Detroit Tigers (68-78) vs. Kansas City Royals (86-61) — 7:08 PM ET
Comerica Park — Detroit, MI
TV: FSD
Radio: 97.1 The Ticket (click for affiliates)
Weather: 66 degrees, partly cloudy
More from Motor City Bengals
- Detroit Tigers: Victor Reyes finding ways to get the job done
- The Detroit Tigers must cut their losses and release Jonathan Schoop
- Detroit Tigers: Garrett Hill’s new role and changed delivery are excellent
- Detroit Tigers: Joe Jiménez has rebounded in 2022
- Detroit Tigers: Is it finally time to move the fences in at Comerica Park?
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.
On Friday, the Detroit Tigers won their second straight 12-inning game. Justin Verlander pitched well, allowing just two runs in 8 2/3 innings, but he didn’t get the win as Alex Wilson blew the save with just one out to go.
Pitching Matchup
Left-hander Matt Boyd will take the mound for the Tigers on Saturday night. The 24-year-old has struggled since Detroit acquired him at the trade deadline. He is 1-5 with a 8.02 ERA, 1.73 WHIP and 31 strikeouts in 42 2/3 innings.
Although he didn’t give up any in his last outing, Boyd biggest weakness is giving up the long ball. He has allowed seven home runs in eight outings with the Tigers.
The Royals will send right-hander Edinson Volquez to the hill on Saturday. He is 13-8 with a 3.59 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 134 strikeouts in 180 1/3 innings this season. In his last start, he allowed four runs on seven hits, including two homers in five innings against the Cleveland Indians.
In Volquez’s last two outings versus the Tigers, he has yielded a combined 11 runs in 10 frames although the Royals won one of those games, 15-7.
Detroit Tigers Lineup
Gose-CF
Kinsler-2B
Cabrera-1B
J.D. Martinez-RF
Victor Martinez-DH
Castellanos-3B
Collins-LF
Avila-C
Machado-SS
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