Detroit Tigers vs. Kansas City Royals Game 146 Preview, TV, Lineup

Detroit Tigers (67-78) vs. Kansas City Royals (86-60) — 7:08 PM ET

Comerica Park — Detroit, MI

TV: FSD

Radio: 97.1 The Ticket (click for affiliates)

Weather: 75 degrees, light rain

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When We Last Met

Before the season started, many fans thought this weekend’s series between the Detroit Tigers and the Kansas City Royals would decide the American League Central. Although the Royals have cooled off considerably in September, the Tigers have already been eliminated from the AL Central.

Despite the difference in overall records, the Tigers haven’t been terrible versus the Royals this season. Detroit is 7-9 against Kansas City in 2015.

Pitching Matchup

For the fourth time since Aug. 5, the Detroit Tigers will face right-hander Johnny Cueto. It will also be the second time this month that Cueto and Justin Verlander are matched up against each other.

Verlander still doesn’t have many victories, but he has continued to pitch well since the end of July. He has a 2.13 ERA and .206 batting average against over his last 10 starts. For the season, Verlander is 3-8 with a 3.58 ERA, 1.107 WHIP and 84 strikeouts in 105 innings.

Meanwhile, Cueto has really struggled lately, and there is a lot of concern about whether he can be counting on in the postseason. Cueto pitched well in his first four starts in Royals blue, but over the last five outings, he is 0-5 with a 9.57 ERA, and opponents have posted a .390 batting average against and 1.086 OPS.

When the two met on Sept. 1, they each allowed four runs although two of the runs charged to Verlander were unearned. So even with these guys on the mound, it would be a surprise if Friday’s game had some runs.

Detroit Tigers Lineup

The lineup will be posted once released.

Injuries

Jose Iglesias — Day-to-Day
Anibal Sanchez — 15-day DL
Joe Nathan – Out for the Season

Next: Detroit Tigers: Position Players to Target in the Offseason

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Schedule