After serving a four-game suspension for gambling, Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams is fired up to get his season started when Detroit hosts the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

While the coaches have not said if he will be active, Williams expects to play.

"I feel like I would. I was suited up today," Williams said after Tuesday's padded practice.

The 22-year-old Williams was able to return to practice this week, two weeks earlier than expected, after the NFL revised its gambling policy last week. The league reinstated three players, including Williams, who previously received six–game suspensions.

"The whole time I was staying in shape, I was catching. I was doing those things to where when I get back I'll be ready," Williams said. "I guess that happened. I'm ready for it now. I just have to tune up some small little things and I'll be ready to go."

He was not allowed any contact with the team during the suspension, but he caught 100 balls a day using a JUGS machine at his home. He also worked out twice a day. He said his worst day was watching his team open the season at Kansas City while he was at home.

Williams doesn't expect it will take much time to get back in sync with quarterback Jared Goff.

"We had time at camp. We just had some time today. After practice we did stuff, whatever he thinks is good, we need," Williams said. "So I don't think it will take a lot of time. It will be good work when we get going."

Goff agreed.

"It's just getting him reps. Whenever you're off for that long you just need reps to get back into it, feel the speed of it, run some plays and be on the field with all of us," Goff said.

Williams injured a hamstring in an Aug. 17 practice, which sidelined him until his suspension started. He says the hamstring is fine now. He played in one preseason game in August, catching two passes for 36 yards.

"It's just about polishing all the little things and we also know if he does play, he can't play 60 plays," coach Dan Campbell said. "That's not smart, so we can't do that to him. So, we'll see where it goes and it's all about improvement. No different than the rest of the team, man."

Campbell's expectations are straightforward.

"I'm not looking for yards, I'm not looking for explosives, I'm not looking for touchdowns. Man, just be a reliable receiver like any of those guys in the room. That's it," Campbell said.

Williams, a first-round pick in 2022, was limited to six games as a rookie due to injury. His only reception went for a 41-yard touchdown. He also had a 40-yard run on a reverse, his only carry.

NOTES: CB Emmanuel Moseley (knee/hamstring) practiced Tuesday and could make his season debut Sunday. "He's another guy we'd like to see if we can get him going this week," Campbell said. ... G Halapoulivaati Vaitai (knee) and S Kerby Joseph (hip) returned to practice Tuesday. Both were inactive the previous two games. ... WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (toe) and FB Jason Cabinda (knee) worked with trainers on the sideline. ... DB Brian Branch (ankle) did not practice. ... The NFL moved the Lions' game at Tampa Bay on Sunday, Oct. 15 to a 4:25 p.m. start time. Kickoff was originally scheduled for 1 p.m.

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If batting practice were a game of H-O-R-S-E, Miguel Cabrera would have been tough to beat.

When Cabrera was in his prime and I was The Associated Press beat writer for the Detroit Tigers, occasionally I'd look over pregame and see him slugging flyballs to different parts of Comerica Park like he was trying to complete some sort of circuit. To left, left-center, center, right-center ... and so on.

I don't remember every detail, like whether he preferred to do it clockwise or counter-clockwise — or if I ever saw him make it "around the world" with nothing but homers. But the memory stands out because it captures what it was like watching Cabrera back then. Hitting a baseball — widely accepted as one of the hardest tasks in sports — seemed almost too easy for him.

Now the likely Hall of Famer has wrapped up his career. He retires as one of seven players who have reached both 3,000 hits and 500 homers. It's a group that includes some elite company: Henry Aaron, Willie Mays, Albert Pujols, Eddie Murray, Alex Rodriguez and Rafael Palmeiro. At .307, Cabrera has the highest career batting average of the bunch.

Hitters strike out a lot these days, and baseball has largely decided that's a worthwhile trade-off for more home runs. Cabrera, however, combined power with consistent contact. In addition to all those homers, he won four batting titles in a five-year span from 2011-15. That's more than George Brett or Jose Altuve have in their whole careers.

Cabrera hit .310 or higher 11 times in 12 years from 2005-16, and he wasn't legging out many infield singles. If he was going to produce a high average, it was going to be by hitting the ball hard to all fields with remarkable consistency.

And that, of course, was what led to Cabrera's most famous accomplishment — his Triple Crown in 2012. It's unfortunate the moment came amidst a bitter MVP fight, with traditionalists supporting Cabrera and statheads arguing for Mike Trout. No matter where you stood — and I often side with the analytics folks — nobody can deny that Cabrera's achievement was an incredible rarity.

The following year, for what it's worth, Cabrera won a more sabermetric Triple Crown when he led the major leagues in batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage. He took home a second straight MVP, and nobody in either league has won it back to back since.

For a while, the blue-collar Motor City was home to perhaps the most glittering roster in the game. Cabrera and Justin Verlander combined for three straight MVPs, and Max Scherzer won a Cy Young Award before leaving for Washington. David Price, a Cy Young winner himself, passed through Detroit briefly. And the inimitable Jim Leyland managed the Tigers until his retirement in 2013.

But championship-quality teams don't always win championships. Detroit had to settle for a couple pennants and a few ALCS trips under Leyland — and then the sight of Verlander, Scherzer, Rick Porcello, J.D. Martinez and Anibal Sanchez eventually winning the World Series elsewhere.

In that sense, you might feel sorry for Cabrera, who remained in Detroit during the team's difficult rebuild. Of course, Cabrera beat all those other players to a World Series ring, winning one with Florida as a 20-year-old rookie in 2003.

His future seemed limitless back then, but his career could have taken a decidedly different turn. My first year covering spring training in 2011, I woke up to the news that he'd been arrested, and eventually he pleaded no contest for drunken driving. The Detroit clubhouse was genuinely shaken that day, concerned for a player who didn't seem to find stardom as easy as he found hitting.

Cabrera was rarely that eager to talk about himself, but the public had plenty of chances to see his playful side on the field. When he chased a foul ball near the fans, there was no telling what goofiness might ensue, and his joyful demeanor was on full display when he'd antagonize Adrián Beltré by touching his head on the bases. (Cabrera may be getting the final laugh: Beltré was the last player he passed on the career hits list.)

Now Cabrera steps away with a resume full of accolades, having been part of some memorable teams in a great baseball city. He played until he was 40.

By almost any standard, he fulfilled all that potential.

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The Detroit Lions are in first place in the NFC North and playing as well as any team in the conference.

That's not a position they've been in for a long time.

After beating the Packers 34-20 on Thursday — their third prime-time win in five games dating to last season's finale — coach Dan Campbell was asked how his team would respond to being the hunted instead of doing the hunting.

"We're not the hunted, because we're going to stay on the hunt," he said. "We've said this since training camp — if you are hunting us, you don't have to look for us.

"We're going to be on your front porch when you open the doors."

It's been six years — since Week 2 of the 2017 season — since the Lions were alone in first place. That team finished 9-7 — well behind the 13-3 Minnesota Vikings — and missed the playoffs. Coach Jim Caldwell was fired after the season, and things fell apart under his successor, Matt Patricia.

Now the Lions are back, but it has been decades since they've won a division title or a playoff game. Ford Field has been open for 21 years, but the only playoff game it has hosted was the Super Bowl after the 2005 season, when Pittsburgh beat Seattle.

Campbell doesn't want his team thinking about that.

"We just have to put our heads down and keep working," wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown said. "We can celebrate today, but we've got to move on to next week and Carolina. We have to stay on the grind."

The Lions got a surprising boost on Friday when the NFL revised its gambling policy. As part of the deal, big-threat wide receiver Jameson Williams had his suspension commuted — he could play as soon as next Sunday against the Panthers.

WHAT'S WORKING

For the second week in a row, the Lions dominated the line of scrimmage on both sides. They sacked Jordan Love five times while only allowing Jared Goff to be taken down twice.

The Lions had a 211-27 edge in rushing yards, including 121 yards and three touchdowns from David Montgomery.

"All we do is give him a hole and he does the rest," guard Jonah Jackson said. "Once he gets going, he is impossible to stop."

WHAT NEEDS HELP

Goff played mistake-free down the stretch last year — throwing one interception in the final nine games — and wasn't picked off in the opener against Kansas City.

Since then, he's thrown an interception in three straight games. His pick-6 was a turning point of the Week 2 loss to Seattle, and Thursday's turnover allowed the Packers to take a 3-0 lead.

STOCK UP

Aidan Hutchinson is hardly an unknown — he was the second pick of the 2022 draft and had 9 1/2 sacks as a rookie — but he mauled the Green Bay offensive line on Thursday. He posted 1 1/2 sacks, three quarterback hits and a tackle for loss.

Most of the damage was against a familiar face — fellow Michigan product Jon Runyan.

STOCK DOWN

First-round pick Jahmyr Gibbs has gotten off to a slow start, with 179 rushing yards and 70 receiving yards on 14 catches. Gibbs was expected to be a receiving weapon out of the backfield, but his longest reception went for 10 yards.

"It hasn't quite happened for him yet, but we're not panicking," Campbell said. "He's going to be just fine."

INJURIES

Campbell didn't have any updates on tackle Taylor Decker or safety Brian Branch, who both have ankle injuries.

KEY NUMBER

1,545 — Detroit's total yards through four games. There are still questions about the defense, but if the offense can keep putting up almost 400 yards a week, the Lions will be in good shape.

NEXT STEPS

Stay focused during a weekend off so there isn't a letdown before hosting the Panthers on Oct. 8.

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BOSTON – Beloved former Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield died at the age of 57, the team announced on Sunday.

The knuckleballer spent 29 years with the organization as a player, special assistant and broadcaster.

Wakefield's health challenges came to light last week.

"Tim's kindness and indomitable spirit were as legendary as his knuckleball," Red Sox principal owner John Henry said in a statement. "He not only captivated us on the field but was the rare athlete whose legacy extended beyond the record books to the countless lives he touched with his warmth and genuine spirit. He had a remarkable ability to uplift, inspire, and connect with others in a way that showed us the true definition of greatness. He embodied the very best of what it means to be a member of the Boston Red Sox and his loss is felt deeply by all of us."

Wakefield won World Series titles with the Red Sox in 2004 and 2007.

Over his 19-year career with the Red Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates, Wakefield went 200-180 with a 4.41 ERA and 2,156 strikeouts. His 17 seasons with the Red Sox are most in team history among pitchers.

Following his retirement in 2011, Wakefield joined NESN's pregame and postgame coverage of Red Sox games. This season, he was added to the booth as a color commentator.

Wakefield was the honorary chairman of the Red Sox Foundation.

"It's one thing to be an outstanding athlete; it's another to be an extraordinary human being. Tim was both," Red Sox chairman Tom Werner said in a statement. "He was a role model on and off the field, giving endlessly to the Red Sox Foundation and being a force for good for everyone he encountered. I felt fortunate to call him a close friend and along with all of us in Red Sox Nation, I know the world was made better because he was in it."

The righty holds all-time Red Sox records with 430 starts and 3,006 innings pitched. Wakefield is behind only Roger Clemens in the Red Sox career strikeout category, piling up 2,046 during his time in Boston. 

"This is heartbreaking news," Clemens tweeted. "A great person, great teammate, and great golfing companion for many of our playing years. I told him many times playing along side of him what a great competitor he is. Hugs to his family and extended family. Miss you pal."

Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred issued a statement on Wakefield's death.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of Tim Wakefield, one of the most unique pitchers of his generation and a key part of the most successful era in the history of the Boston Red Sox. Tim's knuckleball allowed him to excel as a rookie with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1992. In 1995, he began a 17-year tenure in Boston, where he made a mark that will be remembered forever. Tim was more than just a versatile and reliable All-Star pitcher, a highly respected teammate, and a two-time World Series Champion. In 2010, Tim was named the Roberto Clemente Award winner for the dedicated work he and his family did serving the communities of New England," Manfred said. "On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to Tim's family, his friends and teammates across the game, and Red Sox fans everywhere. We will continue to support our partners at Stand Up To Cancer in the memory of Tim and all those who are in the fight against this disease."

Miguel Cabrera made a backhanded stop, stepped on first base and smiled in the eighth inning on the final play of his career, and the Detroit Tigers beat the Cleveland Guardians 5-2 Sunday.

The game also marked the end of Terry Francona's career, Cleveland's manager, who led Boston to a pair of World Series titles, is set to retire this week.

Francona said the day belonged to Cabrera.

It most certainly did.

The only player to win the Triple Crown in more than a half-century went 0 for 3 with a walk in his last plate appearance. He made his season debut at first base, where he was the only player on the field for a couple minutes as players from both teams showed deference to one of the game's all-time greats.

Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan hit a sharp grounder that Cabrera stopped without needing to move too far to make an unassisted out, setting off another roar from the crowd and triggering a wave of emotions for him.

Cabrera covered his heart with his cap and looked up at a blue sky.

His children came onto the field along with Tigers manager A.J. Hinch to embrace him. After the entire team — including pitchers from the bullpen — hugged him, Cabrera used his right arm to wipe tears from his eyes.

Cabrera's children — Isabella, Brisel and Christopher — each threw a ceremonial first pitch to their father before the game and his son introduced the 12-time All-Star as he walked to the batter's box in the first.

The sold-out crowd, which included a few thousand people with standing-room only tickets, stood and roared each time Cabrera came to the plate.

Even after he struck out in his first two at-bats and hit a weak popup in his third, 41,425 fans cheered for one of the most popular players in Detroit professional sports history.

There was a lot to like.

Cabrera became Major League Baseball's only Triple Crown winner since 1967 in 2012, when he was named AL MVP for the first of two straight years during a run of winning three straight batting titles and four consecutive division titles.

He joined Hank Aaron and Albert Pujols last year as the three players in baseball history with 3,000 hits, 500 homers and 600 doubles.

Atlanta Braves superstar Ronald Acuña Jr. called Cabrera "a Venezuelan baseball god."

The 40-year-old Cabrera was mortal in recent years, struggling to stay healthy and falling well short of the spectacular numbers he had at the plate in his prime.

The Tigers kept the crowd happy early in the game, scoring one run each of the first three innings on Kerry Carpenter's single, Javier Baez's double and Andy Ibanez's base hit.

Cleveland cut the deficit to 3-1 in the fourth on Brayan Rocchi's groundout and pulled within two runs on Tyler Freeman's solo shot to left in the fifth. In the home half, Matt Vierling restored Detroit's three-run lead with a two-run homer.

UP AND DOWN

The Tigers (78-84) won 12 more games than they did a year ago and secured second place, their best finish in the AL Central since 2016 when they had their last winning record.

Cleveland (76-86) slipped from its 92-win season from a year ago, when it earned a spot in the postseason for the sixth time in Francona's 11 seasons.

FOR THE RECORD

Eduardo Rodriguez (13-9) gave up two runs — one earned — on four hits and a walk while striking out five in what might have been his Detroit finale. The left-hander can opt out of his contract's final three seasons to become a free agent, giving up $49 million in guaranteed salary and potentially making much more on the market.

Lucas Giolito (1-4) allowed five runs on seven hits and four walks.

UP NEXT

Cleveland and Detroit both begin 2024 spring training with games on Feb. 24.

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Follow Larry Lage at https://twitter.com/larrylage

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Cooper DeJean's 70-yard punt return with less than four minutes to play helped give Iowa a 26-16 win over Michigan State on Saturday night.

Iowa's Ethan Hurkett recovered a fumble by Michigan State wide receiver Tre Mosley on the Spartans' next possession to help clinch the win for the Hawkeyes (4-1, 1-1 Big Ten), who lost starting quarterback Cade McNamara to a left leg injury in the first quarter.

With the score tied at 16, DeJean fielded Ryan Eckley's punt near the center of the field and immediately cut to the left sideline, where he shook off three Michigan State tacklers before heading down the sideline for the touchdown with 3:45 to play.

Backup quarterback Deacon Hill threw for 115 yards after taking over for McNamara, who was injured scrambling out of the end zone on the second play of Iowa's second drive of the game. McNamara, who missed most of last season at Michigan with a right knee injury, fell at Iowa's 2-yard line, and was helped from the field, favoring his left leg.

Hill threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to Erick All in the first half. Drew Stevens had four field goals for Iowa, including a 34-yarder with 59 seconds left to play for the final margin.

Cal Haladay returned a fumble 42 yards for a touchdown, and Jonathan Kim kicked three field goals for the Spartans (2-3, 0-2), who were playing their first game since head coach Mel Tucker was fired on Wednesday.

Michigan State's Nathan Carter rushed for 108 yards.

THE TAKEAWAY

Michigan State: The events of the week didn't seem to bother the Spartans, who were effective with a short passing attack on offense early in the game while taking advantage of Iowa's inability to move the ball. But the Spartans didn't provide much of a threat for Iowa's defense in the second half.

Iowa: The Hawkeyes had high hopes for an offensive revival when McNamara transferred in during the offseason, but they'll have to look to an inexperienced Hill to lead the offense if McNamara's injury is serious.

UP NEXT

Michigan State: At Rutgers on October 14.

Iowa: Hosts Purdue next Saturday.

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Miguel Cabrera followed a pregame retirement celebration by scoring the first run and driving in another, helping the Detroit Tigers beat the Cleveland Guardians 8-0 on Saturday to clinch second place in the AL Central.

The start of the game was delayed 33 minutes by the retirement celebration of Cabrera, the 40-year-old, 12-time All-Star who is playing his 21st and last big league season.

Cabrera went 1 for 4 with a double and is batting .260 with four homers and 34 RBIs. The 2012 AL Triple Crown winner plays his finale on Sunday, the same day Cleveland's Terry Francona manages his final game.

Detroit (77-84) moved one game ahead of Cleveland (76-85). The Tigers are 8-4 against the Guardians this season and hold the tiebreaker should they finish with the same record.

"We feel good about the way we are finishing," Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. "We're playing hard, we're playing smart and we're finishing games. That gives me hope."

Cabrera led off the fourth with his third double and fourth hit in two days, then thrilled the sellout crowd of 40,224 by taking third on Kerry Carpenter's lineout to right field.

"Nothing he does surprises us. Eeven the young guys have stories of him making plays like that," Hinch said. "It's smart baseball and he knows that. It's just a matter of his body getting there and staying in one piece.

"When he got to third, he looked into the dugout to see if I was going to give him the 'go on contact' sign. No, for obvious reasons."

Cabrera scored on Matt Vierling's triple off Tristan McKenzie (0-3). who gave up one run, three hits and three walks in 4 1/3 innings.

"I thought his command was in and out, but when I got to the mound and asked him how his arm was, he said 'good'," Francona said. "That's a huge step for him and now he can go home and get ready for what everyone hopes is a good, long, solid year."

Akil Baddoo hit a two-run triple in the sixth against Eli Morgan. Cabrera added a sacrifice fly in a five-run seventh that included two-run singles by Andy Ibañez and Carson Kelly.

"Being here for Miggy's last weekend has been awesome," rookie Parker Meadows said. "I'm soaking it all in, just like all of these fans."

Beau Brieske (2-3), the third of seven Tigers pitchers, allowed one hit over 2 1/3 innings as Detroit pitched its ninth shutout. Cleveland was blanked for the 13th time.

"They did a good job of mixing and matching," Francona said. "They brought guys in and got them out before we could beat up on them."

UP NEXT

Cleveland RHP Lucas Giolito (8-14, 4.77) faces Tigers ace LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (12-9, 3.40), who may be pitching his final game for Detroit. Rodriguez can opt out of his contract's final three seasons to become a free agent, giving up $49 million in guaranteed salary.

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J.J. McCarthy passed for two touchdowns to Roman Wilson and ran for another, and second-ranked Michigan rolled past Nebraska 45-7 in record heat Saturday.

Michigan (5-0, 2-0 Big Ten) made fast work of the Cornhuskers, scoring on its first three possessions and leading 28-0 at half.

The Wolverines came in having allowed a nation-low 5.8 points per game, and they held the Huskers (2-3, 0-2) scoreless until the final five minutes.

On a sunny afternoon when the temperature reached a record high of 96 degrees shortly after kickoff, Michigan went 75 yards in 11 plays on the first series. The Wolverines converted a fourth-and-1 two plays before McCarthy threw a dart to Wilson in the back of the end zone for a 29-yard touchdown.

Safety Omar Brown just missed getting a hand on the ball as he ran in front of Wilson in coverage. Wilson somehow pulled the ball in with safety Isaac Gifford hanging all over him.

The Wolverines got the ball right back when defensive lineman Kenneth Grant intercepted a tipped ball, and Blake Corum scored on a 20-yard burst up the middle three plays later.

McCarthy broke off a 21-yard TD run and found Wilson in the left corner of the end zone for a 16-yard TD just before half.

McCarthy led a long touchdown drive on Michigan's first series of the second half and then turned the game over to his backups, Indiana transfer Jack Tuttle and Jayden Denegal. McCarthy finished 12 of 16 for 156 yards.

Corum had 74 yards on 16 carries to lead a Michigan rushing attack that produced a season-high 249 yards. The Huskers entered the game second nationally in rushing defense, having allowed none of their first four opponents to run for more than 58 yards.

Wilson's two touchdown receptions gave him a Big Ten-leading eight for the season.

Nebraska, which has scored in 344 straight games since 1996, ended Michigan's shutout bid when Joshua Fleeks ran 74 yards for a touchdown with 4:17 left.

The Huskers, who came in as the top rushing team in the Big Ten, was held to a season-low 106 yards on the ground.

THE TAKEAWAY

Michigan: The Wolverines extended their conference win streak to 17 games, longest in the nation.

Nebraska: The Huskers have lost 23 in a row against Top 25 opponents since 2016.

UP NEXT

Michigan: visits Minnesota next Saturday.

Nebraska: visits Illinois on Friday.

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PORT HURON, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) - "I'm excited to help out and get back into it a little bit," said Jordan Scheidecker, among his new players and peers on the basketball court at the SC4 Fieldhouse.

After a long drive from Milwaukee, Scheidecker had the opportunity to finally meet the people he'll be around as the wheelchair basketball coach and disability services specialist at St. Clair County Community College. 

"My disability is cerebral palsy. It's one of the more common disabilities," Scheidecker said. "It's something that you're born with, and basically, it has to do with the way your brain communicates with your body."

With a master's degree in educational leadership from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Scheidecker says it's about new beginnings.

"It's a long way away from where I'm from. Starting fresh," Scheidecker said. He's aiming for advocacy and inclusivity in his first year, knowing there's a sport for all to participate in," Scheidecker says. "Giving advice on what resources we could provide and the ways we could do that. Seeing how they're able to work with me and make things happen."

(CBS DETROIT) - Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams is set to return after his six-game suspension was reduced.

Williams was suspended for violating the NFL's gambling policy and betting on a non-football sport from the workplace, according to the league. However, the league and the NFL Players Association recently reduced the suspension for a first offense, thus allowing him to be reinstated.

The Lions confirmed on Friday that Williams would return to practice on Monday. He is eligible to play on Oct. 8 against the Carolina Panthers.

Under the policy, players who bet on non-NFL sports while at the workplace would be suspended for two games without pay for a first offense, a six-game suspension without pay for a second offense, and suspension without pay for a year for a third offense.

Tennessee offensive lineman Nicholas Petit-Frere, who was also suspended for six games, will be returning on Monday.

"The NFL and the NFL Players Association share a longstanding and unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of the game," the league and association said in a joint statement. "The NFL periodically reviews the gambling policy in consultation with the NFLPA and clubs to ensure it is responsive to changing circumstances and fully addresses this commitment."

This comes a day after the Lions walked away with a win on Thursday against the Green Bay Packers, leading with a 3-1 season so so far.

(CBS DETROIT) - When Miguel Cabrera concludes his playing career on Sunday, he won't have far to travel for his next gig. 

The Tigers announced Friday that Cabrera will serve as a special assistant to President of Baseball Operations Scott Harris. 

"Lessons like how to deal with praise and pressure are exactly what we want Miguel teaching players throughout our organization," Harris said. "I'm honored to have him as part of our staff, and know he will continue to make the Tigers better in his new role."

The 40-year-old and 12-time All-Star is wrapping up a 21-year career that includes a World Series championship with the Florida Marlins in 2003, two American League MVP awards, an AL Triple Crown and four AL batting titles. 

Last year, Cabrera became just the third player in Major League Baseball history to record 500 home runs, 3,000 hits, and have a .300 or better batting average, joining Hank Aaron and Willie Mays. 

Cabrera and the Tigers close out their season against the Cleveland Guardians at 3:10 p.m. Sunday at Comerica Park. 

David Montgomery rushed for 121 yards and three touchdowns, and the Detroit Lions asserted themselves as the team to beat in the NFC North, dominating the first half and beating the Green Bay Packers 34-20 on Thursday night.

Montgomery carried the ball 32 times after he sat out the Lions' victory over Atlanta last Sunday with a thigh bruise. He became the first Lion to rush for three touchdowns at Green Bay and the first Detroit player to top 100 yards rushing with three TDs since James Stewart in 2000.

The Lions (3-1) beat the Packers (2-2) for a fourth straight time, a streak that also includes the final game of last season, when Detroit denied Green Bay a playoff spot in Aaron Rodgers' last game with the Packers.

Rodgers' replacement, Jordan Love, threw for a touchdown and ran for another as he tried to rally the Packers in the second half. He finished 23 of 36 for 246 yards and was picked off twice by Jerry Jacobs.

Detroit led 27-3 at halftime and had outgained Green Bay 284 yards to 21 as the half ended with boos from the crowd. It was the Lions' highest-scoring first half against the Packers in the series' 188-game history.

The Packers had staged an improbable rally five days earlier, trailing New Orleans 17-0 before scoring 18 points in the final 11 minutes for a one-point victory.

Green Bay faced a halftime deficit of at least 17 points in back-to-back weeks for the first time in franchise history. And this time, it was too much to overcome.

Love got the Packers within 10 points. His 1-yard touchdown pass to Christian Watson capped a season-long 86-yard drive to open the second half.

Jayden Reed ended the third quarter with a 44-yard catch that set up Love's 9-yard touchdown run with 14:52 left in the game to make it 27-17.

Detroit responded with a 14-play, 75-yard drive, capped by Montgomery's 1-yard touchdown run on third-and-goal, that took nearly nine minutes off the clock and put the game away.

The Lions were prepared to settle for a 30-yard field goal that would have kept it as a two-score game, but they got a first down when Green Bay's Quay Walker received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for running forward and leaping across the line in an attempt to block the kick.

Considering the way the game started, it was surprising it was still competitive in the fourth quarter.

Rudy Ford intercepted Jared Goff on the third play from scrimmage to set up a field goal. Detroit then scored 24 points on its next four drives to delight the sizeable contingent of Lions fans who decorated the Lambeau Field stands in Honolulu blue.

Goff's 24-yard touchdown pass to a wide-open Amon-Ra St. Brown put the Lions ahead for good. Montgomery scored on runs of 3 and 2 yards, while Riley Patterson kicked field goals of 33 and 37 yards.

The second quarter was nearly halfway over and the Lions already led 24-3 when the Packers finally got their initial first down thanks to a Detroit penalty. The Packers didn't get a first down on their own merits until 7 seconds remained before halftime.

Goff threw for 210 yards and a touchdown.

INJURY REPORT

Lions: S Brian Branch injured his ankle in the third quarter, later returned to the game and then went down again. CB Chase Lucas left with an illness in the first half.

Packers: TE Luke Musgrave sustained a concussion in the first half. CB Jaire Alexander (back) and LG Elgton Jenkins (knee) were out for a second straight game, and LT David Bakhtiari (knee) missed a third straight game. Bakhtiari was placed on injured reserve earlier Thursday, meaning he must miss at least the next three games.

UP NEXT

Lions: Host Carolina on Sunday, Oct. 8.

Packers: At Las Vegas on Monday, Oct. 9.

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(CBS DETROIT) - A day after Michigan State University officially fired football head coach Mel Tucker, his attorneys sent a notice to preserve records to the university for possible litigation.

According to the letter on Thursday, Tucker's attorneys claim he was illegally terminated and sent a notice to preserve digital and hard-copy documents, including his contract, termination, and MSU's sexual misconduct investigation on Tucker.

You can read the notice below:

Tucker was accused of sexually harassing rape survivor and advocate Brenda Tracy during a phone call in April 2022. Tracy filed a complaint with the school's Title IX office several months later, and the investigation was completed in July.

The university suspended Tucker after the allegation was made public in a USA Today report on Sunday, Sept. 10. A week later, MSU sent a letter to Tucker with the intent to fire him for cause. 

In response, Tucker's attorneys said the university did not have cause to fire him because he didn't violate the terms of his contract or "engage in unprofessional or unethical behavior." His attorneys denied his actions were acts of "moral turpitude."

Tucker responded to the notice himself and said, "I am disappointed — but not surprised — to learn that MSU intends to terminate my contract over Ms. Tracy's improper public disclosure of the entire 1,200-page investigation file regarding her baseless complaint against me.

"Let's be clear. I don't believe MSU plans to fire me because I admitted to an entirely consensual, private relationship with another adult who gave one presentation at MSU, at my behest, over two years ago," he said in the statement. 

To see his entire statement, visit here. 

The 51-year-old called the allegation "completely false" and said that the phone call he had with Tracy was consensual. 

However, MSU officially terminated his contract on Wednesday, Sept. 27. 

According to a press release, Tucker did not present adequate reasons as to why he shouldn't be terminated. The university says he was terminated for "his admitted and undisputed behaviors which have brought public disrespect, contempt and ridicule upon the university; and constitute a material breach of his agreement, and moral turpitude."

A Phillies fan and his emotional support animal, an alligator named WallyGator, were denied entrance to watch Philadelphia host the Pittsburgh Pirates. 

Social media posts showed the gator on a leash with a harness with his name on it outside the stadium Wednesday.

WallyGator is a working emotional support alligator owned by Joie Henney, of Jonestown, Pennsylvania. The reptile has a big presence on Instagram and TikTok.

Citizens Bank Park's policy on support animals is posted on the Phillies' official website. It states, "Guide dogs, service animals, or service animals in training are welcome. All other animals are prohibited."

Henney talked to CBS News last year and said his bond with Wally is "very special." Wally was found in a pond in Disney World, and since it's illegal in Florida to relocate alligators to another spot in the wild, Henney said he agreed to take him in.   

Henney said he fell into a deep depression after losing some people close to him. Around the same time, Wally stepped up and became more affectionate, like he was sensing Henney's needs. 

"I'd lay on the couch, and I'd wake up and he'd be laying on my head," Henney told CBS News. "And I knew it was for a long period of time because I had his whole jaw print on my face."

Henney said he started talking Wally everywhere, from the doctor's office to the drive-thru. He said his depression has improved, thanks to Wally. 

"I'll get lonely and stuff like that and he seems to sense that stuff and he'll come up and he'll give me a hug," Henney said, adding that Wally "makes me feel loved."

The Phillies ended up winning on Wednesday, beating the Pirates 7-6. 

Michigan's first road game comes with an added challenge at Nebraska on Saturday.

The Wolverines (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) will go against an offense that has gone back in time under first-year coach Matt Rhule.

The Cornhuskers (2-2, 0-1) have been lining up in the I formation at times and mixing in some option plays to the delight of fans who remember the days when no team pounded the ground better than Nebraska.

"It's one of the best plays in football," said Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh, who turned a bit nostalgic as he recalled Rick Leach running the option for the Wolverines in the 1970s when Jack Harbaugh, Jim's dad, was an assistant under Bo Schembechler.

"It's very effective when it's implemented correctly," Jim Harbaugh said, "whether it's the double option or the triple option."

Michigan held Rutgers to 77 rushing yards in a 31-7 win last week. But preparing for the option stresses defenses because the style of offense is rarely seen outside service academies these days.

Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haarberg, with Anthony Grant the lone running back, ran the double option with success in last week's 28-7 win over Louisiana Tech.

When fullback Barrett Liebentritt joined Grant in the I formation, there was the threat of the triple option where Haarberg could keep the ball, hand off to Liebentritt or pitch to Grant. The Huskers lined up in the I on 17 of their 66 plays, including seven times on a nine-play, 85-yard touchdown drive to open the second half.

The option plays are not as sophisticated as the ones made famous by Tom Osborne and quarterbacks like Tommie Frazier. Haarberg, for example, never pitched the ball against Louisiana Tech.

Offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield has turned to the option because of limited depth at receiver, and it probably will remain a part of the offense whether the quarterback is Haarberg or Jeff Sims.

This will be the most option second-year Michigan defensive coordinator Jesse Minter has schemed against. The last time the Wolverines saw much option was in 2019, when they beat Army 24-21 in two overtimes.

"Stopping the run and being able to run the ball is a winning formula in football," Harbaugh said. "We're just going to have to play good. It will be a game of blocking, tackling, focusing on fundamentals, reads, getting off blocks, defeating blocks, playing assignment, being in the right alignment, being in the right technique, a lot of focus on real football."

BE LIKE MIKEY

Michigan cornerback Mike Sainristil has emerged as a key player on one of the nation's best defenses, making a 71-yard pick-6 in last week's win over Rutgers.

"For him to stay up and and take it back to the crib, as the young people like to say, that was just a beautiful thing," Harbaugh said.

The fifth-year player has 11 tackles and two interceptions after playing receiver and scoring a touchdown in each of his first three seasons.

LOAD MANAGEMENT

Donovan Edwards is averaging just 3.3 yards a carry for the Wolverines after picking up 7.1 yards per rush last season, when he replaced an injured Blake Corum as the featured back late in the year.

"Absolutely nothing wrong with Donovan Edwards," Harbaugh said.

Edwards is backing up Corum again and hasn't had a lot of chances, getting 12 carries in the season-opening win over East Carolina and an average of seven rushes against UNLV, Bowling Green and Rutgers. Harbaugh said he is mindful of managing the number of carries for his backs.

"While they're not getting paid, I don't like to take the tread off the tire," he said. "I like to keep that tread on the tire."

RUN DEFENSE TO BE TESTED

Nebraska is allowing an average of just 46.5 rushing yards per game and has held each of its first four opponents under 60 yards on the ground. Rhule likes the trend but doesn't put much stock in it.

"This is a team that's going to come in, that's trying to prove a point on the ground against you and run the ball at you," Rhule said. "Guys have to be up for the challenge."

NEBRASKA NICE

Michigan offensive lineman Trevor Keegan still marvels at how nice Nebraska fans were after his team's visit in 2021.

"We beat them and they're like, `Hey, congratulations, great game! You played so well!'" Keegan recalled. "I thought, `Are they messing with me?' But then like 20 more of them did the same thing."

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AP Sports Writer Larry Lage in Ann Arbor, Michigan, contributed to this report.

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AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll

Miguel Cabrera sat in a gray chair beside his two stalls in the Detroit Tigers' clubhouse early in the final week of his career, sorting through stuff to get shipped.

Major League Baseball's only Triple Crown winner since 1967 stuffed dozens of barely used cleats and a bunch of batting gloves in a cardboard box at his feet. Cabrera then put a slew of balls he had signed, each in a zip lock bag, in a tote.

The bottle of wine, in bubble wrap, that the Oakland Athletics gave him last week along with his personal belongings are being sent to his home in Miami.

Where's he going to put it all?

"I don't know," the 40-year-old Cabrera said with a shrug and a grin.

For Cabrera — and baseball fans — there's a lot to unpack from the career of one of the best hitters ever.

Cabrera's career will end Sunday afternoon against Cleveland at Comerica Park, where a sold-out crowd will include a few thousands fans paying for standing-room only tickets to cheer him on one more time.

The 12-time All-Star leaves the game with an impressive legacy. The popular player has also provided a desperately needed jolt of joy in his native Venezuela during a crisis that has pushed millions into poverty and compelled 7.3 million people to migrate.

Cabrera, who made his major league debut at 20 with the Florida Marlins, has put himself in the conversation with all-time greats at the plate.

"Hitting a baseball is one of the hardest things to do in sports, and he and Albert Pujols are the two best that I've seen do it my 60 years in baseball," Jim Leyland, who managed Cabrera in Detroit, said in a telephone interview this week. "It's on paper, and in the books."

When Cabrera led the majors with a .330 batting average, 44 homers and 139 RBIs in 2012, he was the first to win a Triple Crown since Carl Yastrzemski did it in 1967 with the Boston Red Sox.

Last year, he joined Hank Aaron and Albert Pujols as the three players in baseball history with 3,000 hits, 500 homers and 600 doubles.

"One of the things that made Miggy really special is the way he could drive the ball to all fields," said Philadelphia Phillies team president Dave Dombrowski, who ran the Marlins when they signed Cabrera as a teenager and later acquired him in a blockbuster trade. "He could hit to right field as if he was a left-handed pull hitter.

"Miggy also had so much grit, playing at times when he was hurt badly, and always had a smile on his face because he loves the game so much."

Cabrera is from the Venezuelan city of Maracay, which is known for producing bullfighters and ballplayers, including Houston Astros star Jose Altuve. He grew up following fellow countrymen Davey Concepcion, Omar Vizquel and Andres Galarraga.

"I wanted to follow them to make it to the big leagues," Cabrera said in an interview with The Associated Press. "I say to people from Venezuela, 'I think our baseball is safe with Ronald Acuña.'"

The 25-year-old Acuña, an Atlanta Braves outfielder, became the first player in major league history on Wednesday night to have 40 homers and 70 stolen bases in the same season.

"There's a lot of Venezuelan baseball players who are doing great things over here and playing well," Acuña said through a translator. "I think we're all doing a good job of just continuing that, but as far as Venezuelan players are concerned, Miguel Cabrera is like a Venezuelan baseball god."

The Marlins gave Cabrera $1.8 million to sign when he was 16, and after three seasons in the minors, they called him up. He provided a glimpse of what was to come in his major league debut, hitting a walk-off, 11th-inning homer.

Cabrera cleared the fences three times as a rookie in the NL Championship Series and hit an opposite-field homer off Roger Clemens to help Florida win the 2003 World Series.

He was an All-Star in each of his four full seasons in Florida. The financially strapped franchise traded him to the Tigers in December of 2007, and he flourished even more.

He won consecutive AL MVP awards in 2012 and 2013. Cabrera won five of his seven Silver Slugger awards and all four batting titles in Detroit, including becoming the first right-handed batter in either league to win three straight batting titles since Rogers Hornsby did in the early 1920s.

While the Tigers did have success in Cabrera's prime, winning four straight division titles and reaching the 2012 World Series, they never won it all despite having him and some dominant pitching staffs. The 2014 team alone had what turned out to be five Cy Young Award winners in Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, David Price, Rick Porcello and Robbie Ray.

Cabrera cashed in on his talent, signing a $152.3 million, eight-year contract in 2008 and a record-setting $292 million, 10-year contract in 2014.

In between the two deals, Cabrera acknowledged he had a drinking problem and spent three months in an outpatient treatment program following a much-publicized binge during the final weekend of the 2010 season.

Cabrera's wife and children are expected to attend the games for what the team is calling "Miggy Celebration Weekend," at Comerica Park.

Even though his production at the plate declined and he didn't play first base much in recent years as the team struggled during rebuilds, it didn't diminish how popular he is among major leaguers, in the Motor City and back home in Venezuela.

He established the Miguel Cabrera Foundation in 2007, and it funded the renovation of a Little League baseball stadium in Venezuela. He had clinics and competitions for kids in his native country until stopping in 2016 due to the political turmoil.

When a cancer-stricken Vietnam veteran, given three months to live by doctors, told the Tigers' community relations department he wanted to meet his favorite player, Cabrera came through.

Wayne Ochadleus had his white Tigers jersey signed on the back — just above the 24 — by Cabrera before Tuesday night's game against Kansas City and posed for pictures with him.

"This is the best thing to happen in my life," the 72-year-old Ochadelus said.

The Detroit Tigers Foundation has benefitted from Cabrera's charisma and commitment to give back, including having him host a Keeping Kids in the Game event that has raised more than $3 million to assist children's health and sports initiatives.

"I want people to remember me here in Detroit as not only coming here to play baseball," he told the AP. "I want to be part of the community. It's what I want to do after I retire."

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AP Sports Writer Charles Odum in Atlanta contributed to this report.

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Follow Larry Lage at https://twitter.com/larrylage

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB

Michigan State (2-2, 0-1 Big Ten) at Iowa (3-1, 0-1), Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET (NBC)

Line: Iowa by 11 1/2, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

Series record: Iowa leads 24-22-2.

WHAT'S AT STAKE?

Michigan State acting coach Harlon Barnett said the Spartans are "very, very close" to a breakthrough. That notion will be tested against an Iowa team still smarting from generating just 76 total yards in a 31-0 loss at Penn State. The Spartans' five turnovers in last week's 31-9 loss to Maryland were their most in a non-pandemic season since 2008.

KEY MATCHUP

Michigan State RB Nate Carter vs. Iowa defense. The Connecticut transfer has come back from a season-ending shoulder injury last year to become the Spartans' workhorse. He's averaging just under 19 carries and 93 yards per game, and he has broken three runs of 30 yards or longer. Never mind Penn State's 215 rushing yards against Iowa last week. That required 57 attempts. If there's one thing the Hawkeyes traditionally do well, it's shut down the run.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Michigan State: QB Noah Kim. Barnett said he's sticking with Kim as the starter after giving Katin Houser a chance to play in last week's lopsided loss to Maryland. Kim was 18 of 32 for 190 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions against the Terrapins and 12 of 31 for 136 yards and an interception when No. 8 Washington routed the Spartans.

Iowa: QB Cade McNamara was supposed to be an upgrade from 2022 starter Spencer Petras. That's not the case so far. McNamara is a combined 14 of 33 for 145 yards over his last two games, is completing 51% of his passes for the season and is the lowest-rated passer in the Big Ten.

FACTS & FIGURES

Carter has 40.2% of Michigan State's offensive touches (rushing attempts and receptions), the third-highest rate in the Power Five. ... Iowa has won eight of its last 11 at night at Kinnick Stadium and is encouraging all fans to wear black. ... Iowa's tight ends have accounted for 24 receptions for 295 yards and one touchdown over the first four games. ... Michigan State DBs Malik Spencer and Dillon Tatum lead the team with 25 tackles, one more than standout LB Cal Haladay.

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AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll

When the Detroit Lions previously visited Lambeau Field, they knocked Green Bay out of playoff contention in what turned out to be Aaron Rodgers' final game in a Packers uniform.

Nearly nine months later, the Lions return with a chance to solidify themselves as NFC North favorites by beating the division's traditional heavyweight for a fourth consecutive time.

"We know we can win out there," Lions coach Dan Campbell said. "We've done it before. But you've got to go earn it. It's not going to be given. It'll be loud, it'll be a tough environment. They're playing good. So here we go."

The Lions (2-1) and Packers (2-1) head into this Thursday night showdown tied for first place in the NFC North. The division's only other two teams are the winless Chicago Bears (0-3) and Minnesota Vikings (0-3).

Thursday's winner gets the early edge.

"It's definitely going to be a huge game and one that we've got to win," Packers quarterback Jordan Love said.

Although Green Bay has an 105-75-7 edge in its series with Detroit, the Lions have won the past three matchups. In the final week of the 2022 season, the Lions won 20-16 at Green Bay to prevent the Packers from reaching the playoffs.

The Packers have downplayed the revenge motive.

"Honestly, all that stuff is last year," Packers defensive tackle Kenny Clark said. "It's a new year."

This Green Bay team is quite a bit different from the one the Lions faced most recently, particularly on offense.

Rodgers is now with the New York Jets and recovering from a torn Achilles tendon while Love leads a Packers offense featuring plenty of rookies and second-year pros at wide receiver.

These new Packers will attempt to build on the momentum they established Sunday when they produced one of the biggest comebacks in franchise history, scoring 18 unanswered points in the final 11 minutes of an 18-17 victory over the New Orleans Saints.

Detroit is coming off a 20-6 triumph over the Atlanta Falcons, who had beaten the Packers 25-24 a week earlier.

"We know we can win a game like this, because we did it last year with so much on the line," Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone said.

"This is going to be fun. A prime-time game on national TV at Lambeau? It doesn't get any better."

ROLLING ROOKIES

Both teams are getting big early contributions from their rookie classes.

For the Lions, tight end Sam LaPorta and defensive back Brian Branch are off to fantastic starts.

LaPorta has 18 catches, the most receptions by a tight end in his first three games. LaPorta surpassed the mark set by Keith Jackson in Philadelphia 35 years ago.

In the Lions' victory over the Falcons, Brian Branch became the first defensive back since at least 1994 to have 10 overall tackles, three tackles for loss and two passes defended in a game.

Running back Jahmyr Gibbs, linebacker Jack Campbell and offensive tackle Colby Sorsdal — a seventh-round selection — each contributed to last week's win over Atlanta.

Packers rookies Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks have combined for three touchdown catches. Rookie kicker Anders Carlson hasn't missed a field goal or extra-point attempt.

The Lions have an NFL-leading 386 scrimmage yards (247 receiving, 139 rushing) from rookies this season. The Packers rank second with 371 (363 receiving, 8 rushing).

PLAYING HURT

Both teams are hoping to get key players back from injuries.

Detroit is expecting to have running back David Montgomery (thigh) and offensive tackle Taylor Decker (ankle) available after both were inactive against the Falcons.

The Packers are cautiously optimistic they will have running back Aaron Jones and wide receiver Christian Watson back from hamstring issues. Jones has missed two straight games. Watson has sat out each of the Packers' first three games.

MICHIGAN MEN

Former Michigan teammates Aidan Hutchinson and Rashan Gary have emerged as top defensive playmakers for their respective teams.

Gary, the No. 12 pick in the 2019 draft, has 3½ sacks for the Packers as he returns from a torn anterior cruciate ligament that ended his 2022 season early. Hutchinson, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 draft, had 9½ sacks for the Lions as a rookie and has two so far this season.

CHASE FOR 20

The Lions have scored at least 20 points in 12 consecutive games and can match the franchise record by reaching that mark again Thursday. The Lions had 13 straight games with at least 20 points in 1995.

Green Bay has held seven of its past eight opponents to 20 points or fewer.

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AP Sports Writer Larry Lage contributed to this report.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

(CBS DETROIT) - Michigan State University officially fired head football coach Mel Tucker on Wednesday, Sept. 27, amid sexual assault allegations. 

According to a press release, the university's vice president and director of athletics, Alan Haller, terminated Tucker's employment contract with the support of the interim president and board of trustees. 

He was terminated for "his admitted and undisputed behaviors which have brought public disrespect, contempt and ridicule upon the university; and constitute a material breach of his agreement, and moral turpitude."

Here is a copy of the full termination letter:

This comes after Haller issued a notice of intent to fire Tucker on Sept. 18. According to the release, Tucker did not present adequate reasons as to why he shouldn't be terminated. 

On Monday, Sept. 25, Tucker's attorney responded to the notice saying they did not have cause to fire him because he didn't violate the terms of his contract or "engage in unprofessional or unethical behavior." 

Tucker responded to the notice himself the day after it was issued and said, "I am disappointed — but not surprised — to learn that MSU intends to terminate my contract over Ms. Tracy's improper public disclosure of the entire 1,200-page investigation file regarding her baseless complaint against me," Tucker said in a statement. "Let's be clear. I don't believe MSU plans to fire me because I admitted to an entirely consensual, private relationship with another adult who gave one presentation at MSU, at my behest, over two years ago." To see his entire statement, visit here. 

"Simply put, Mr. Tucker's response does not provide any information that refutes or undermines the multiple grounds for termination for cause set forth in the notice," Haller said. "Instead, his 25-page response, which includes a 12-page letter from his attorney and a 13-page 'expert report,' provides a litany of excuses for his inappropriate behavior while expressly admitting to the problematic conduct outlined in the notice."  

The civil rights case will continue. The university attached a chart with the steps for the timeline of a case investigation that MSU's Office for Civil Rights uses. 

Harlon Barnett is being named interim head coach, which is subject to approval during the board's meeting in October. 

This comes as Tucker is accused of sexually harassing Brenda Tracy, an activist and rape survivor, during a phone call last April. The allegations were made public in a USA Today report on Sunday, Sept. 10.

The 51-year-old has said the allegations are false, and that the phone call he had with Tracy was consensual. 

Kansas City Royals (54-103, fifth in the AL Central) vs. Detroit Tigers (74-83, second in the AL Central)

Detroit; Wednesday, 6:40 p.m. EDT

PITCHING PROBABLES: Royals: Jonathan Bowlan (0-0); Tigers: Tarik Skubal (7-3, 2.95 ERA, .92 WHIP, 94 strikeouts)

FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK MLB LINE: Tigers -205, Royals 171; over/under is 7 1/2 runs

BOTTOM LINE: The Detroit Tigers host the Kansas City Royals, leading the series 1-0.

Detroit is 74-83 overall and 33-43 at home. The Tigers are 35-16 in games when they did not allow a home run.

Kansas City is 54-103 overall and 23-56 in road games. The Royals are 29-81 in games when they have allowed at least one home run.

The matchup Wednesday is the 12th meeting between these teams this season. The Tigers hold an 8-3 advantage in the season series.

TOP PERFORMERS: Spencer Torkelson has 34 doubles, a triple and 29 home runs while hitting .234 for the Tigers. Jake Rogers is 11-for-32 with four home runs over the past 10 games.

Bobby Witt Jr. leads the Royals with a .277 batting average, and has 28 doubles, 10 triples, 29 home runs, 38 walks and 93 RBI. Nick Loftin is 11-for-31 with six RBI over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Tigers: 6-4, .208 batting average, 3.72 ERA, outscored by one run

Royals: 8-2, .246 batting average, 4.35 ERA, outscored opponents by six runs

INJURIES: Tigers: Riley Greene: 60-Day IL (elbow), Alex Faedo: 15-Day IL (finger), Matt Manning: 15-Day IL (foot), Andrew Vasquez: 15-Day IL (calf), Mason Englert: 15-Day IL (hip), Tyler Alexander: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Matthew Boyd: 60-Day IL (elbow), Freddy Pacheco: 60-Day IL (elbow), Austin Meadows: 60-Day IL (anxiety), Casey Mize: 60-Day IL (elbow)

Royals: Brady Singer: 15-Day IL (lumbar strain), Brad Keller: 15-Day IL (thoracic outlet syndrome), Freddy Fermin: 60-Day IL (finger), Austin Cox: 60-Day IL (knee), Daniel Lynch: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Jake Brentz: 60-Day IL (elbow), John McMillon: 15-Day IL (forearm), Josh Staumont: 60-Day IL (neck), Josh Taylor: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Vinnie Pasquantino: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Kris Bubic: 60-Day IL (flexor)

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.