Two of 2024’s biggest overachievers tangle in a four-game series starting Thursday, with the upstart Detroit Tigers hosting Bobby Witt Jr.’s Kansas City Royals. KC’s flame-throwing ace Cole Ragans takes the hill on Friday, while reigning Triple Crowner Tarik Skubal is Sunday’s probable starter for Detroit.
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So far, both sides have been buoyed by standout pitching and top-five team ERAs. The Tigers have been better in the box, though, ranking eighth in runs per game behind Spencer Torkelson and Kerry Carpenter power surges. Colt Keith is in the 99th percentile for walk rate. No one in Motown seems to care about stealing bases (five total swipes in the first 17 games, second-worst mark in baseball). But the fielding has been sharp, coming in at No. 2 in defensive efficiency, according to Baseball Reference.
The Royals’ offense has been an early concern. Only the Colorado Rockies are scoring fewer runs per game right now, and the team batting average is dipping into Mendoza territory. Witt again looks like an MVP candidate; everyone else looks totally lost. Brace yourselves for these OBP marks (as of Wednesday morning) — Vinnie Pasquantino at .271, Salvador Pérez at .260, Michael Massey at .197 and MJ Melendez at .188. Oh … oh, no.
Pitching should be the focus this weekend. Ragans and Skubal are two of the best in the business. Saturday’s expected draw could be fun, with Tigers RHP Casey Mize (2-1, 2.60 ERA) dueling Royals righty Seth Lugo (1-2, 3.86 ERA). The well-traveled Michael Wacha opposes Skubal on Sunday. He’s scooped up double-digit wins with sub-3.40 ERAs in each of his last three seasons, for Boston, San Diego and KC. Wacha’s ERA sits at 4.35 this season.
Comerica Park is one of the sport’s most aesthetically pleasing venues, from the outfield skyline view and liquid firework wall to the many marble tiger sculptures. Sadly, the classic keyhole dirt path from the mound to home was removed this spring.
Best hitter to wear both jerseys, by Baseball Reference WAR: Kirk Gibson (1979-95)
Best pitcher to wear both jerseys, by Baseball Reference WAR: Joakim Soria (2007-17)
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(Photo of Cole Ragans: Jamie Squire / Getty Images)
