Guardians update (51-51): They’ve won 11 of their last 14 games after going 3-1 against the Orioles. Steven Kwan (.346, four RBI) and Kyle Manzardo (.294, two homers, six RBI) have hit the Royals well this year. Bibee is 1-0 against K.C. this year, while Williams is 2-1 in his last five starts against them.

The Royals are 50-53 with a -22 run differential, 27th in MLB with a 85 team wRC+, 26th in Baserunning Runs Above Average at -5.2, 16th in Defense at -11.7, sixth in starting pitcher SIERA at 3.94, and 22nd in bullpen SIERA at 3.92.

Preview the July 25 matchup between the Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Guardians with odds over/under, game spread, betting lines and more.

Salvador Perez leads Kansas City against José Ramírez and Cleveland at Kauffman Stadium, with first pitch at 5:10 p.m. PT. New Apple TV+ subscribers can catch the action with a seven-day free trial.

The Guardians are an average defensive team with Carlos Santana still playing Gold Glove defense at first base. The outfield defense has been shakier with Martínez and Jones below average in Outs Above Average. Bo Naylor has allowed 54 steals, sixth-most in baseball, throwing out 25 percent of all attempts.

Despite two homers from Steven Kwan on Thursday, the Guardians lost to the Orioles 4-3, but won the series 3-1. Cleveland is 5-2 in the seven games since the All-Star break and will go to Kansas City for a three-game series.

When the Kansas City Royals host the Cleveland Guardians in the rubber match of a three-game series on Sunday afternoon, both teams will have plenty on their minds.

The Royals chipped into the Guardians’ lead behind home runs from Freddy Fermin and Bobby Witt Jr. Fermin’s came in the second inning, when he belted an 87 mph cutter into the Guardians’ bullpen for his third home run of the season.