The Detroit Tigers and the Kansas City Royals are both trying to catch up the Cleveland Indians atop the American League Central standings. That’s why it’s going to be interesting to watch their upcoming series, which starts later tonight at Kauffman Stadium. Read on for more about this game. Also check out our preview of the Nats vs. Padres.
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Detroit Tigers vs. Kansas City Royals Betting Preview
Where: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City
When: Thursday, June 16, 2016, 8:15 PM ET
Line: Detroit Tigers vs. Kansas City Royals – view all MLB lines
TV Broadcast: MLB Network
Betting on the Detroit Tigers (33-32)
Justin Verlander’s recovery tour continues later tonight, as the 11-year veteran gets the ball for the series opener against Kansas City.
Verlander has come out strong this month after going 2-3 in May with a 3.16 ERA. So far this June, Verlander is 2-0 with a 1.98 ERA and .200 opponents’ batting average. In his most recent start, Verlander took care of the Yankees in a 6-1 road victory on June 11, allowing just an earned run on five hits while striking out five batters in 6.2 innings.
Verlander will look to win his third-straight win against Kansas City, against whom he has a 20-8 record and 3.21 ERA in 38 career starts going back to 2006. Moreover, Verlander has been a happy camper when he’s at Kauffman Stadium, where he is 12-5 with a 2.87 ERA in 21 starts there.
Behind Verlander, meanwhile, is Detroit’s robust offense that is seventh in the majors in runs (305) and fourth in batting average (.271) on the season. Among the biggest contributors for Detroit is J.D. Martinez, who’s been unconscious at the plate of late. The outfielder is 14-for-23 (.609) with six doubles in his last six games. Joining the party is Jose Iglesias with the shortstop going 7-for-17 (.412) in his past five.
The under is 3-0 in Verlander’s last three road starts.
Betting on the Kansas City Royals (35-30)
Danny Duffy is feeling it. Duffy reeled off another sterling performance last Saturday, when he gave up just three hits and no runs while fanning out 10 batters in a 4-1 victory over the White Sox.
Duffy, however, will face a more formidable cast of hitters in the form of the Tigers later tonight. Duffy is 2-1 with a 2.94 ERA and 1.06 WHIP across six starts this year.
Hopefully for Duffy, the Royals will afford him of enough run support. Duffy is getting just 3.19 run cushion per nine innings pitched, though.
In any case, the Royals will be counting on the likes of Eric Hosmer and Kendrys Morales, two of their best bets to get to Verlander. Hosmer is 19-for-69 (.275) lifetime against the Tigers’ ace, while Morales is 12-for-34 (.353) with two homers in the same matchup.
Kansas City is 4-1 in its last five home games against Detroit.
Writer’s Prediction
Detroit wins, 4-2.
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