Yankees vs. Royals prediction: MLB Friday odds, picks, bets

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The Yankees welcome the Royals to the Bronx on Friday for the first of a three-game weekend set. 

Cam Schlittler will take the mound for the Bombers as he looks to continue what has been an ace-like start to the 2026 season. 

The flame throwing right-hander has posted a 2.49 ERA through his first four starts, but even that doesn’t quite capture how dominant he’s been during the early going. 

Schlittler has a ridiculous 0.53 fielding independent pitching heading into Friday’s outing, meaning he’s pitching much better than his ERA suggests. 

He’s walked just one batter in 21 ⅔ innings and has yet to allow a long ball. 

Schlittler is racking up the punch outs as well, striking out 37 percent of batters he’s faced, which is the third-highest rate among qualified hurlers. 

Despite not tossing more than 6 ⅓ innings in a start yet this season, Schlittler has racked up at least seven strikeouts in each of his four outings. 

The matchup on Friday couldn’t be a much better opportunity to keep this hot streak going. 

Cam Schlittler (31) walks off the field after being pulled from the game during the seventh inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on April 1, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Kansas City has struggled at the plate so far this season, posting a .628 on-base plus slugging, which is the third-lowest mark in baseball heading into Thursday’s games. 

They’re hitting for virtually no power, putting up just 13 homers thus far, which is also tied for the third-fewest in the league. 


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Not a single hitter on the Royals’ roster has ever faced Schlittler. 

I’m betting their first look isn’t going to go well. 

The play: Cam Schlittler Over 6.5 strikeouts (+128, FanDuel Sportsbook)


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Dylan Svoboda is a versatile writer and analyst across many sports. He’s particularly knowledgeable about the big three — MLB, the NFL and the NBA.

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