The Detroit Tigers fell short of a series-clinching win on Saturday afternoon, falling to the Kansas City Royals, 3-2, as the offense continues to struggle and the bullpen once again failed to maintain a late lead. It was the 11th-straight game between the two teams decided by one run at Comerica Park.
The Motor City Kitties can still seize a series victory on Sunday afternoon with left-hander Framber Valdez taking the mound. The 32-year-old got blasted his last time out — a game after his best performance of 2026 — allowing six runs on five hits and two walks while striking out one and hitting a batter in just 2/3 of an inning, burying his team in an eventual 11-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.
Valdez’s second-best outing of the season came the last time he saw the Royals at home back on April 14, when he threw seven frames of one-run ball on four hits and two walks while striking out one. The Olde English D prevailed that day, 2-1, though he did not figure in the final decision.
For the Royals, right-hander Luinder Avila will be making his 11th start (10th consecutive) out of 20 appearances this season. As a starter this summer, the 24-year-old has posted a 5.87 ERA and 5.83 FIP over 38 1/3 innings, surrendering 39 hits (six home runs) and 25 walks while striking out 26 over that stretch.
Avila faced the Tigers in relief on May 8, tossing a scoreless frame, allowing a hit and striking out one batter in a 4-3 win at Kauffman Stadium.
Here is how the two hurlers match up on Sunday afternoon.
Detroit Tigers (50-55) vs. Kansas City Royals (44-62)
Time (ET): 1:40 p.m.
Place: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
SB Nation Site: Royals Review
Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network
Game 106: LHP Framber Valdez (5-7, 4.57 ERA) vs. RHP Luinder Avila (5-3, 4.86 ERA)
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