Tigers open heavy AL Central stretch vs. Royals

The Detroit Tigers will be playing some extremely familiar opponents right up to the All-Star break.

Their next 19 games are against fellow American League Central teams, beginning with a three-game weekend series against the visiting Kansas City Royals. The opener on Friday kicks off a seven-game homestand, which will be followed by a 12-game road trip leading up to the break.

The Tigers are coming off a 3-5 road trip,