DETROIT — Jason Hammel got off to a rocky start in his first season with the Kansas City Royals. However, Hammel found a groove during the past two months, and he will be facing a very familiar opponent in his start on Monday night.
The Royals right-hander will oppose Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander in the opener of a three-game series at Comerica Park.
Kansas City (50-47), which trails the Cleveland Indians by 1 1/2 games in the American League Central, carries a five-game winning streak to Detroit.
The same two pitchers squared off just five days ago and engaged in a pitchers’ duel at Kauffman Stadium.