The Detroit Tigers (38-21) and Kansas City Royals (31-28) wrap up their 3-game series Sunday. First pitch from Kauffman Stadium is set for 2:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s MLB odds around the Tigers vs. Royals odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Tigers lead 4-2

The Tigers’ 5-game winning streak ended Saturday with a 1-0 loss to the Royals as a -179 road favorite. SP Tarik Skubal delivered a dominant performance (7 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 0 BB, 7 K), but Detroit’s offense managed only 2 hits in a tough-luck loss.

The Royals won the pitching duel Saturday, cashing as +164 home underdogs with the Under (8) hitting. SP Michael Wacha was dominant (7 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 1 BB, 6 K). DH Vinnie Pasquantino broke the scoreless tie with an RBI single in the eighth, and RP Carlos Estevez secured his 16th save.

Tigers at Royals projected starters

RHP Keider Montero vs. LHP Kris Bubic

Montero (2-1, 4.54 ERA) is making his sixth start and eighth appearance. He has a 1.43 WHIP, 3.8 BB/9 and 6.1 K/9 in 35 2/3 innings.

Last start: Win, 5 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 2 BB, 3 K in 3-1 road victory against San Francisco Giants Monday2025 road stats: 1-1, 5.30 ERA (18 2/3 IP, 11 ER), 1.45 WHIP, 6.3 K/9 in 3 appearances (2 starts)Only start vs. Royals: Loss, 7 IP, 4 ER, 6 H, 1 BB, 3 K in 7-1 road victory on Aug. 1, 2024

Bubic (5-2, 1.45 ERA) is making his 12th start. He has a 1.01 WHIP, 2.6 BB/9 and 9.2 K/9 in 68 1/3 innings.

Last start: No-decision, 7 IP, 1 ER, 2 H, 2 BB, 9 K in 2-1 road victory against Minnesota Twins Sunday2025 home stats: 2-1, 1.40 ERA (25 2/3 IP, 4 ER), 0.94 WHIP, 8.8 K/9 in 4 startsCareer vs. Tigers: 2-0, 2.64 ERA (44 1/3 IP, 13 ER), 1.49 WHIP, 8.1 K/9 in 10 appearances (7 starts)

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Tigers at Royals odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:53 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Tigers +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Royals -150 (bet $150 to win $100)Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Tigers +1.5 (-175) | Royals -1.5 (+145)Over/Under (O/U): 8 (O: -118 | U: -102)Tigers at Royals picks and predictionsPrediction

Tigers 3, Royals 2

BET TIGERS (+125).

Sunday’s series finale sets up as another low-scoring battle likely decided in the late innings. With that in mind, there’s value in backing one of the league’s top teams at plus money.

Bubic has been excellent this season, better than Montero, but the edge in offensive firepower goes to the Tigers. Montero has been sharp lately, allowing just 2 ER over his last 3 starts (17 1/3 innings).

Detroit has dominated this matchup, winning 7 of the last 10 meetings. The Tigers are also strong on the road, going 17-13 while hitting .253 away from home—fifth-best in the majors. With a +85 run differential on the season, Detroit continues to prove they’re among MLB’s most complete teams. Getting them at plus odds in a tight pitching matchup makes for a smart play on Sunday.

PASS.

I don’t like the run line bets, I’ll stay with the Tigers moneyline.

BET UNDER 8 (-102).

Sunday’s matchup has all the signs of another pitching duel. The Under is 6-3-1 in the last 10 meetings between the Tigers and Royals. Detroit has stayed Under in 8 of its last 10 games, while Kansas City has gone Under in 2 of its last 3. Montero and Bubic have combined for 6 Unders in their last 8 starts.

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