The Tigers (6-3) are finishing up a six-game Central Division road trip with three against the Kansas City Royals.  Detroit lost two of three from the White Sox but Rick Porcello got the first win for Tigers starters this season.

For the Royals (3-6) they are in the middle of a ten game home stand and are on a four-game losing streak after having a pitching meltdown in a three-game sweep against the Indians.  The Royals lost those three games by a combined 32-19 in those three games.

In game one on Monday the pitching matchup is Justin Verlander (0-1, 2.20 14K) against lefty Danny Duffy (1-0, 0.00 8K).  With the lefty on the mound Brandon Inge will be playing second base and batting ninth to the dismay of all Tigers fans.

Game two on Tuesday has Drew Smyly (0-0, 2.25 4K) against lefty Bruce Chen (0-0, 1.64 7K) which means more Inge, yippie.  With JV going tonight the bullpen should be rested and ready to go in case Smyly is unable to be effective.

The series finale has Max Scherzer (0-1, 10.38 14K) against Luke Hochevar (1-1, 7.84 7K) as two pitchers continue to try to recover from rough first few starts of the season.  Scherzer gave up seven runs in 2.2 innings in his first start against the Red Sox while Hochevar gave up seven runs in four innings in the Royals home opener.