Tigers vs. Royals Odds
| Tigers Odds | +105 |
| Royals Odds | -125 |
| Over/Under | 8 |
| Time | 2:10 p.m. ET |
| TV | MLB.TV |
| Odds via DraftKings. Get up-to-the-minute MLB odds here. | |
The Detroit Tigers look to leave Kansas City with a four game split against the Royals, and Wednesday is the final matchup of the set.
After dropping the first two games, the Tigers bounced back with a victory on Tuesday night.
Two young and erratic pitchers will be squaring off in the final game of the series, so things could get interesting in Kansas City.
Tarik Skubal looks to remain on the right track following a solid effort in his last start.
On the other side, Brady Singer looks to build on his decent July.
While this isn't the most exciting matchup on the slate, it could actually be a pretty good game.
Which Skubal Shows Up for Tigers?
The Tigers' offensive struggles have been well documented this season, but they're particularly weak against RHP.
It doesn't matter if they're at home or on the road, they just don't hit righties. They're last in team wRC+ against RHP on the road this season, and second-to-last in that category over the past couple of weeks.
Skubal will be the focus of this matchup, as he's had a long rough patch through most of June. In six starts from June 7 through July 3, Skubal posted a 7.80 ERA, with a 5.27 FIP and 4.27 xFIP. Prior to that, he had a 2.15 ERA, 1.98 FIP and 2.86 FIP.
In his last start, Skubal got hit early, giving up two runs in the first inning to the Chicago White Sox. He then proceeded to throw five shutout innings.
Whichever Skubal shows up on Wednesday will be the deciding factor in this game. However, the Tigers' bullpen has been rock solid this season and has been a high point in an otherwise bleak year in Detroit.
Many of their bullpen arms may be showcasing themselves for potential deadline deals, and their overall performance certainly has highlighted their value.
Royals Facing Brutal Offense
The Kansas City Royals got to Skubal for five runs in 4 2/3 innings the last time the two squared off.
Additionally, the Royals have been hitting LHP at home very well over the past month. They have a 150 team wRC+, which is sixth in MLB.
This is why Skubal's performance is pivotal.
The Royals' bullpen has been a mess for the majority of the season, and although Brady Singer has shows flashes of improvement, those flashes only reveal an average pitcher at best.
Fortunately for him, he'll be facing off against one of the worst offenses against RHP … well … ever.
Tigers-Royals Pick
The Tigers come into this matchup as underdogs, and rightfully so. One bounce-back start from Skubal doesn't mean that he should automatically be backed against another sub .500 team.
On the other side, the total of 8 in a relatively neutral/pitcher-friendly hitting environment with one potentially dominant pitcher and one of the worst offenses of all time in the mix make the under seem appealing.
In order for the total to hit, the Royals may have to be the ones to carry that, and it's best to hope that Skubal either returns to form or doesn't return to his mid-June form.
The under opened at -115 and if it stays there, it should be the play and could be taken at -120 or better. However, I would abstain if it moved down to 7.5.
Pick: Under 8 -115
