The LA Dodgers (51-31) and the Kansas City Royals (38-43) open a 3-game series Friday. First pitch from Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's MLB odds around the Dodgers vs. Royals odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

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Seriously: As they’ve settled into owning the puniest offense in Major League Baseball, the Royals (38-43) have mustered four or more runs only 30 times in 81 games. For that matter, as of Thursday they are 4-32 when trailing after six innings, 2-33 when behind after seven and 1-37 lagging after eight.

What’s next: The Royals conclude their three-game series against the Rays on Thursday afternoon at Kauffman Stadium. Right-hander Michael Lorenzen (4-7, 4.81 ERA) draws the start opposite Rays ace right-hander Shane Baz (7-3, 4.79 ERA).

Drew Rasmussen and four Tampa Bay relievers held reeling Kansas City to just three hits as the Rays sent the Royals to a ninth consecutive home defeat with a 3-0 decision on Wednesday.

Drew Rasmussen tossed five innings of two-hit ball, Tampa Bay scored three times in the second inning and the Rays held on to beat the Kansas City Royals 3-0