Sunday Thread: Royals at Tigers

Hey, at least it's not last year, right?

This time one year ago, Kansas City entered the final game of the season series against the Tigers with a brutal 5-13 record against them. As the two teams prepare for the 19th and final matchup between them this year, both sides have won nine games so far. The winner of today's contest will take home the season series.

It feels like the Royals have done much better against the Tigers overall, despite the 9-9 record in the series. Kris Medlen will take the hill one start removed from 6.1 scoreless innings, so he may represent their best chance for a quality start. Alfredo Simon is the opponent, who was rocked in his only matchup this year against the Royals. It's a promising day to be a Royals fan, but hey, that's the way it's been recently.

Salvador Perez has already caught 23 innings this weekend, so he'll get the day off in favor of Drew Butera. Alex Gordon will also get a night off after going 0-5 with 3 K's last night. The lineup: Zobrist (2B), Cain, Hosmer, Morales, Moustakas, Rios, Orlando (LF), Colon, Butera.

The magic number to clinch to AL Central is at four, and the lead for home-field advantage is at one. Let's work on both today, Royals.