Pirates vs. Royals: Game 3 prediction, lineup, odds, injuries, and picks - July 9, 2025

Kauffman Stadium will host the third and final game of the series between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Kansas City Royals. The first pitch is scheduled at 7:40 p.m. ET. The Royals won the first game 9-3 and the second 4-3.

The Pirates will send southpaw Bailey Falter to the mound. He has been decent this season, going 6-4 and holding a 3.69 ERA. Meanwhile, Kris Bubic will take the mound for the Royals. He, too, has been pretty good on the mound, with a 7-6 record and a 2.36 ERA.

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Pirates vs. Royals: Game 3 Odds & Weather

Line: Royals –199, Pirates +164

Run Line: Royals –1.5 (+105), Pirates +1.5 (–126)

Total: 8.5 (Over –122 / Under –100)

Conditions: Hot (~91°F), partly cloudy, minimal wind, negligible precipitation (~7%)

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Pirates vs. Royals: Game 3 Injury Report

Pirates

Ryan Borucki, Lower back inflammation, 15-Day IL

Chase Shugart, Knee inflammation, 15-Day IL

Johan Oviedo, Tommy John surgery, 60-Day IL

Tim Mayza, Strained lat, 60-Day IL

Justin Lawrence, Elbow inflammation, 60-Day IL

Enmanuel Valdez, Shoulder surgery (left), 60-Day IL

Jared Jones, Elbow surgery, 60-Day IL

Endy Rodríguez, Elbow discomfort, 60-Day IL

Royals

Michael Massey, Sprained ankle, 10-Day IL

Mark Canha, Elbow epicondylitis, 10-Day IL

Daniel Lynch IV, Elbow nerve irritation, 15-Day IL

James McArthur, Elbow surgery (fractured olecranon), 60-Day IL

Alec Marsh, Shoulder impingement, 60-Day IL

Hunter Harvey, Strained shoulder (teres major), 60-Day IL

Cole Ragans, Strained shoulder (rotator cuff), 60-Day IL

Expected Lineups

Pirates

1. LF Tommy Pham (R)
2. DH Andrew McCutchen (R)
3. RF Bryan Reynolds (S)
4. 2B Nick Gonzales (R)
5. 3B Ke’Bryan Hayes (R)
6. CF Alexander Canario (R)
7. C Henry Davis (R)
8. 1B Jared Triolo (R)
9. SS Isiah Kiner‑Falefa (R)

Royals

1. 2B Jonathan India (R)
2. SS Bobby Witt Jr. (R)
3. 1B Vinnie Pasquantino (L)
4. 3B Maikel Garcia (R)
5. C Salvador Perez (R)
6. RF Jac Caglianone (L)
7. LF Nick Loftin (R)
8. DH Cam Devanney (R)
9. CF John Rave (L)

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Pirates vs. Royals: Game 3 Prediction & Pick

The Royals are expected to take the win and sweep the Pirates due to their hot bats, reliable pitching and home-field advantage. The Pirates have faltered this season, and this game could be another example where they squander an early lead.

Score Prediction: Royals 6, Pirates 3

Betting Picks

Moneyline: Royals ML (–199)

Run Line: Royals –1.5 (+105)

Total: Over 8.5 (–122)