8* play on Kansas City Royals.

The defending champions Kansas City are right back on top in the AL Central. They host the second place Detroit Tigers in Game 1 of a new series in Kansas City on Tuesday, and this appears to be a favorable match-up for the Royals. My money is on the home favorite.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Royals will send Yordano Ventura to the mound, and he's still in search of his first victory of 2016. The 24 year old has pitched well, allowing just three runs on six hits over 11 innings, not factoring in the decision in a pair of Kansas City wins.

2. Batter vs. Pitcher - The Royals have crushed Tigers pitching in recent seasons, with Kendrys Morales going 14-for-28 with six home runs in his last six games against Detroit, and Lorenzo Cain going 13-for-24 with three homers in his last six home games against Detroit.

3. X-Factor - The Royals bullpen is again one of the best in the majors, they lead the majors with six saves, and have a solid 2.56 ERA on the season so far.

Selection: This is a play on the Kansas City Royals (8*)