The Detroit Tigers are back at Comerica Park, beginning a four-game series against the Kansas City Royals. Detroit enters the set with a 10-8 record, having lost three of their last four games, while Kansas City holds an 8-11 mark. This marks the Tigers' first four-game series of the season.
Detroit returns home looking to regain momentum after a recent offensive slump. Despite the downturn, Spencer Torkelson has been a bright spot in the lineup. The team currently leads the Cleveland Guardians by half a game and the Royals by two and a half games in the American League Central standings.
Both teams arrive in Detroit featuring strong pitching staffs. Both the Tigers and Royals rank among the league's top-five teams in ERA. Detroit's starters received an extra day of rest ahead of this series, a strategic move by manager A.J. Hinch to manage workloads during a stretch of many games.
Thursday's series opener features Royals right-hander Michael Lorenzen (1-2, 3.71 ERA) facing Tigers righty Reese Olson (1-1, 6.00 ERA). Olson is coming off a no-decision start against Minnesota, while Lorenzen took a loss in his last outing against Cleveland.
The series promises several compelling pitching matchups. Friday brings Kansas City's flame-throwing ace Cole Ragans (1-0, 2.28 ERA) to the mound against Tigers right-hander Jackson Jobe, who recently claimed his first Major League win (1-0, 3.00 ERA). Ragans has struck out double-digit batters in his last three starts.
Saturday sees Tigers right-hander Casey Mize (2-1, 2.60 ERA) opposing Royals righty Seth Lugo (1-2, 3.86 ERA). Mize took a loss in his last start, while Lugo has dropped his last two decisions.
Sunday's finale features a matchup between Tigers ace and reigning Triple Crowner Tarik Skubal (2-2, 2.66 ERA) and Royals right-hander Michael Wacha (0-3, 4.53 ERA). Skubal was dominant in his last start, throwing seven scoreless innings. Wacha is looking for his first win this season.
While pitching has been a strength for Detroit, their offense ranks eighth in runs per game. Spencer Torkelson provided a home run in their last series, but other hitters like Riley Greene and Colt Keith have struggled. Despite this, the team shows strength elsewhere, ranking second in defensive efficiency, according to Baseball Reference, and Colt Keith has demonstrated a high walk rate in the 99th percentile.
Kansas City's offense is a concern, scoring fewer runs per game than all but one other team. Bobby Witt Jr. stands out as an MVP candidate, but other key players hold low batting averages and on-base percentages early in the season.
First pitch for Thursday's game is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET. Game 1 betting odds show the Tigers favored on the moneyline and spread, with the over/under set at 8 runs, according to BetMGM as of Thursday afternoon. Fans can find information on how to watch the series, including channels and streaming options, through resources like the Detroit Free Press and The Athletic. Comerica Park also features several distinct elements, although the classic keyhole dirt path from the mound was removed this spring.
