The Tigers have owned the AL Central for some time, but at the moment, the Royals look like they have awakened from nearly 30 years of dormancy to challenge the incumbents. Detroit has been struggling lately, so Kansas City has a chance to put sizable distance between itself and the closest competition for what would be the organization’s first division pennant since 1985.
MLB Monday viewing guide: Royals, Tigers begin pivotal three-game set
The Royals and Tigers are separated by just 2* games in the race for the AL Central pennant.
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Jeremy Guthrie will take the mound against Justin Verlander on Monday. Guthrie has been solid over his last three starts, posting a 3.00 ERA. Verlander, on the other hand, has been mired in one of the worst stretches of his career. However, he also has a career 17-7 record and a 3.17 ERA in 33 starts against the Royals. The Tigers could use some vintage Verlander as they look to climb back to the top of the division.
Monday’s MLB schedule
| Time (ET) | Game | TV | Reason to watch |
| 1:05 p.m. | Angels at Indians | ROOT, ST Ohio | Cleveland will try to keep their slim playoff hopes alive ... against the best team in baseball |
| 4:08 p.m. | Royals at Tigers | FS Kansas City, FS Detroit, MLB Network | The top two teams in the AL Central vie for the division title |
| 7:05 p.m. | Braves at Nationals | FSSO, MASN, MLBN | Atlanta is stuck in the middle of a huge wild card race |
| 7:05 p.m. | Pirates at Phillies | ROOT, CSN Philly | Cross-state rivalries always have an ephemeral mystique |
| 7:07 p.m. | Cubs at Blue Jays | WGN, Rogers Sports Network | Cubs prospects vs. Marcus Stroman |
| 7:10 p.m. | Orioles at Red Sox | MASN, NESN | The O's lead the Sox by 19.5 games; that doesn't happen very often |
| 7:10 p.m. | Rockies at Mets | ROOT, SNY | Lefties Jon Niese and Jordan Lyles square off |
| 7:10 p.m. | Cardinals at Reds | FS Midwest, FS Ohio, MLBN | Cincinnati is finished, but they'd love to be an obstacle for St. Louis |
| 8:10 p.m. | Marlins at Brewers | FS Florida, FS Wisconsin | Brad Penny is pitching ... in 2014 |
| 8:10 p.m. | Athletics at White Sox | CS California, CS Chicago | Sonny Gray and the A's are looking to sort out some recent struggles before the season ends |
| 10:10 p.m. | Astros at Mariners | CS Houston, ROOT | Felix Hernandez. |
| 10:10 p.m. | Padres at Dodgers | FS San Diego, SNLA | Clayton Kershaw. |
- Mariners catcher Mike Zunino is part of an exclusive group of quirky backstops.
- A historical look at exploitation through superscout Hugh Alexander.
- Derek Jeter took the field all by himself in New York as the Yankees honored their longtime shortstop.
This could be the last time Derek Jeter bats at Yankee Stadium on Derek Jeter Day
— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughStar) September 7, 2014 See More:
