The Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers, both struggling with 7-9 records, face off on April 14. This game is crucial for both teams as they aim to improve their standings early in the season.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - APRIL 05: Starling Marte #0 of the Kansas City Royals bats during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Kauffman Stadium on April 05, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Imagine being the Detroit Tigers: you went out and loaded up on a $200 million payroll. Youâre paying five playersâJack Flaherty, Framber Valdez, Gleyber Torres, Javier Baez, and Tarik Skubalâ$20 million or more. You expect to win the division, or at least grab a playoff spot. And here we are on April 14 and youâre 7-9, with a slim one-game lead over the Chicago White Sox for last place in the division.
Now, look, going 7-9 in a 16-game stretch is a thing good teams do all the time. It happens in a 162-game season. But starting 7-9 is not fun, as Kansas City Royals fans know, as the Royals are also 7-9, and in largely the same boat as the Tigers sans a $200 million payroll.
Series like these are as important as they come in April. The Royals have a chance to further sink a key divisional rival into a deeper hole. On the other hand, a poor showing would simultaneously lift the Tigersâ record and spirits while further diminishing the Royalsâ spots in the standings.
Is Spencer Torkelson going to get anything more than a one-year contract after he becomes a free agent? He had a breakout 2025 but he has, thus far, regressed to his career trajectory, which is basically just âleague average.â Of course, the Royals would welcome âleague averageâ out of their first baseman, so who am I to complain here. Starting for the Tigers is Framber Valdez, a good lefty, leading to a weird lineup Royals lineup.
Thatâs right folks, Lane Thomas is hitting third! Salvador Perez is hitting cleanup, still, but that bumps Vinnie Pasquantino to sixth. Also making an appearance is Starling Marte, who is still on the team.
Both the Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers have a record of 7-9 as of April 14.
The Detroit Tigers have a payroll of $200 million for the 2026 season.
The game is important as it could impact the standings early in the season, with both teams looking to avoid falling further behind in their division.
LIV Golf's future appears uncertain as reports suggest Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund may withdraw funding after investing $5 billion. Despite assurances for the 2026 season, the tour faces challenges from low ratings and strong competition from the PGA Tour.
Wings shut down questions about Fudd and Bueckers' relationship
Damon Jones, former NBA player, to change plea to guilty in conspiracy case involving Terry Rozier.
Indiana Fever bolster roster by signing veteran guard Shatori Walker-Kimbrough
Joe Cole advises Arsenal to adjust their attack for the Man City match.
Former Indiana basketball players appeal dismissal of their lawsuit against the school.
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.