Detroit Tigers vs Kansas City Royals Picks and Predictions August 24th 2025

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The Kansas City Royals will take on the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on Sunday, August 24, 2025. The Royals have a record of 66-64 and hold the second spot in the AL Central. They are looking to break a two-game losing streak. Their recent form shows a 6-4 record in their last 10 games.

The Tigers, with a 78-53 record, are leading the AL Central. They are on a five-game winning streak and have won 9 of their last 10 games. The game will be played under clear skies with mild temperatures. The first pitch is scheduled for 1:40 PM and will be broadcast on FDSKC.

Royals vs Tigers Key Information

  • Sport: Baseball
  • Teams: Kansas City Royals vs. Detroit Tigers
  • Venue: Comerica Park in Detroit, MI
  • Date: Sunday, August 24, 2025
  • Betting Odds: Royals Moneyline +126, Tigers Moneyline -149, Royals Runline +1.5 (-166), Tigers Runline -1.5 (+138), Total Over 8.5 (-105), Total Under 8.5 (-115)

The Royals Can Win If…

The Kansas City Royals recently played against the Detroit Tigers and lost 4-2. Bobby Witt Jr. shined with a strong performance, going 3 for 4 with a home run. Vinnie Pasquantino and Jonathan India also contributed with hits, showing their potential to drive in runs.

The Royals have a solid batting lineup with a team batting average of .246, ranking 11th in the league. They are also strong in hitting doubles, ranking 4th with 227 doubles this season. On the mound, Seth Lugo will start, bringing an ERA of 3.73 and a WHIP of 1.22, giving them a chance to keep the Tigers’ hitters in check.

Bobby Witt Jr. is a key player for the Royals with a batting average of .298 and 19 home runs. Vinnie Pasquantino leads the team in home runs with 27 and has driven in 90 runs. These players, along with their strong pitching, give the Royals a good chance to win the game.

The Tigers Can Win If…

The Detroit Tigers won their most recent game against the Kansas City Royals, 4-2. Spencer Torkelson hit a home run, going 2-for-4 with an RBI. Chris Paddack pitched five innings, allowing just one run on five hits.

The Tigers have been strong at home, winning their last five games. Their team batting average sits at .250, ranking 8th in the league. The Tigers’ pitching staff has an ERA of 3.78, placing them 8th, which shows their balanced approach.

Spencer Torkelson leads the team with 27 home runs and 69 RBIs. Riley Greene is another key player with a .263 average and 30 home runs. With Jack Flaherty starting, the Tigers have a chance to extend their winning streak.

The Lean

The Tigers are favored on the moneyline at -149, while the Royals are at +126. The Tigers have a better batting average and on-base percentage, ranking 8th in both. Their earned run average is also strong at 3.78, ranking 8th. My model projects the Tigers to win 5-3, so the recommendation is to pick the Tigers to win straight up.

The total for the game is set at 8.5, with the over at -105 and the under at -115. The Royals’ pitching has a solid earned run average of 3.61, ranking 4th. The Tigers’ pitching is also strong, with a batting average against of .236, ranking 6th. My model projects a total score of 8, so the recommendation is to take the under 8.5.

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Flaherty Rebounds After Rough Stretch

After two starts where he conceded ten earned runs in just nine innings, Jack Flaherty turned a corner with a masterful performance against Houston. He punched through seven shutout innings of three-hit ball with nine strikeouts and only one walk, setting a confident tone for the series finale. Reflecting that night, Flaherty insisted, “It’s the same thing I’ve been preaching on good and bad days. The more you execute, the more things are going to happen.” That precision, paired with meticulous preparation, is precisely what Tigers manager A.J. Hinch values—pointing to Flaherty’s attention to detail in preparation and mechanics as keys to sustaining success.

History Backs Flaherty Against Kansas City

History is firmly on Flaherty’s side. Across his career matchups with the Royals, he boasts a 4-0 record and a minuscule 0.72 ERA over 25 innings. Such dominance in head-to-head battles brings a strategic edge into Sunday’s matchup, especially when Rangers’ rotation needs consistency heading into the final stretch.

Lugo’s Bounceback Effort for KC

Seth Lugo, now with the Kansas City Royals, responded well after two underwhelming outings that totaled 13 earned runs. Against the Rangers, he went 6⅓ innings, allowing just two runs on three hits with five punchouts. Reflecting his mindset, he said, “You learn from the past. You try not to overthink it. You just try to do your job the same way.” Lugo’s career numbers against Detroit help too—he holds a 3-2 record with a 3.53 ERA, proving he can compete effectively against the Tigers.

Tigers’ Momentum Buildup

Detroit has turned heads with five straight wins and now sit 11½ games up in the AL Central. In the earlier game of this set, they turned Flaherty’s brilliance into a 10–0 trouncing of Houston, with contributions from rising talents like Colt Keith and Riley Greene. That offensive outburst, paired with Flaherty’s performance, demonstrated the alignment between talent and timely execution.

Matchup Overview

PitcherTeam2025 RecordERACareer vs Opponent
Jack FlahertyDetroit Tigers7–124.514–0, 0.72 ERA vs Royals
Seth LugoKansas City Royals8–63.733–2, 3.53 ERA vs Tigers

Stakes for Both Clubs

Detroit has a clear path: continue their hot streak and strengthen their grip on the division. Kansas City, meanwhile, looks to Lugo to halt the Tigers’ surge and keep pace in a precarious playoff chase. If Lugo can replicate his recent success, he could deliver a much-needed jolt.

For updated betting lines, player props, and matchup insights, check out the MLB Scores & Odds. For in-depth analysis and picks, the MLB Expert Betting Guide offers valuable perspective.