Monday, June 16, 2014 6:08 PM on FSKC, FSDT

Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan

Kansas City Royals - Vargas, J (6-2) vs. Detroit Tigers - Verlander, J (6-6)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Monday night, the Kansas City Royals will give the ball to Jason Vargas as they take on the Detroit Tigers and Justin Verlander. Both pitchers will be making their 15th starts of the season.

Jason Vargas added another win in his last outing to improve his record to 6 - 2 with a 3.30 ERA. In that last start, Vargas gave up 3 runs on 6 hits in 7.2 innings as he struck out 5 without issuing a single walk.  At this rate, Vargas will have no trouble posting better results this year than he did in 2013 when he went 9 – 8 with a 4.02 ERA in 24 starts for the Los Angeles Angels.

Last season, Vargas didn’t face the Tigers but he has 2 starts against Detroit this season.  He had a no-decision in his 1st start but was lit up in his 2nd start and took a loss after allowing 7 runs on 11 hits (including 2 homers) in 5 innings.

Justin Verlander took his 2nd straight loss in his last start and that dropped his record to 6 – 6 with a 4.61 ERA.  Verlander was pounded for 7 runs and 8 hits (including a home run) in 5.2 innings of work.  He walked 4 and struck out 6.  Verlander could be headed for another season like last season when he went 13 – 12 with a 3.46 ERA in 34 starts.

In 2013, Verlander was 1- 3 with a 3.27 ERA in 6 starts against the Royals.  This season, Verlander pitched to a no-decision in his debut against Kansas City but he picked up a win in his 2nd start against the Royals on the back of a 7 inning, 3 run, 4 hit performance.  

Kansas City Royals Betting Trends

Kansas City Royals are 29-32-4 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Kansas City Royals is -0.1

Detroit Tigers Betting Trends

Detroit Tigers are 32-26-4 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Detroit Tigers is 0.1

Injuries to Watch

Kansas City Royals

06/01/14 3B Danny Valencia Hand 15-day DL (6/1)
05/02/14 P Bruce Chen Back 15-day DL (4/25)
03/30/14 P Luke Hochevar Elbow 60-day DL (3/21)

Detroit Tigers

05/02/14 P Joel Hanrahan Elbow 15-day DL (5/2)
04/21/14 P Luke Putkonen Elbow 15-day DL (4/19)
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

Josh's Pick: Take Kansas City

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