ODDS ANALYSIS
The AL Central won’t be decided this weekend in Detroit but it already seems like the teams battling at Comerica Park will be vying for that title all season long.
The Royals and Tigers hook up for the second straight weekend after splitting a four-game set in Kansas City from Apr. 30 to May 3.
The team’s played even on the moneyline in last weekend’s series with both teams winning twice. Thanks to an 8-1 win in the opener on Apr. 30, the Royals outscored Detroit 17-10.
Both teams have been very profitable at the betting window but they are so evenly matched you have to be very selective when wagering on head-to-head battles. Sunday’s game features Kansas City’s Jason Vargas, who’s had his problems containing the Tigers, and Detroit’s Shane Greene, who’s been tagged for 20 earned runs over his last 11 innings. Something has to give in this one which will likely be a battle of the bullpens. And if it is the edge goes to KC with closer Greg Holland back in his role after a stint on the DL with a torn pectoral muscle. He made his first appearance since coming off the DL Thursday and tossed a perfect ninth inning for his fifth save.
After starting the season giving up just one earned run in 23 innings over his first three starts and looking like Cy Young, the tables have turned upside down for Shane Greene, who is one more rough outing away from losing his spot in the Tigers rotation. Greene has been battered by teams not known for their offensive prowess which makes his decline even more confusing. Give the edge to the Royals in this one.
PITCHING MATCHUP
Jason Vargas (3-1, 5.26 ERA) allowed two runs over six innings in a win over the Indians on Tuesday. He was incredibly efficient giving up just two hits and two walks while throwing 82 pitches. It was his second straight start allowing two runs and his second consecutive win.
Vargas has struggled mightily against the Tigers over his career posting a 5.37 ERA, 1.49 WHIP and 3-4 record in 10 starts covering 57 innings. He missed the Tigers last weekend when the teams met in a four-game set in KC.
Shane Greene (3-2, 5.56 ERA) had his run of tough starts continue Tuesday as he allowed five runs over 2.2 innings in a loss to the White Sox. Greene has allowed 20 earned runs in 11 innings over his last three starts and could be in danger of losing his spot in the rotation.
Greene allowed five hits and no earned runs in his only previous start against the Royals as a member of the Yankees on Sept. 7, 2014 in a 2-0 KC win.
QUOTE TO NOTE
“This isn’t the first time this has ever happened to anybody and it probably won’t be the last time. So I’ve got to keep working – it’s a long season. I believe in myself I believe in the process and we’ll get ‘em next time.” – Tigers pitcher Shane Greene after allowing five earned runs to the White Sox on Tuesday
LIVE BETTING or SITUATIONAL BETTING
Royals closer Greg Holland is back after missing three weeks on the DL with a torn pectoral muscle and KC’s outstanding bullpen is back in order. The shutdown trio of Kelvin Herrera, Wade Davis and Holland are as close to automatic as you can get and if the Royals have a lead heading into the seventh inning they will get the victory. Herrera, who usually handles the seventh inning, has been touched up for three runs in his 12.1 innings but both Davis and Holland have yet to allow a run giving up five hits combined with 15 strikeouts in their 17 innings with 11 saves between them. Davis handled the closer chores while Holland was shelved and leads the team – for now – with six saves. Good morning, good afternoon and good night. That’s how the Royals made it to the postseason last year and it’s why they’ll be contending for a title this year.
PROP TALK
Kansas City’s first round pick in 2008, first baseman Eric Hosmer is blossoming into the offensive threat the club imagined when taking him with the third overall choice. Although he’s been with the big club for five seasons his production in 2015 has been off the charts helping the Royals to the most potent offense in baseball. He entered the series hitting safely in 21 of 28 games with a .324 average and five homers scoring 18 times. His OBP is up allowing him to score more runs and the Royals have benefitted from his patience at the plate. Watch for Hosmer to score a few times Sunday to help KC get the victory.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
The Royals can hit, they can run the bases and they are very patient at the plate. That makes for some exciting baseball and they may be the most exciting team. With their bullpen back intact and an offense that can score, the starters know they only have to throw six effective innings for a chance to get a win. Jason Vargas has been good doing that and his assortment of off-speed stuff will have the Tigers fooled just enough to get the win.
The way Shane Greene has been throwing the Tigers know they need to step up the offense to back him up. It’s a mystery how things have gone so bad so fast for Greene, who looked unhittable in his first three outings. The Tigers have slumped on the offensive side lately but still have a potent lineup with Ian Kinsler, Miguel Cabrera, Yoenis Cespedes and Victor Martinez. But the absence of Jose Iglesias has hurt and getting him back is a top priority.
Kansas City 7, Detroit 4
The MLB odds for this game will be available first at BookMaker Sportsbook. Since this game can be seen by anyone with a TV, BookMaker will have a multitude of wagering options available for it. Outside of the normal lines, you can gamble on real-time moneylines, player props and inning totals. Live betting is open during every commercial break!
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone with BookMaker’s new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! First pitch for the game between the Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers is scheduled for Sunday, May 10, 2015, at 8:05 p.m. ET at Comerica Park. The matchup can be seen live on ESPN.
