Free MLB Picks Today: Detroit Tigers vs Kansas City Royals 9/4/22

Hot-hitting Riley Greene will be looking to extend his 12-game hitting streak as the Detroit Tigers (+170) host the Kansas City Royals (-200) at Comerica Park on Sunday with the three-game series tied at 1-1. The early total has been set at 8 runs with the over a -115 favorite. The Royals (54-80) evened the series 1-1 after winning 12-2 on Saturday, their seventh head-to-head victory in 12 games this season. Jonathan Heasley went seven innings for the win, allowing two runs on eight hits. Nate Eaton was 4 for 5 with a triple and a double in the win. He scored one run and drove in two. MJ Melendez added a home run, two runs, and two RBIs. Tucker Barnhart went 2 for 3 with a solo home run and a double for the Tigers (51-82).

ON THE MOUND

Max Castillo (0-1, 2.81 ERA) is in line to take the mound for Kansas City. The RHP allowed one run over five innings in his last start, a 7-1 home defeat against the Rays on August 18. He was charged with the loss, giving up three hits while striking out three and walking one. Castillo has made one previous appearance against the Tigers this season, a 4-2 home loss on July 29. He held Detroit scoreless over one no-hit inning, walking one. For Detroit, RHP Matt Manning (1-2, 3.79 ERA) will toe the rubber. He has made one prior start against the Royals this season, giving up one runs over two innings in a 3-1 road defeat on April 16. He gave up five hits while striking out two in the no-decision. In his last start on Tuesday, Manning took the loss at home against the Mariners. He threw 2.1 innings and gave up seven runs on seven hits, striking out one and walking one in the 9-3 defeat.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Kansas City has averaged 5.6 runs a game, up from their season average of 4.0, while performing better across the board (.275/.313/.522). Against righties like Manning this season, the Royals have a .672 OPS, fourth lowest in the league. Bobby Witt Jr. is the team’s most productive hitter against right-handers with a .732 OPS in 360 at-bats. Detroit is averaging only 2.6 runs per game in the last five, down slightly from 3.3 for the season. The Tigers have a .594 OPS against right-handers in 2022, lowest in MLB. With a .572 OPS over 339 at-bats, Javier Baez has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Kansas City is 22-43 in away games in 2022, scoring 3.9 runs per game while allowing 5.2 runs. Detroit has gone 29-39 at their home park this season, averaging 3.5 runs per game while surrendering 4.5. In the last 10 meetings at Comerica Park, each club has won five, though Kansas City has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 4.0-3.1.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Royals are fourth in the AL Central, 15 games behind the division-leading Guardians. The Tigers are fifth in the AL Central, 18 games behind the Guardians.