With just 1 1/2 games separating the first-place Tigers from the second-place Royals, this four-game series (extended by a makeup from the April 3 rainout) the top spot in the American League Central is definitively on the line this week.

The Tigers have won both series against the Royals this season, taking two to open the season, and sweeping the series in Kansas City May 2-4.

DETROIT TIGERS (36-29):
Rajai Davis LF
Ian Kinsler 2B
Miguel Cabrera 1B
Victor Martinez DH
Torii Hunter RF
Austin Jackson CF
Nick Castellanos 3B
Alex Avila C
Eugenio Suarez SS

Pitcher: Justin Verlander, RHP (6-6, 4.61 ERA)

KANSAS CITY ROYALS (36-32):
Nori Aoki, RF
Omar Infante, 2B
Eric Hosmer, 1B
Billy Butler, DH
Alex Gordon, LF
Salvador Perez, C
Lorenzo Cain, CF
Mike Moustakas, 3B
Alcides Escobar, SS

Pitcher: Jason Vargas, LHP (6-2, 3.30 ERA)