As two AL Central teams very familiar with each other’s game, it’s the Kansas City Royals coming into Detroit hoping to get the best of the Tigers who currently sit atop of the division.
Photo By – Imagn Images. Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) runs out a single.
American League Central rivals the Kansas City Royals and the Detroit Tigers open up a four-game set at Comerica Park on Thursday night.
Both of these teams made the postseason last year and are hoping for a repeat performance in 2025.
Right now it’s the Tigers leading the division, 2.5 games ahead of the Royals, but Kansas City should like its chances in the opener when they dig in against Detroit starter Reese Olson.
My Royals vs. Tigers predictions bring you the best MLB picks for this AL Central showdown with first pitch slated for 6:40 pm ET on Thursday, April 17.
Royals vs Tigers prediction
My Royals vs Tigers best bet: Royals moneyline (+125 at bet365)
It feels like these two teams (along with the Cleveland Guardians) are going to battle it out for the American League Central crown all season long.
These two finished with the exact same record last season, both earning a wild-card spot in the postseason. So, all of the games between these two will have a heightened importance this season.
Entering this four-game set, it’s the Detroit Tigers who have the edge in the standings, sitting atop the AL Central with an 10-8 record while the Kansas City Royals are in third place at 8-11. And with the Royals on the road, it’s no surprise that they are underdogs for tonight’s series opener.
But I think there is some value in the road dogs tonight and because it’s baseball, it all starts with who is on the mound.
For the Tigers, it’s Reese Olson.
The 25-year-old right-hander has looked a little rusty to start the season. Olson has been tagged for 10 earned runs on 17 hits and seven walks in 15 innings pitched over his first three starts. That has resulted in him ranking in the 33rd percentile in expected batting average and the 18th percentile in expected batting average.
And while Royals batters not-name Bobby Witt Jr. have also gotten off to a slow start this season, they have done well against Olson in the past.
Olson made three starts against the Royals last season. He gave up six earned runs on 12 hits and five walks over 12 innings. And current KC hitters have combined for a .300 xBA and a .530 xSLG vs. Olson.
Countering Olson is Michael Lorenzen. It has admittedly been a mediocre start for the Royals’ right-hander, posting a 4.04 xERA through four starts. However, he’s had a solid amount of success against the Tigers.
Current Detroit batters have just a .224 xBA and a .330 xSLG in 49 plate appearances against Lorenzen.
I like the Royals to jump on Olson early and strike first in this series, so I’ll happily take them on the moneyline at this price.
Royals vs Tigers same-game parlay (SGP)
Royals Moneyline
Bobby Witt Jr. Over 0.5 RBIs
Matt Olson Over 1.5 Walks
Not surprisingly, it’s Bobby Witt Jr. who has done a lot of the damage against Reese Olson.
The All-Star shortstop is 6-for-11 in 13 career plate appearances vs. Olson with a double, a triple, and two dingers. That works out to a .437 xBA and a .926 xSLG. It doesn’t hurt that Witt is on a nine-game hitting streak, where he owns a .400 batting average to go along with a 1.106 OPS.
So, we’re going Over 0.5 RBIs to this same-game parlay.
And let’s round this SGP out with Reese Olson to go Over 1.5 walks issued. Control has been one of Olson’s issues this season. He ranks in the 27th percentile in walk rate and has given out three free passes in each of his last two starts.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Royals vs Tigers odds
Royals vs Tigers live odds
Royals vs Tigers opening odds
- Moneyline: Kansas City +115 | Detroit -135
- Run line: Kansas City +1.5 (-170) | Detroit -1.5 (+145)
- Over/Under: Over 8.0 | Under 8.0
Royals vs Tigers trend
The Over went 8-5 in the 13 meetings between these two teams last season. Find more MLB betting trends for Royals vs. Tigers.
How to watch Royals vs Tigers and game info
| Location | Comercia Park, Detroit, Michigan |
| Date | Thursday, 4-17-2025 |
| First pitch | 6:40 p.m. ET |
| TV | Fox Sports 1, FanDuel Sports Network-Kansas City, FDSN DX |
| Royals starting pitcher | Michael Lorenzen (1-2, 3.71 ERA) |
| Tigers starting pitcher | Reese Olsen (1-1, 6.00 ERA) |
Royals vs Tigers latest injuries
Royals vs Tigers weather
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