Preview for Friday, September 18, 2026. Schedule and player information can change.
Kansas City Royals at Pittsburgh Pirates
This matchup has the Kansas City Royals visiting the Pittsburgh Pirates. The listed start is 6:40 PM ET.
Among the listed starters, Randy Dobnak has the lower ERA in these records. Randy Dobnak, the listed starter for the Kansas City Royals, has an ERA of 2.73 and a WP-calculated FIP of 4.02 in the available pitching data, covering approximately 69.3 innings. Paul Skenes, the listed starter for the Pittsburgh Pirates, has an ERA of 3.78 and a WP-calculated FIP of 3.31 in the available pitching data, covering approximately 162.0 innings. These are schedule listings, not independent confirmation of the final starters.
The available team ERA figure is lower for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Team statistics for the Kansas City Royals show a WP-estimated wOBA of 0.309, a WP-estimated FIP of 4.71 and an ERA of 4.63. Team statistics for the Pittsburgh Pirates show a WP-estimated wOBA of 0.320, a WP-estimated FIP of 3.92 and an ERA of 4.19.
Statistical scope: MLB Stats API; 2026 regular season to date; exact statistical through-date not supplied.
WP selection: Pirates moneyline. Confidence: Confident.
This is the selection in the article’s data snapshot. The descriptive statistics above do not establish why the model made that selection.
WP home-run candidate for Pirates: Rafael Flores Jr.. The selection uses roster and season-stat inputs; it does not establish a confirmed batting lineup or favourable betting odds.
WP home-run candidate for Royals: John Rave. The selection uses roster and season-stat inputs; it does not establish a confirmed batting lineup or favourable betting odds.
Predictions are uncertain; no outcome is guaranteed. Check the picks page for the latest available selections.