The Detroit Tigers welcome the Kansas City Royals to Comerica Park on Thursday, July 23 for a 6:40 PM ET first pitch that carries genuine AL Central weight. Troy Melton gets the ball for Detroit against Kansas City's Randy Dobnak in a pitching matchup that puts two arms under the spotlight. Both clubs know what's at stake in divisional play this deep into the summer, and a home crowd at Comerica Park will be watching closely to see how the Tigers handle a Royals lineup that is not to be taken lightly.

Probable Pitchers: Troy Melton vs. Randy Dobnak

Melton draws the start for the Tigers, and this is an opportunity for him to build on his role in Detroit's rotation. Without a deep statistical ledger available heading into this one, the Tigers will be counting on Melton to eat innings, limit walks, and give the bullpen some breathing room. That is the baseline ask for any starter in a divisional game at home.

For Kansas City, Randy Dobnak has been a durable option in their rotation. Dobnak works with a sink-heavy approach that generates ground balls, and he can be effective when he is locating down in the zone. Detroit's lineup will need to be patient and make him work deep into counts rather than letting him cruise through early innings on weak contact.

Detroit Tigers Starting Lineup

• Kevin McGonigle, SS
• Gleyber Torres, 2B
• Colt Keith, 3B
• Riley Greene, DH
• Dillon Dingler, C
• Kerry Carpenter, RF
• Spencer Torkelson, 1B
• Zach McKinstry, LF
• James Outman, CF

Kansas City Royals Starting Lineup

• Carter Jensen, C
• Lane Thomas, CF
• Vinnie Pasquantino, 1B
• Salvador Perez, DH
• Michael Massey, 2B
• Isaac Collins, LF
• Josh Rojas, 3B
• Nick Loftin, RF
• Andrew Velazquez, SS

Keys to Watch for the Tigers

Colt Keith and Riley Greene in the Heart of the Order

Keith batting third and Greene cleaning up at the DH spot gives Detroit a legitimate threat in the middle of the lineup. If Torres gets on base ahead of them, things can snowball quickly for Kansas City's pitching staff. Detroit needs those two to set the tone.

Spencer Torkelson's At-Bats Against a Ground-Ball Pitcher

Dobnak's ground-ball tendencies can neutralize power hitters who swing for lift. Torkelson batting seventh is worth monitoring — his approach against a sinker-heavy arm will tell you a lot about where his swing is right now. Solid contact up the middle is more valuable than an early hook swing here.

Melton's Command in the Early Innings

Salvador Perez hitting fourth for Kansas City is a legitimate threat, and Vinnie Pasquantino at first base is a tough out. Melton cannot fall behind hitters in that stretch of the Royals order. First-pitch strikes and working efficiently will determine how long he lasts.

How to Watch Tigers vs. Royals on July 23

Thursday's game is available on Detroit SportsNet and MLB Network on television, with radio coverage on 96.5 The Fan and WXYT 97.1 FM. Spanish-language radio coverage is available on LaZ WDTW 1310AM/107.9FM.

Prediction

This is a winnable game at home for Detroit. The Tigers have the lineup depth to put runs on the board against Dobnak if they stay disciplined at the plate and avoid free passes. Melton needs to be sharp early. If the middle of Detroit's order connects — and there is enough talent in that three-through-five stretch to do real damage — the Tigers take this one. Detroit 5, Kansas City 3.