The Kansas City Royals are 70-66 on the season, they sit 2 games behind the Seattle Mariners for the final AL Wild Card spot, entering today’s contest against the division leading Detroit Tigers. The Royals sit 8.5 games behind them. After a disappointing 5-3 loss on Friday night, the Royals bounced back with a 3-1 win last night.
The 1:10 p.m. rubber match today is a big one, as new father Michael Wacha returns from the paternity list to face off against the Tigers ace Tarik Skubal. Stephen Kolek, who went 6 strong last night was optioned back to Omaha, but I would guess he will get called back tomorrow when the rosters expand.
The Royals are 4-8 versus the Tigers this season, but 2-0 in games that Skubal has started. He’s gotten no decisions in both of those games, but the Royals have ended up winning close games. Skubal is coming off a rough start against the Athletics, so he will be motivated this afternoon.
The Royals are deploying 7 right-handed batters in their starting lineup today, including Luke Maile at catcher, who is starting for the first time since last Sunday. Tyler Tolbert, who started the 8th inning rally last night, starts in centerfield. Interestingly enough, Michael Massey, who’s been solid at the plate since his return, starts at second base over right hander Jonathan India, who also didn’t play in last night’s game.
The Tigers will look to take the series behind their ace today; they have won all three previous series’ versus the Royals this season.
Here is the lineup they have behind Skubal today.
First pitch is at 1:10 p.m. the game can be watched on FanDuel Sports Network or on KCTV5 and KSMO.
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