Kansas City Royals vs Detroit Tigers Picks and Predictions June 1st 2025

Kansas City Royals vs Detroit Tigers June 1st 2025

The Tigers are set to play against the Royals at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. This afternoon game is scheduled for Sunday, June 1, 2025, at 2:10 PM. Fans can catch the game on FDSKC as they enjoy a mild day with a light breeze and clear skies.

Keider Montero will start for the Tigers, bringing an ERA of 4.54 and a WHIP of 1.43. The Royals will counter with Kris Bubic, who has an impressive ERA of 1.45 and a WHIP of 1.01. Both teams will look to their pitchers to set the tone for the game.

Tigers vs Royals Key Information

• Sport: Baseball
• Teams: Tigers vs. Royals
• Venue: Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO
• Date: Sunday, June 1, 2025
• Betting Odds: Royals -1.5 (+143), Tigers +1.5 (-172)

The Tigers Can Win If…

The Detroit Tigers are coming off a narrow 1-0 loss to the Kansas City Royals. Despite the loss, Tarik Skubal delivered a strong performance, pitching seven scoreless innings with seven strikeouts. Colt Keith was the standout hitter, going 2-for-4 with two singles, demonstrating his ability to get on base.

The Tigers have shown solid hitting stats this season, ranking 9th in batting average at .250 and 8th in home runs with 68. Spencer Torkelson leads the team with 14 home runs and 42 RBIs, making him a key player to watch. The team’s ability to hit for power gives them a chance to score runs quickly.

On the pitching side, the Tigers have a team ERA of 3.24, ranked 5th in the league, and a WHIP of 1.16, ranked 2nd. This strong pitching staff is crucial in keeping games close. Keider Montero will start against the Royals, looking to improve on his 4.54 ERA and provide the Tigers with a solid outing.

The Royals Can Win If…

The Kansas City Royals secured a 1-0 win against the Detroit Tigers in their most recent game. Michael Wacha delivered a strong performance, pitching seven innings and allowing just one hit while striking out six. Nick Loftin contributed with two hits, including a double, and scored the only run of the game.

The Royals’ pitching has been a key factor this season. With a team ERA of 3.16, they rank second in the league. Kris Bubic, the starting pitcher for the next game, boasts an impressive 1.45 ERA and a WHIP of 1.01, giving the Royals a solid chance on the mound.

Offensively, the Royals have players who can make an impact. Bobby Witt Jr. leads the team with a .284 batting average and 31 RBIs. Maikel Garcia also contributes with a .316 average, making the lineup a threat to opposing pitchers.

The Lean

The Royals are the favorites with a moneyline of -148. The Tigers have a strong pitching staff, ranking fifth in ERA and batting average against. However, the Royals have the second-best ERA and lead in quality starts. My model projects the Royals to win with a score of 5-4. Therefore, the recommendation is to pick the Royals to win straight up.

The current over/under line is set at 8.5. The Tigers have a solid batting average and on-base percentage, while the Royals have a lower slugging percentage. My model projects a total score of 9 runs. Given this projection, the recommendation is to take the over at 8.5.

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Royals look to Bubic to break Tigers’ road momentum

Kris Bubic is riding a serious wave of momentum, and the Kansas City Royals are hoping it doesn’t slow down as they gear up for a pivotal series finale against the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers. Sunday’s rubber match at Kauffman Stadium comes with plenty on the line—especially with the Royals still looking for their first back-to-back wins in two weeks.

After a tight 1-0 victory on Saturday, Kansas City will send Bubic to the mound to try and keep Detroit from winning its fifth straight road series. And given the way he’s been pitching, the Royals have every reason to believe.

Bubic’s May brilliance has stunned the league

If you haven’t been paying attention to Kris Bubic, it’s time to catch up. The 27-year-old lefty has been nothing short of sensational this season. Fresh off a May where he posted a microscopic 0.56 ERA, Bubic enters June with a 5-2 record and a league-best 1.45 ERA through 11 starts.

He’s not just limiting runs—he’s dominating hitters. In May alone, he struck out 33 batters and allowed just two earned runs over 32 1/3 innings. That’s control, consistency, and command at its finest.

Manager Matt Quatraro summed it up perfectly: “What he’s doing is phenomenal. You can’t take it for granted.”

Bubic has gone seven innings in back-to-back starts, surrendering just two hits in each. He also boasts a 2-0 record with a 3.13 ERA in seven career starts versus Detroit, though he hasn’t faced them since 2022.

Saturday’s win gives Royals a needed boost

Bubic has big shoes to fill after Michael Wacha delivered a gem on Saturday—seven scoreless innings, just one hit, and six strikeouts in a classic pitchers’ duel with Tarik Skubal. Vinnie Pasquantino came through in the clutch with an RBI single in the eighth to push Kansas City over the top.

The win was important not just for the standings, but for momentum. The Royals snapped Detroit’s five-game winning streak and reminded everyone that the Tigers can be beat.

“We know we’re chasing them,” Quatraro said. “So, every win we get against them matters.”

Tigers staying dangerous on the road

Detroit is still one of the hottest road teams in baseball. Even with Saturday’s loss, they’ve won 10 of their last 13 games overall and have claimed four consecutive road series. They’re averaging nearly seven runs per game during that stretch, thanks to a surging offense led by Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson.

Though Torkelson went hitless Saturday, he’s been a Royals killer in 2025, batting .318 with 10 RBIs against Kansas City this season. He and Greene are a combined 4-for-10 versus Bubic, meaning Sunday’s matchup won’t be a cakewalk for either side.

Montero looks to build on strong outing

Opposing Bubic will be Keider Montero, a 23-year-old right-hander who’s been bouncing between Triple-A and the majors this season. In his return to the rotation on Monday, he impressed by tossing five scoreless innings in a win over the San Francisco Giants, allowing just one hit.

“He didn’t back down,” said Tigers manager A.J. Hinch. “He’s always going to compete.”

Montero has made just one previous start against the Royals, a seven-inning effort last season in which he gave up a three-run homer to Pasquantino and four runs total in a 7-1 loss.

With Pasquantino now batting .348 over his last 23 games, Montero will need to bring his best stuff to keep the Royals’ first baseman quiet.

FAQs

How has Kris Bubic performed against the Tigers?
Bubic is 2-0 with a 3.13 ERA in seven career starts against Detroit, though he hasn’t faced them since 2022.

What makes Bubic’s 2025 season special?
He leads all qualified starters in ERA (1.45) and posted an 0.56 ERA in May, showcasing elite command and control.

What was the result of Saturday’s game?
Kansas City won 1-0 behind a gem from Michael Wacha and a clutch RBI from Vinnie Pasquantino.

Why is Keider Montero starting for Detroit?
After strong relief outings, Montero rejoined the rotation and threw five scoreless innings in his last start against San Francisco.

Is Vinnie Pasquantino a threat in this matchup?
Definitely—he’s batting .348 over his last 23 games and homered off Montero in their previous meeting.

How are the Tigers performing on the road?
Detroit has won four straight road series and 10 of their last 13 games overall, scoring big in most of those wins.