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The Royals look to recover tonight after losing their second game in a row, and their first series against the Yankees earlier this week. These were firsts in both departments since finding the original Rally Mantis. If the Royals want to go to the playoffs this year, they'll likely need to be the last time those things happen as well.
The Royals will have the right guy on the mound for them tonight, as their presumed ace Danny Duffy will take the hill and attempt to destroy the Tigers. His last start didn't go well, but even Clayton Kershaw has an off night from time to time. Danny is 2-0 in 5 games with 3 starts against Detroit this season. He's struck out 18 in 21 innings and allowed 6 home runs on his way to a 4.71 ERA. However his last outing was a 7 2/3 inning effort where he allowed only 1 run during the sweep in Detroit a couple weeks ago.
The Tigers will counter with the weakest pitcher the Royals will see from them in this series, Anibal Sanchez. Sanchez used to dominate the Royals but is only a shell of his former self. That said, he did pitch 7 shut out innings against the Royals the day after Duffy last pitched before watching the bullpen blow the game. He allowed only 1 hit and struck out 8. Hopefully they'll find a way to get to him a little bit earlier tonight.
Wade Davis is activated. Royals also call up Whit Merrifield, Terrance Gore, Tony Cruz and select contract of Hunter Dozier. Hoch to 60-day.
— Rustin Dodd (@rustindodd) September 2, 2016
Today is the Royals' first game in September but their lineup should still look pretty familiar to you. Lorenzo Cain is still out with an injured wrist, but they now have even more pinch running and hitting options, should that become necessary. Also the Royals' resident robotic reliever has returned and should be available for a save situation tonight.
Lineups
#Royals lineup pic.twitter.com/TDv9M56GBc
— Jeffrey Flanagan (@FlannyMLB) September 2, 2016
#Tigers lineup to begin our series at Kansas City: pic.twitter.com/CIrIsN9C5W
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) September 2, 2016
This is an important series for the Royals, one of two remaining against the Tigers. If they have any hope at the wild card or the division they probably need to at least win this series. A win tonight would go a long way toward that goal.