DETROIT -- The Kansas City Royals headed to Detroits Comerica Park last month well positioned for a playoff push. They return Monday looking like nothing more than spoilers.The defending champions lost two of three in their first series at Comerica this season, starting them on a post-All-Star break slide. Theyve gone from two games above .500 to three games below that mark, virtually assuring they will not a third straight trip to the postseason.Two four-game losing streaks and a three-game slide during the ensuing three weeks after the series loss in Detroit dropped Kansas City to a season-worst seven games below .500 before a recent upswing. The Royals have won six of their last eight, including an 11-4 win over Minnesota on Sunday -- their second-highest scoring output this season.Right-hander Ian Kennedy, who will start the opener of the three-game series, has perked up in his last three starts. He has allowed just two runs in 19 1/3 innings during that span but only has three no-decisions to show for it. Kennedy (6-9) has gone winless in his last eight starts, with his last victory coming June 26 against Houston.Kennedy, who signed a five-year, $70 million contract during the offseason as a free agent, feels like he has some momentum heading into his 24th start of the season.The last couple starts have been building off each other, and keeping that same thing in between starts -- the same routine, Kennedy said to the Kansas City Star.Kennedy gave up one run and six hits in 6 1/3 innings against the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday in his last start, which the Royals won in extra innings.In two starts against Detroit this season, Kennedy has a loss and a no-decision despite allowing a combined three earned runs.Hes had some lulls, but for the most part, hes gone deep into games, manager Ned Yost told the Kansas City Star. Hes kept us in games.The Tigers are coming off back-to-back shutout victories over Texas, including a complete-game, 7-0 whitewash by Rookie of the Year award candidate Michael Fulmer on Sunday.To take two out of three after being swept in Seattle is certainly a good ending to a road trip that started out poorly, Detroit manager Brad Ausmus said during his postgame interview.Tigers left-hander Daniel Norris will make his second start since returning from Triple-A Toledo. Norris (1-0), who went on the 15-day disabled list in early July with a right oblique strain, gave up one run and seven hits in five innings at Seattle on Tuesday. He was in line for a victory before the Mariners rallied for an extra-innings win.Norris got a no-decision in his lone career start against Kansas City.Detroit is in survival mode while trying to remain in striking distance of American League Central leader Cleveland. Center fielder Cameron Maybin, third baseman Nick Castellanos and shortstop Jose Iglesias are on the 15-day disabled list, as well as starting pitchers Jordan Zimmermann and Mike Pelfrey.Theres no reason to dwell on injuries, second baseman Ian Kinsler told the Detroit News. Theres no reason to dwell on what-ifs. We have who we have to play and were going to win the games we have to win with the players we have to put on the field.Kinsler should be happy to see Kennedy on the mound. Detroits leadoff hitter has five extra-base hits in 12 career at-bats against Kennedy. Wholesale NCAA Jerseys China .ca looks back at the stories and moments that made the year memorable. Cheap NCAA Jerseys . "I dont know that were close," said general manager Alex Anthopoulos. "I just think, right now, the acquisition cost just doesnt work for us right now. I dont know if I can quantify how far off or things like that that they might be but I would say we continue to have dialogue. https://www.chinajerseysncaa.us/ . The 27-year-old Scrivens will be joining his third NHL club since signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs as a free agent in 2010. The move also reunites with him with head coach Dallas Eakins from their time together with the American Hockey Leagues Toronto Marlies. Fake NCAA Jerseys . The head of USA Boxing came out swinging Tuesday with an open letter to Tyson -- a former Olympic hopeful himself -- that accuses the former heavyweight champion of trying to poach fighters who might be candidates for the U. NCAA Jerseys Outlet .com) - The women will also have a new champion at the Australian Open. EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Michigan States linebacker corps looked pretty deep a couple weeks ago. Not so much anymore.Jon Reschke is expected to miss a substantial amount of time with an ankle sprain, and linebacker Riley Bullough is day to day after missing last weekends loss to Wisconsin with an unspecified injury.Coach Mark Dantonio announced the injuries Tuesday.Reschke had a forced fumble and an interception two weeks ago in a win at Notre Dame, but the Spartans followed that up with a 30-6 loss to Wisconsin. Dantonio said hes hoping Ed Davis, who received an extra year of eligibility after missing all of last season with a knee injury, will be able to help.Hes getting better and better. Thats the plan, so thats going to add an additional guy to us, Dantonio said. Weve been deep at linebacker. Wevee got guys who have played and know what to do there, so they can pick up the slack.dddddddddddd Its an opportunity for people to grow.The 17th-ranked Spartans play at Indiana on Saturday night. Dantonio said Michigan State will wear black socks and black shoes for that game in honor of former defensive back Mylan Hicks, who was killed over the weekend. Dantonio said Hicks liked to wear black Michigan State gear.Hicks lettered for the Spartans from 2012-14.The team also will put No. 6 on its helmets.Well probably travel down there with probably 41 players I think I counted that played on the team with him, Dantonio said. Hell be in a lot of peoples minds as we move forward. ' ' '