Mets vs. Royals prediction and odds for Tuesday, Aug. 1 (Don't be scared by trade deadline to back NY)

The New York Mets face a ton of questions ahead of the trade deadline, and the team could look different on Tuesday than in the past.

However, Jose Quintana is set to start and he may be one of the bright spots of what is shaping up to be a Mets team that sells at the deadline. Quintana missed the start of the season, but the lefty has looked strong in two starts this season.

He faces a struggling Kansas City Royals team on Tuesday in hopes of scoring his first win of the season.

Here are the odds and our best bets:

Mets vs. Royals odds, run line and total

Mets vs. Royals prediction and pick

The Royals have pronounced struggles against left-handed pitching, 22nd against southpaws in terms of OPS. I expect Quintana, who has been striking out about three batters for every walk dished out so far, to keep his fine form on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the Mets offense should come alive on Tuesday against Zack Greinke.

The 39-year-old has had a tough season for the struggling Royals, posting a 5.49 ERA while allowing more than 11 hits per nine innings, and I expect more struggles against the Mets lineup.

Pete Alonso has come alive since the All-Star break, hitting .259 with four home runs and 14 runs batted in.

Looking at Greinke's diminished velocity (less than six strikeouts per nine innings) coupled with the Mets disciplined bats (sixth lowest strikeout rate), I like New York to have a big night at the plate and win comfortably despite the uncertainty of the trade deadline on Tuesday.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.