The Kansas City Royals are the hottest team in the MLB currently, and no it’s not a typo. They have ripped off seven straight victories and won 8 of their last 9 games. The Royals are now 57-74 on the season. They sit 11 games back of the White Sox and 7.5 games out of the final wild card spot. The 2024 Tigers made a crazy run, the Guardians made a crazy push late last season to win the division from the Tigers, is it the Royals turn this year? (Highly unlikely, but a slim chance right?)
Daniel Lynch
IV will start today; it’s been a mixed bag with his three starts so far. Against two really good teams in the Cubs and Dodgers, Lynch wasn’t great, but his last outing against the Athletics was rather good. He went 4 innings, allowing 2 hits, 1 run, walking a pair and striking out a batter.
Here is the Royals lineup behind Lynch. Jac Caglianone was in the initial lineup, but was scratched due to the lingering ankle soreness. John Rave takes his place.
The Tigers were supposed to be starting Framber Valdez this afternoon, but from what I’ve read it seems like extra rest, they are pushing his start back, so it’ll be a bullpen like game for the Tigers.
Jacob Waguespack will be their opener; Waguespack is a right hander. He has pitched twice against the Royals this season, totaling 2 innings, allowing 1 hit, 1 run, with a strikeout. That hit and run was the go-ahead solo homer from Nick Loftin in the 9th inning, in a 3-2 Royals win.
Andrew Sears is expected to come in after Waguespack and be the bulk guy from the reports I’ve seen. Sears is a 23-year-old lefty, who will be making his MLB debut. He only made two appearances in Triple-A in his career. The 2023 10th round draft pick for the Tigers has some decent numbers. He has recovered from a fractured bone spur in his left elbow earlier this season. He will not overpower and has a solid slider/sweeper and has worked on a split-change.
Here is the Tigers lineup for Sunday’s contest.
The Royals are off tomorrow and will hit the road opening a three-game set on Tuesday in Toronto. First pitch is set for 1:10 p.m. the game can be watched on Royals.TV. The Royals are looking to go a perfect 7-0 on the homestand, they are also 6-6 against Detroit this season, so this is a big one for a multitude of reasons.
