Detroit at Kansas City

Detroit winds up a long trip here, its eigth straight road game. The Tigers are 2-7 in Justin Verlander's last nine starts as a road favorite, plus 1-5 against a team with a losing record. Detroit still isn't a strong offensive team, 18th in runs scored. Kansas City is in second place behind Detroit while playing its sixth straight home game, and the Royals are 5-2 at home against a right-handed starter. Jason Vargas goes for the Royals, and he's been sharp with a 2-0 record and a 2.40 ERA. He's allowed two earned runs or less in every start but one. The Royals are 4-1 in their last five games vs. a right-handed starter. And when these teams meet, the Tigers are 2-5 in Verlander's last seven starts against Kansas City, plus 0-4 in his last four road starts against the Royals. Play the Kansas City Royals.