The Detroit Tigers won their first five series of August, but have struggled mightily over the last week. Exiting Thursday's off day, the Tigers have lost two consecutive series and five of their last six games. On the bright side, Detroit has fared well against its next opponent all year, the Kansas City Royals.

Entering the weekend set, the Tigers are 6-4 this season against the Royals and won the latest series back in July. Despite the down season and trading one of the best players in baseball to signal defeat, the Tigers find themselves just 1.5 games out of the final wild card spot on Thursday night.

On Friday at 8:10 p.m. EST, Troy Melton (7-1, 1.71) will face Royals southpaw Noah Cameron (7-8, 4.16). Melton has been incredible this season, but otherworldly in August. The righty has allowed just one earned run over 17.1 innings, after posting a 0.92 ERA in July.

Detroit's starter has allowed more than two runs in one start this season, way back in June. In his latest start, Melton allowed three runs (one earned) on eight hits and struck out four over 4.1 innings of work. Bobby Witt Jr and Isaac Collins have each homered against him.

Drew Anderson Looks to Bounce Back Against the Royals

In game two on Saturday at 7:15 p.m., Drew Anderson (4-4, 4.01) will oppose the veteran Michael Wacha (6-8, 3.58). Anderson has spent the majority of this season in the bullpen, but has thrown well in his last three appearances since being moved to the rotation.

He's allowed four runs over 12.2 innings and has pitched further into each game he's started. Active Royals batters are 8 for 14 against Anderson all-time.

For the Tigers, Wacha has thrown well against them for years. Over a dozen starts since 2013, Wacha is 3-3 with a 2.92 ERA against Detroit. The most successful batter, Javier Baez, is batting .286 with an .832 OPS over 35 at-bats against him. Wacha allowed two runs on six hits on July 25 in his latest outing against the Tigers.

Framber Valdez Hasn't Lived Up to The Contract Yet

In the series finale on Sunday, lefty Framber Valdez (8-8, 4.35) will oppose Daniel Lynch IV (4-4, 2.83). Valdez hasn't met his high price tag through his first season in Detroit and is coming off a forgettable outing. He allowed five runs (four earned) on five hits and walked four over 5.2 innings against the Pirates on August 17.

Most of the Royals' active players have faced Valdez during his time in Houston, but with minimal success. Nick Lofton is 3-for-10, while Witt is batting just .130 with a .391 OPS over 23 at-bats. Kansas City is amid a trying season, and Detroit could thrust itself into a playoff spot with a strong weekend series.