Detroit (37-20) at Kansas City (30-27)
- When: May 30 2025, 8:10 PM
- Where: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City
- Where to watch: FDSKC
Tigers vs. Royals – Game Betting Preview & Prediction
Moneyline: Detroit -120 | Total: 8.0
Kansas City Royals: Lugo’s Return Could Spark Turnaround
The Royals are eager to welcome back veteran righty Seth Lugo (3-4, 3.02 ERA) for Friday’s opener. After missing time with a sprained finger, the 35-year-old is set to rejoin the rotation and hopefully bring some stability to a Kansas City squad that’s just 6-11 in its last 17 games.
Lugo has been rock-solid at Kauffman Stadium this season, boasting a 2.41 ERA in six home starts. He also brings a history of success against Detroit with a 2.78 ERA in five career appearances, despite a loss earlier this year in which Spencer Torkelson tagged him for a 3-run homer.
Kansas City avoided a sweep on Wednesday with a narrow 3-2 win over Cincinnati, and they’ll aim for their first back-to-back home wins in nearly a month. Key batters to watch include Maikel Garcia, riding a 13-game hit streak, and Jonathan India, who went 3-for-4 the last time these two pitchers faced off.
Detroit Tigers: Mize Keeps Rolling as Tigers Eye Fifth Straight Win
The AL Central-leading Tigers (17 games over .500) have momentum on their side, entering this series riding a four-game winning streak and fresh off a sweep of the Giants. Friday’s starter, Casey Mize (6-1, 2.45 ERA), has been a revelation, delivering quality starts almost every time he touches the mound.
Mize outdueled Lugo back on April 19, giving up just one run over seven innings. He returned last weekend from a hamstring issue and flu symptoms to gut out a gritty five-inning performance against Cleveland, further showing his mental toughness and consistency.
The Detroit offense continues to grind out results in different ways, as manager A.J. Hinch highlighted. While Javier Baez is slumping, he has a strong career line against Lugo, and Gleyber Torres remains hot in K.C., hitting .333 with 3 homers in his last 10 games there.
Final Score Prediction
Both teams get their starters back from injury, but Detroit’s deeper lineup, consistent pitching, and recent form give them a slight edge in a tight, low-scoring game.
Score Prediction: Tigers 4, Royals 3
Side: Detroit ML (-120)
Best Bet: Under 8.0 (-115)
- MLB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
