The Detroit Tigers (31-40) host the Kansas City Royals (19-53) at Comerica Park on Tuesday. The Tigers took Monday’s series opener 6-4, their third head-to-head victory in four games this season.
Reliever Tyler Alexander threw two scoreless innings to get the win, and Alex Lange earned his 11th save with a scoreless ninth. Kerry Carpenter went 1 for 3 with a home run and three RBIs in the win. Bobby Witt Jr. was 2 for 3 with a solo home run for the Royals.
ON THE MOUND
Daniel Lynch (0-3, 5.79 ERA) is in line to start for Kansas City. The LHP allowed seven runs over seven innings in his last start, a 7-4 home defeat against the Reds on Wednesday. He took the loss, scattering seven hits while striking out three and walking two.
Lynch is making his first appearance against the Tigers this season. Over four starts against the Tigers in 2022, Lynch was 0-2 with a 6.75 ERA over 18.2 innings. He had 15 strikeouts and five walks.
For Detroit, right-hander Michael Lorenzen (2-4, 4.23 ERA) is on the mound. He has made one prior start against the Royals this season, giving up five runs over 5.2 innings in an 8-5 road win on May 22.
He gave up five hits and walked two while striking out five in the no-decision. In his last start on Wednesday, Lorenzen took the loss at home against the Braves. He threw six innings and gave up six runs on nine hits, striking out three and walking two in the 6-5 defeat.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Kansas City has averaged 4.0 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 3.8. Against righties like Lorenzen this season, the Royals have a .664 OPS, fourth lowest in the league. Salvador Perez is the team’s strongest performer against right-handers with a .876 OPS in 182 at-bats.
Detroit is averaging 5.4 runs per game in the last five, up from 3.8 for the season, with a higher slash line (.264/.314/.472). The Tigers have a .715 OPS against Southpaws in 2023. With a .865 OPS over 48 at-bats, Spencer Torkelson has been their best hitter against left-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Kansas City is on an eight-game losing streak in road games, bringing their record to 9-25 in 2023. The Royals have scored 3.3 runs per game away from home while allowing 5.0 runs.
Detroit has gone 16-18 at home this season, averaging 4.2 runs per game while surrendering 5.3. In the last 10 games between the AL Central rivals at Comerica Park, Detroit is 6-4 despite an average scoreline favoring Kansas City (4.3-4.0).
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Royals are fifth in the AL Central, 16 games behind the division-leading Twins. The Tigers are third in the AL Central, four games behind the Twins.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Detroit Tigers (-150)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
