Detroit Tigers vs Kansas City Royals Picks and Predictions August 23rd 2025

Detroit Tigers vs Kansas City Royals August 23rd 2025

The Kansas City Royals will take on the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. The game is set for Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 6:10 PM. The Royals come into this game with a record of 66-63 and are ranked second in the AL Central. They have been playing well lately, winning seven of their last ten games.

On the other side, the Detroit Tigers hold the top spot in the AL Central with a 77-53 record. They are riding a four-game winning streak and have won eight of their last ten games. The starting pitchers for this game are Michael Wacha for the Royals and Chris Paddack for the Tigers. The weather forecast predicts an overcast day with a light breeze, making for an interesting game environment.

Royals vs Tigers Key Information

• Sport: Baseball
• Teams: Kansas City Royals vs. Detroit Tigers
• Venue: Comerica Park in Detroit, MI
• Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
• Betting Odds: Royals Moneyline +107, Tigers Moneyline -125

The Royals Can Win If…

The Kansas City Royals are coming off a close 7-5 loss to the Detroit Tigers. Despite the loss, the Royals showed strong hitting with 11 hits, including a home run by Vinnie Pasquantino. Ryan Bergert pitched well, allowing only 3 hits and 2 runs over 5 2/3 innings.

The Royals have a solid batting lineup that can make a difference. Vinnie Pasquantino leads the team with 27 home runs and 89 RBIs, while Bobby Witt Jr. has a batting average of .294. Maikel Garcia also contributes with a .301 average, making the Royals’ offense a threat.

On the mound, Michael Wacha will start for the Royals. Wacha has an ERA of 3.34, which is better than the opposing starter, Chris Paddack, who has an ERA of 5.10. The Royals’ pitching staff ranks 4th in ERA this season, giving them a strong chance to control the game.

The Tigers Can Win If…

The Detroit Tigers enter this game with momentum from a recent win over the Kansas City Royals, 7-5. Zach McKinstry was a standout, going 3 for 4 with a home run and a triple. Riley Greene and Gleyber Torres also contributed with key hits and RBIs.

The Tigers have shown strong offensive stats this season. They rank 8th in slugging percentage at .423 and have hit 165 home runs, placing them 8th in the league. Their ability to hit for power gives them a good chance to score runs in this game.

On the mound, the Tigers will start Chris Paddack, who looks to bounce back from his last outing. The team ranks 9th in ERA at 3.80, showing they can keep games close. With a solid defense and recent strong performances, the Tigers have the tools to secure another win.

The Lean

The Tigers are favored with a moneyline of -125 against the Royals. The Tigers have a better batting average and on-base percentage this season. My model projects the Tigers to win with a score of 5-3, so the recommendation is to pick the Tigers to win straight up.

The total for the game is set at 8.5 runs. Both teams have strong pitching, with the Tigers having a lower earned run average. My model projects a total of 8 runs, so the recommendation is to take the under at 8.5.

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Wacha Extends Winning Formula

Good things continue to happen for the Kansas City Royals whenever Michael Wacha takes the mound. The veteran right-hander has guided the Royals to victories in his past five starts, earning the decision in four of those outings. Kansas City will look to ride his momentum in the middle game of a three-game set against the Detroit Tigers on Saturday evening.

Wacha (8-9, 3.34 ERA) has been efficient by limiting damage. He pitches to contact but keeps opponents off balance by avoiding walks and home runs. Over his last six outings, he has issued only four free passes, and across his past eight starts, just one ball has left the yard. Bettors following his performances have found value in recent weeks, and you can track more MLB opportunities with expert picks

Royals’ Recent Surge Behind Wacha

Kansas City has scored 33 runs during Wacha’s last five starts, giving him plenty of support. In his most recent outing on Monday, he allowed nine hits in 5 2/3 innings but yielded only two runs in a 4-3 victory over Texas. His command has been key, and his track record against Detroit is equally promising.

Wacha has already seen the Tigers twice this year. On April 20, he held them to two runs across 5 1/3 innings. On May 31, he dominated with seven scoreless frames while allowing only one hit. Overall, he is 2-1 with a 2.72 ERA in eight career starts against Detroit. Fans can preview more upcoming matchups on the MLB previews page

Paddack Aims for Consistency

The Tigers will counter with right-hander Chris Paddack (4-11, 5.10 ERA), who is searching for steadier results. Since being acquired from Minnesota, he has pitched well in two of four starts, but both of his poor outings came against his former team. Paddack allowed four runs over four innings against the Twins on August 5 and then gave up eight runs on nine hits in 5 2/3 innings against them on Sunday.

“I’m glad I don’t have to face them again,” Paddack said after the game. “I just have to fix some things and keep showing up with a positive attitude.” For handicappers weighing these trends, insights from the MLB betting guide can sharpen strategies on how to read pitchers’ form and matchups.

Pasquantino Power Surge

The Royals’ lineup has been powered by first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino, who has homered in five straight games. His two-run shot in Friday’s series opener tied him with Salvador Perez (2021) and Mike Sweeney (2002) for the franchise record of consecutive games with a home run. He will look to set a new mark Saturday against Detroit.

Kansas City’s recent surge of home runs has put them in the thick of the wild-card race. As Pasquantino noted, improved approaches at the plate are putting more pressure on pitchers, forcing them to attack the strike zone differently. For bettors looking to ride hot streaks like his, there are premium plays available on the buy picks page

Tigers Riding Momentum

The Tigers have momentum of their own, entering Saturday with four straight wins and 10 victories in their last 12 games. In Friday’s opener, Detroit rallied from a 3-0 deficit to beat Kansas City 7-5. Riley Greene tied the game with his 30th home run of the season, while Zach McKinstry delivered three hits, including a solo homer.

With Detroit playing its best baseball of the season, the Royals will need both Wacha’s consistency and balanced contributions beyond Pasquantino’s power. To follow more hot streaks and betting angles, check the handicapper leaderboard

Looking Ahead

Saturday’s game sets the tone for the rest of the series, with Kansas City aiming to keep pace in the playoff hunt and Detroit looking to continue its surge. Fans and bettors alike will keep a close eye on whether Wacha can extend his streak and whether Pasquantino can make franchise history with another long ball.

For box scores, play-by-play breakdowns, and final outcomes from this matchup and others across the league, visit the MLB game results page