When it comes to lack of respect, the late Rodney Dangerfield had nothing on the Detroit Tigers. 

The Tigers haven't lost since before the All-Star break. They are on a 7-0 run. The Royals have eight fewer victories than the Tigers. Kansas City has dropped 29 of its last 39 games. 

Yet the Royals opened a favorite against Detroit despite all this, including a pitching matchup that favors the Tigers. 

Righthander Wily Peralta has made six starts this year for Detroit. He's surrendered zero or one earned run in five of those outings. He's 3-1 with a 1.64 ERA. The Royals have lost 71 percent of the time during their past 51 games going against a righty. 

The Royals' starting staff is crippled with Danny Duffy and Brady Singer on the injured list. This has forced the Royals to turn to Kris Bubic, who has proven to be a better reliever than starter. Bubic has a 6.34 ERA in eight starts this season.

Detroit has won seven of its last nine meetings against Kansas City.