Hot-hitting Riley Greene will be looking to extend his 11-game hitting streak as the Detroit Tigers (+180) host the Kansas City Royals (-220) at Comerica Park on Saturday. The early total was set at 8.5 with the under a -120 favorite. The Tigers (51-81) took Friday’s series opener 5-4, their fifth head-to-head victory in 11 games this season. Andrew Chafin threw 1.1 scoreless innings in relief to get the win, and Gregory Soto struck out the side in the ninth to pick up his 24th save. Willi Castro went 3 for 4 with a solo home run in the win. Javier Baez added a home run and two RBIs. Kyle Isbel was 2 for 3 with one RBI for the Royals (53-80).
ON THE MOUND
Jonathan Heasley (2-7, 5.22 ERA) is set for the start for Kansas City. The right-hander allowed four runs (three earned) over five innings in his last start, a 15-7 home win over the Padres on Sunday. He was credited with the win, yielding four hits while striking out seven and walking two. Heasley is making his first appearance against the Tigers this season. Heasley made one start against the Tigers in 2021, a 5-1 road loss on September 25. He allowed three hits over 5.1 scoreless innings, striking out three and walking two. For Detroit, RHP Michael Pineda (2-6, 5.27 ERA) will toe the rubber. He has made two appearances against the Royals this season, both starts, giving up six runs (5 ER) over 10.1 innings (0-2, 4.35) with five strikeouts and no walks. In his last start on July 23, Pineda took the loss at home against the Twins. He threw three innings and gave up two runs on four hits, striking out three, in the 8-4 defeat.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Kansas City has averaged 6.2 runs a game, up from their season average of 3.9, while performing better across the board (.290/.333/.481). Against righties like Pineda this season, the Royals have a .672 OPS, fourth lowest in MLB. Bobby Witt Jr. is the team’s most potent producer against right-handers with a .738 OPS in 357 at-bats. Detroit is averaging 4.0 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 3.3 for the season. The Tigers have a .593 OPS against right-handers in 2022, lowest in the league. With a .572 OPS over 339 at-bats, Baez has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Kansas City is on a three-game losing streak on the road, bringing their record to 21-43 in 2022. The Royals have scored 3.8 runs per game away from home, while allowing 5.2 runs. Detroit has gone 29-38 at home this season, averaging 3.5 runs per game while surrendering 4.4. In the last 10 meetings at Comerica Park, Detroit is 6-4 with an average scoreline of 3.7-3.5.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Royals are fourth in the AL Central, 16 games behind the division-leading Guardians. The Tigers are fifth in the AL Central, 18 games behind the Guardians.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Kansas City Royals (-110)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
