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The Detroit Tigers still have plenty of work left to do as they open a series against the Kansas City Royals on Monday night. The Tigers are a game behind the Chicago White Sox in the AL Central, and since neither team has a very good shot at a wild card berth at this point, winning the division is crucial.
Related: Twins Vs. Tigers Final Score: Detroit Falls In Extra Innings, 2-1
Detroit did itself no favors by losing a doubleheader to the Twins on Sunday, but the Tigers have the schedule advantage over the White Sox heading down the stretch, beginning with the Royals.
The Tigers are scheduled to start Justin Verlander (15-8, 2.74 ERA) on the mound, and the Royals are expected to go with Luke Hochevar (8-14, 5.40).
Monday's Game Time: 7:05 p.m. ET
TV: FOX Sports Detroit
For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Detroit. For more comprehensive coverage of this series, check out Detroit Tigers blog Bless You Boys as well as Royals blog Royals Review. And for more news, notes and analysis from around the league, visit Baseball Nation.