MLB Free Premium Play 08/22: Kansas City Royals @ Tampa Bay Rays

Kansas City  at Tampa Bay

MLB - 967 Kansas City Royals @ 968 Tampa Bay Rays (Starting Pitchers: L. Mendoza vs J. Shields) Mendoza will start for the Royals today and he is coming from a "great outing" against the White Sox, where allowed just two runs and four hits in 7.0 IP. Still his advanced numbers in that game (4.10 FIP and 4.14 xFIP) were pretty much average, like he has been lately with a 3.57 ERA, a 4.54 FIP and 4.11 xFIP. He took advantage of the fact that the White Sox is being very impatient in August with a 4.5% BB%, however Tampa Bay's offense is much more patient and in fact they are the league leaders with 9.4% BB%, so Mendoza should have some problems in here, especially on his first start ever on a Dome, as he has never faced Tampa Bay previously. On the other hand, Shields will start for Tampa Bay and he is coming from another quality outing, where he gave up three runs and seven hits in 6IP against the Angels. He is now in a stretch of four consecutive quality outings, where he is 3-0 with a 1.80 ERA, 0.633 WHIP and a 27/2 K/BB ratio in a total of 30IP. He has now a 2.72 ERA and 3.20 xFIP in August and I don't believe the Royals will be able to put him in big trouble today. I see a SP edge for Tampa Bay on this contest plus the Rays will be in full power today on their lineup and ready to put Mendoza in trouble with their very patient offense. On the other hand, Shields has been very impressive lately and therefore, I'll be taking Tampa Bay today. NOTE: Also available on 5Dimes at -148 / 1.67 Pick: 3 units (Single Dime Play) on 968 Tampa Bay Rays RL -1 (w/ J. Shields) @ -143 / 1.70 on Pinnacle