Sunday, July 13, 2014, 2:10 PM on FSDT, FSKC

Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

Detroit Tigers - Verlander, J (8-7) vs. Kansas City Royals - Chen, B (1-2)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Right-hander Justin Verlander will be going for his third consecutive win when he and the Detroit Tigers go up against Bruce Chen and the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.

Justin Verlander was able to pick up his eighth win of the season on Tuesday over the Los Angeles Dodgers, but he didn't pitch particularly well in that outing. In six innings of work, Verlander gave up five runs on five hits while walking two and striking out four. On the year, Verlander is now 8-7 and has only been able strike out 6.8 batters per nine innings.

Royals designated hitter Billy Butler seems to like facing Verlander, going 33-for-76 against him with five doubles, two home runs and 14 RBI. Alex Gordon is just 16-for-73 against him with 25 strikeouts.

Veteran left-hander Bruce Chen last made a start for the Royals back on April 24, when he was defeated by the Cleveland Indians on the road. Since then, he has made a couple of appearances out of the bullpen. On the season, Chen has a 7.11 ERA, but he has been able to strike out 26 batters in 25.1 innings of work.

Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera has 16 hits in his 39 at-bats against Chen with four doubles, five home runs and 11 RBI. Catcher Alex Avila is just 2-for-11 against Chen in his career with three strikeouts.

Detroit Tigers Betting Trends

Detroit Tigers are 48-35-5 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Detroit Tigers is 0.5

Kansas City Royals Betting Trends

Kansas City Royals are 44-42-5 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Kansas City Royals is 0.1

Injuries to Watch

Detroit Tigers

07/10/14 DH Victor Martinez Side questionable
07/07/14 P Pat McCoy Hamstring 15-day DL (7/6)
06/25/14 P Luke Putkonen Elbow 60-day DL (4/19)
05/02/14 P Joel Hanrahan Elbow 15-day DL (5/2)
03/28/14 LF Andy Dirks Back 60-day DL (3/29)
03/28/14 P Bruce Rondon Elbow 60-day DL (3/29), out for season
03/27/14 SS Jose Iglesias Stress Fracture 60-day DL (3/29); out for season

Kansas City Royals

07/11/14 LF Alex Gordon Wrist out indefinitely
07/10/14 3B Mike Moustakas Flu "?" Friday vs. Detroit Tigers
07/09/14 P Jason Vargas Appendix 15-day DL (7/9)
06/21/14 RF Norichika Aoki Groin 15-day DL (6/21)
03/30/14 P Luke Hochevar Elbow 60-day DL (3/21)

Tony's Pick: Take Detroit

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