Detroit Tigers at Kansas City Royals Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 9/16/2024 7:40 PM EST

We have your Detroit Tigers at Kansas City Royals prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Detroit Tigers hit the road to face the Kansas City Royals.

Detroit Tigers at Kansas City Royals Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Detroit Tigers +125 (BetRivers) / Kansas City Royals -145 (ESPN BET)
Best Spread Odds: -1.5 - Detroit Tigers -175 (ESPN BET) / Kansas City Royals +150 (Caesars)
Best Total Odds: 8.5 - Under -114 (BetRivers) / Over -105 (FanDuel)

Game Info

Date: 9/16/2024
Time: 7:40 PM EST
Location: Kauffman Stadium (Kansas City, Missouri)
TV: MLB.TV

Detroit Tigers at Kansas City Royals Preview

The Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals are set to clash in a pivotal three-game series at Kauffman Stadium, with both teams eyeing crucial wins as the postseason looms. The Royals, currently holding an 82-68 record, are clinging to the second AL wild-card spot, but face pressure from the Minnesota Twins and the Tigers, who are five games back. Kansas City is coming off a narrow 4-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, a game where they struggled to capitalize on opportunities, going just 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position. Manager Matt Quatraro emphasized the need for his team to seize their chances, especially with the stakes so high.

On the mound for the Royals will be right-hander Seth Lugo, who boasts a 16-8 record with a 2.94 ERA. Lugo has been a reliable force for Kansas City, particularly against the Tigers, against whom he holds a perfect 3-0 record with a 1.29 ERA in three career starts. His recent performance against the New York Yankees, where he pitched seven scoreless innings, highlights his ability to dominate on the mound.

The Tigers, meanwhile, have been surging, winning 15 of their last 22 games to thrust themselves into the wild-card conversation. They are coming off a successful series against the Baltimore Orioles, where they secured two wins despite scoring just seven runs across three games. Riley Greene has been a standout performer for Detroit, hitting .389 over his past nine games, including a two-home run performance in their latest victory.

Detroit has yet to officially name a starter for the series opener, but there is speculation that Reese Olson, who has a 4-8 record with a 3.23 ERA, might be activated from the injured list to take the mound. Olson's recent rehab outing was limited to 45 pitches, suggesting he may not pitch deep into the game if he starts.

As both teams prepare for this crucial matchup, the Royals will be looking to reignite their offense and capitalize on their home-field advantage, where they average 5.00 runs per game, ranking fifth in MLB. The Tigers, on the other hand, will aim to continue their road success, having gone 7-3 in their last 10 away games. With both teams having much at stake, this series promises to be a thrilling encounter.

Detroit Tigers at Kansas City Royals Pick: Kansas City Royals Against the Spread

In this crucial matchup between the Detroit Tigers and the Kansas City Royals, the Royals are favored to cover the spread, and there are several compelling reasons to back this pick. Kansas City, with a solid 82-68 record, is currently holding onto the second AL wild-card spot, and they are determined to maintain their postseason position. Despite a recent narrow loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Royals have shown resilience, going 7-3 in their last 10 games. Their ability to bounce back from a challenging stretch earlier in the season demonstrates their tenacity and focus as they head into the final games of the regular season.

On the mound, the Royals have a significant advantage with right-hander Seth Lugo, who has been a stalwart for Kansas City this season. Lugo's impressive 16-8 record and 2.94 ERA underscore his reliability, and his track record against the Tigers is particularly noteworthy. In three career starts against Detroit, Lugo boasts a perfect 3-0 record with a minuscule 1.29 ERA, showcasing his ability to stifle the Tigers' offense. His recent dominant performance against the New York Yankees, where he pitched seven scoreless innings, further highlights his capability to control the game from the mound.

Offensively, while the Royals have faced challenges with runners in scoring position, they still rank fifth in MLB for runs scored at home, averaging 5.00 runs per game. This home-field advantage, combined with their potent lineup, provides a strong foundation for Kansas City to capitalize on scoring opportunities. The Tigers, although on a hot streak with 15 wins in their last 22 games, have struggled to generate consistent offense, as evidenced by their low run total in the series against the Orioles.

Given the Royals' home-field prowess, Lugo's exceptional form, and the Tigers' offensive inconsistencies, Kansas City is well-positioned to cover the spread in this pivotal encounter. With the stakes high and the postseason within reach, expect the Royals to rise to the occasion and deliver a performance that secures their spot in the playoff race.

Detroit Tigers at Kansas City Royals Top Player Prop Picks

Seth Lugo Over 5.5 Strikeouts -112 (FanDuel)

Seth Lugo has been a dominant force on the mound for the Kansas City Royals this season, boasting a 16-8 record with a 2.94 ERA. His ability to control games is further highlighted by his recent performance against the New York Yankees, where he struck out 10 batters over seven scoreless innings. Lugo's track record against the Detroit Tigers is particularly impressive, as he holds a perfect 3-0 record with a 1.29 ERA in three career starts against them. Given his form and the Tigers' recent offensive struggles, particularly in generating consistent runs, Lugo is well-positioned to surpass the 5.5 strikeouts line. His ability to dominate opposing lineups makes this prop a compelling choice.

Riley Greene Over 0.5 Singles -125 (bet365)

Riley Greene has been a standout performer for the Detroit Tigers, especially in recent games. Over his past nine outings, Greene has hit an impressive .389, showcasing his ability to consistently get on base. His recent performance against the Baltimore Orioles, where he went 2-for-4 with two home runs, underscores his current form and confidence at the plate. As the Tigers face a crucial series against the Royals, Greene's ability to deliver singles will be vital for Detroit's offensive efforts. Given his recent hot streak and the Tigers' need for offensive production, backing Greene to record at least one single is a strong proposition.

Bobby Witt Over 0.5 Runs Scored -125 (bet365)

Bobby Witt has been a key contributor to the Kansas City Royals' offense, and his ability to score runs will be crucial in their matchup against the Detroit Tigers. The Royals, who average 5.00 runs per game at home, will rely on Witt's speed and base-running skills to capitalize on scoring opportunities. With Seth Lugo on the mound, the Royals are expected to have a strong pitching performance, allowing their offense to focus on generating runs. Witt's presence in the lineup and his knack for getting into scoring positions make the over on 0.5 runs scored a promising bet, especially given the Royals' home-field advantage and their need to secure a playoff spot.