The Detroit Tigers hit the road following their recent seven-game home stand, splitting the two series by losing three of four to the Cleveland Guardians before sweeping the San Francisco Giants.
Now, the Motor City Kitties head out west to face another American League Central foe that lags seven games behind them — the Kansas City Royals — in the BBQ capital. K.C. has lost four of its last six, dropping two of three to both the Minnesota Twins in Minneapolis and the Cincinnati Reds at home, respectively.
Overall, AJ Hinch and Co. come into the series tied with the Philadelphia Phillies for the best record in baseball and hold a six-game lead over both the Twins and Guardians. The New York Yankees are the next-best team in the A.L., shadowing the Tigers just a half-game back.
After both teams enjoyed a day off on Thursday, they return to the field on Friday with Casey Mize starting for the visitors while Seth Lugo gets the call for the home team. Here is a look at how they match up.
Detroit Tigers (37-20) at Kansas City Royals (30-27)
Time (ET): 8:10 p.m.
Place: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
SB Nation Site: Royals Review
Media: FanDuel Sports Detroit, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network
Game 58 Pitching Matchup
Player
IP
K%
BB%
FIP
fWAR
Player
IP
K%
BB%
FIP
fWAR
Mize
47.2
21.8
5.3
3.89
0.7
Lugo
56.2
18.9
6.8
4.50
0.4
Game 58: RHP Casey Mize (6-1, 2.45 ERA) vs. RHP Seth Lugo (3-4, 3.02 ERA)
MIZE
Baseball Savant
LUGO
Baseball Savant