Detroit Tigers vs. Kansas City Royals: Preview, Predictions and Picks for May 20, 2024

Published on:
May 20, 2024 6:20 AM
The Detroit Tigers are set to face off against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on Monday, May 20, 2024, at 7:40 PM. The Royals, who lead the regular season series 2-1, will look to capitalize on their strong home record (18-8) against a Tigers team that has fared well on the road (13-10). With the Royals sitting at 29-19 overall and the Tigers at 23-23, this matchup promises to be a competitive one.
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Detroit Tigers
Kansas City Royals

Tigers vs Royals starting pitchers

  • Michael Wacha for Kansas City Royals
  • Reese Olson for Detroit Tigers

Tigers vs Royals game preview

Tonight's MLB showdown between the Detroit Tigers and the Kansas City Royals is shaping up to be a gripping encounter, with Reese Olson taking the mound for the Tigers and Michael Wacha stepping up for the Royals. Olson, boasting a stellar ERA of 2.09 and a WHIP of just 0.99, has proven his ability to keep runs off the board despite a luckless win-loss record. Meanwhile, Wacha, with a higher ERA of 4.71 and a WHIP of 1.37, will be looking to tighten his game and stave off the Tigers' hitters. The pitching matchup alone sets the stage for an intriguing battle, with Olson’s finesse arguably giving Detroit a slight edge at the start.

Detroit Tigers, entering the game, have shown some challenges in their offensive game, ranking lower in several batting categories including hits and stolen bases. With a team batting average of .234, placed at 19th in the league, and leaders like Riley Greene leading with just a .249 average, it's evident that the Tigers need to spark their batting to complement Olson's strong pitching. The Tigers have displayed moderate power, anchored by Greene’s nine homers, but their on-base capabilities and run-scoring consistency will need to step up. As they face Wacha, focusing on exploiting his susceptibility to giving up hits and home runs this season could be key to tallying those much-needed runs.

On the flip side, the Kansas City Royals boast a more formidable offense, with a team batting average of .244 and higher placements in runs scored and hits. Led by Salvador Perez, who’s having a terrific season batting .337 with 8 home runs, the Royals have the firepower to challenge Olson. Their aggressive baserunning, evidenced by ranking 6th in stolen bases, also adds a dynamic layer to their game strategy. However, their pitching has proven to be less reliable, which puts pressure on their hitters to outscore their opponents aggressively. Matching up against Olson’s tight pitching, the Royals’ best bet may lie in pushing the pace and making the most of every offensive opportunity they get.

Kansas City Royals injuries

  • Carlos Hernandez (RP): 15-Day-IL
  • Jake Brentz (RP): 15-Day-IL
  • Josh Taylor (RP): 60-Day-IL
  • Kris Bubic (SP): 60-Day-IL
  • Christian Chamberlain (RP): Out

Detroit Tigers injuries

  • Jace Jung (2B): Day-To-Day
  • Luis Santana (3B): Day-To-Day
  • Blair Calvo (RP): Day-To-Day
  • Daniel Cabrera (RF): Out
  • Eddys Leonard (SS): Day-To-Day

How to Watch the Tigers vs Royals

The Tigers vs. Royals game will be televised on FS1 and is scheduled for Mon 7:40 PM.

Tigers vs Royals predictions

Here we go, the Detroit Tigers are heading into Kauffman Stadium to take on the Kansas City Royals, and I've got my eye on a few Tigers who could make some noise. Riley Greene, the young outfielder, looks poised for a big game. I think he's gonna rack up at least two hits, including a home run, and maybe even swipe a base or two. Meanwhile, Javier Baez is due for a breakout game, and I think he'll respond with a multi-hit performance, including a double and a couple of RBIs. And don't sleep on Kerry Carpenter, who's been quietly putting together a solid season - I think he'll chip in with a hit and a run scored.

On the other side, the Royals have some players who could give the Tigers fits. Maikel Garcia has been on a roll lately, and I think he'll keep it going with at least two hits and a run scored. Meanwhile, Salvador Perez is always a threat, and I think he'll go deep for a home run and add a couple of RBIs. And don't count out Vinnie Pasquantino, who's been a pleasant surprise for the Royals - I think he'll chip in with a hit and a run scored.

So, who's gonna come out on top in this one? I think the Royals' momentum at home, combined with their solid pitching, will be too much for the Tigers to handle. Give me the Royals in a tight one, maybe 5-4 or something like that. Michael Wacha's going to give them a quality start, and the Royals' bullpen will shut the door in the late innings. The Tigers will make it close, but in the end, the Royals will emerge victorious.

Detroit Tigers vs. Kansas City Royals Betting Odds

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