How to Watch Tonight&#8217;s Game for Free

The Kansas City Royals (66–62) visit Comerica Park tonight to open a three-game series against the Detroit Tigers (76–53) in a matchup that could shape the AL Central race.

Detroit leads Kansas City by 9.5 games in the division. A sweep by the Tigers would stretch the gap to 12.5 with just over a month left, effectively putting the division out of reach. The teams will meet again next week in Kansas City for their final regular-season series.

Both clubs come in hot, each 8–2 over their last 10 games, preventing Kansas City from cutting into Detroit’s lead. But the Royals remain firmly in the Wild Card chase, just two games back of the final spot. While the division is a long shot, these two head-to-head series offer Kansas City the chance to swing six games in the standings.

The Royals’ formula has shifted since the All-Star break. For much of the season, they relied on pitching — their 3.58 ERA still ranks top-five in the majors — while ranking among the league’s weakest power-hitting teams. Since mid-July, however, the bats have taken over: Kansas City ranks tied for fifth in home runs post-break. Vinnie Pasquantino leads the way with 26 homers on the year, 11 since the break, while Salvador Perez is just two behind him in that stretch.

On the mound, the Royals hand the ball to Ryan Bergert, a July trade acquisition who has been steady in three starts with his new club. He’s averaged just over five innings per outing with a 2.70 ERA, allowing one or two runs each time out.

Detroit counters with Casey Mize (12–4, 3.63 ERA). While his season numbers look solid, he’s stumbled recently, posting a 5.45 ERA across his last seven starts. He’s struggled at times against Kansas City as well, giving up four runs and 12 hits across 10.1 innings in two starts.

Prediction

Prediction: Both teams are playing well, but Kansas City’s recent power surge and Bergert’s consistency give them an edge if Mize falters early.

Prediction: Royals 5, Tigers 3

Starting Lineups

Kansas City Royals

1. Mike Yastrzemski — RF

2. Bobby Witt Jr. — SS

3. Vinnie Pasquantino — 1B

4. Maikel Garcia — 3B

5. Salvador Perez — C

6. Adam Frazier — 2B

7. Jonathan India — DH

8. John Rave — LF

9. Kyle Isbel — CF

Starting Pitcher: Ryan Bergert (RHP) — 1–1, 2.75 ERA

Detroit Tigers

1. Colt Keith — DH

2. Gleyber Torres — 2B

3. Kerry Carpenter — RF

4. Riley Greene — LF

5. Spencer Torkelson — 1B

6. Wenceel Pérez — CF

7. Dillon Dingler — C

8. Zach McKinstry — 3B

9. Javier Báez — SS

Starting Pitcher: Casey Mize (RHP) — 12–4, 3.63 ERA

How to Watch Royals vs. Tigers

First pitch for tonight’s Royals-Tigers game is set for 7:10 PM Eastern at Comerica Park in Detroit.

This game will not air on FanDuel Sports Network or any national cable channel. It’s streaming exclusively on Apple TV+, as part of its “Friday Night Baseball” package.

Apple TV+ subscriptions start at $9.99/month, but if you’ve purchased a new iPhone, you may be eligible for a free trial that’ll enable you to watch tonight’s game for free.

This offer may be available even if it’s been some time since you’ve bought your iPhone — as long as you’ve never activated the offer before.