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Game Thread CLVI: Royals at Tigers

The last road game of the year!

By Jeremy Greco
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

First, let's pause for a moment to recognize the tragic death that occurred very early this morning. It is always horrible when someone so young dies, and this is no exception. The Marlins have canceled their game against the Braves to deal with their grief. With sadness in their hearts, others around baseball will carry on today.

The Kansas City Royals continue their last road game of the 2016 season. After winning in stunning fashion they have an opportunity to win their first series in the non-White Sox/Twins division since they beat the Red Sox two games out of three in Boston and made many of us believe they were going to make it to the playoffs after all.

The thoroughly disappointing Edinson Volquez will pitch for the Royals. The veteran right-handed pitcher was expected to be a maturing influence for Yordano Ventura, that hasn't come to pass - though that isn't necessarily his fault. He was also expected to eat some innings at least reasonably effectively, that hasn't happened either. The good news is that the last start Volquez made was his best since June 7th, so there's hope he may be effective again today as the Royals attempt to stay above .500 for the final week of baseball.

The Tigers will send young pitcher Matt Boyd to the mound; like yesterday's starting pitcher he came over in the David Price deal. He was horrible last year but has had his moments this year. That includes his last start where he allowed only one run across eight innings on a solo home run. He allowed only two other hits and a walk while striking out seven and took a win over the Twins.

Lineups

There has been a change to the Tigers lineup; Romine will play shortstop because Iglesias is still very emotional over the death of Jose Fernandez.

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