Preview: Royals at Tigers, Thursday, April 16, 2026

DETROIT (Interstat) — The Detroit Tigers will look to secure a series win over the Kansas City Royals in a weather-threatened finale Thursday at Comerica Park.

First pitch is scheduled for the evening, though forecasts call for rain and a temperature of 71 degrees.

The American League Central rivals split the first two games of the series, with the Tigers (8-9) winning 2-1 on Tuesday before a 1-1 result on Wednesday. Detroit has taken two of three from Kansas City (7-10) this season.

The Tigers will send left-hander Framber Valdez to the mound. Valdez (1-1, 3.86 ERA) earned the win Tuesday against these same Royals, allowing one run on three hits over seven strong innings.

Kansas City will counter with left-hander Kris Bubic (2-1). Keider Montero (1-1) was also listed as a probable pitcher.

A player to watch for the Royals is Cole Ragans, who delivered six scoreless innings of one-hit ball in a hard-luck loss Tuesday. Ragans has a 1.69 ERA over his last two starts despite an 0-2 record in that span.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the projected final score is Tigers 4, Royals 2. Kansas City has been installed as a pregame favorite with a spread of -1.5. The over/under is 8.

Following the game, the Royals travel to face the New York Yankees for a three-game series beginning Friday. The Tigers head to Boston for a four-game set against the Red Sox.