MLB Odds: Royals Host Tigers in AL Central Mismatch
Tuesday September 01,2015 : MLB Odds: First Meets Worst When Royals Host Tigers
The Kansas City Royals (80-50, +27.17 betting units) have the best record in the American League – both straight up and on the moneyline. The Detroit Tigers (60-70, –10.25 units), on the other hand, are in last place in the AL Central after winning their division four years in a row. They'll meet this Wednesday (8:10 PM ET) in the second game of a three-game set at Kauffman Stadium.
Kansas City has geared up for the playoffs with a number of trades and signings, including one that cleared Monday's “waiver” trade deadline: outfielder Jonny Gomes (.689 OPS). Gnomes is coming over from the Atlanta Braves to provide some depth and pinch-hitting while outfielder Alex Gordon recovers from his groin injury. The Tigers, meanwhile, have traded away assets with an eye on the future. They've lost nine of their last 10 games.
Wednesday's matchup sees Yordano Ventura (3.82 FIP) take the mound for the Royals against veteran southpaw Randy Wolf (2.13 FIP), who'll make his third start for Detroit after pitching very well at AAA-Buffalo for the Toronto Blue Jays. The Tigers dropped both of Wolf's previous starts, and Kansas City is 11-10 behind Ventura for a loss of 0.05 units.
