIs with 80, but will start the season on the disabled list. Alex Gordon is expected to increase his production from last season’s 13 home runs and 54 RBIs. Starting on the mound for the Royals on opening day will be Brad Keller. Last season Keller was 9-6 with an ERA of 3.08, 96 Ks and 50 BBs