Question: Who is the Royals' best starter? I'd go with Danny Duffy. He's made 11 starts since becoming a part of the Royals' starting rotation and gone 4-1 with a 3.11 ERA. Kansas City is 8-3 in Duffy's starts this season. The key for Duffy is better control. He has a 23-to-one strikeout-to-walk ratio in his last three starts.

Duffy has built up his stamina, too, going into the seventh inning during his last three starts. Kansas City has the stronger bullpen and could get back closer Wade Davis from the DL today.

Mike Pelfrey has a 5.35 career ERA in seven starts versus the Royals. Pelfrey actually is pitching better of late. But at 32 he is who he is - a fringe starter who is lucky to have a rotation start. Pelfrey has a 4.58 ERA on the season and a fastball that couldn't break glass. Pelfrey doesn't go deep into games either. He's yet to pitch past the seven inning this season.

Note, too, that the Tigers will be without Justin Upton. He's on the bereavement list.