Tigers 5, Royals 3

Tigers' Miguel Cabrera hits a three-run home run to give the Tigers a 4-3 lead in the third inning. Cabrera went 1-for-4.

Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander works in the first inning. Verlander pitched seven innings allowing nine hits with three earned runs with one walk and six strikeouts.

The Cubs and Dodgers have reportedly expressed an interest in obtaining Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander.

Tigers third baseman Nicholas Castellanos, left, and catcher James McCann talk before the next batter in the first inning.

Royals' Eric Hosmer congratulates Whit Merrifield after Merrifield scores in the first inning.

Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler cannot catch this soft line drive off the bat of Royals' Salvador Perez which scores two runs in the first inning to make it 3-0 Royals.Detroit Tigers vs Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park in Detroit on June 27, 2017.

Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler throws the ball in after he cannot catch this soft line drive off the bat of Royals' Salvador Perez which scores two runs in the first inning to make it 3-0 Royals.

Tigers' Mikie Mahtook singles in the first inning. Mahtook went 2-for-4.

Tigers' Justin Upton, left, talks with home plate umpire Dan Bellino after a called third strike in the first inning. Upton went 0-for-4.

Tigers' Miguel Cabrera reacts after after he strikes out swinging to end the first inning.

Tigers' Ian Kinsler, left, congratulates J.D. Martinez after Martinez's solo home run in the second inning.

Tigers' J.D. Martinez in the second inning.

Royals pitcher Matt Strahm looks in for the sign in the third inning.

Tigers' Miguel Cabrera rounds the bases on his three-run home run in the third inning.

Tigers' J.D. Martinez (28) congratulates Miguel Cabrera after Cabrera's three-run home run in the third inning.

Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander congratulates Miguel Cabrera, right, after his three-run home run in the third inning.

Tigers' Ian Kinsler missed Friday's opener with the Blue Jays with flu-like symptoms.

Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander (5-6, 4.73) starts Friday.

Pastel clouds in the fifth inning.

Tigers left fielder Justin Upton catches a fly out in the fifth inning.

Tigers center fielder Mikie Mahtook reacts with Justin Verlander, not shown, after Mahtook made a catch to end the top of the fifth inning.

Tigers center fielder Mikie Mahtook is congratulated by Justin Verlander, right, after Mahtook made a catch to end the top of the fifth inning.

Tigers' J.D. Martinez hustles to third for a triple in the sixth inning. Martinez went 2-for-3.

Tigers pitcher Daniel Stumpf works in the eighth inning. Stumpf faced one batter and allowed one hit.

From left, Tigers' Nicholas Castellanos, manager Brad Ausmus, Jose Iglesias and James McCann talk during a pitching change in the eighth inning.

Tigers third baseman Nicholas Castellanos, left, and first baseman Miguel Cabrera at the end of a pitching change.

Tigers pitcher Bruce Rondon works in the eighth inning. Rondon pitched one inning allowing one hit with two strikeouts.

Tigers pitcher Justin Wilson works in the ninth inning. Wilson pitched a hitless inning with two strikeouts.

Tigers outfielders Justin Upton, left, J.D. Martinez and Mikie Mahtook, rear, hug after the win.

Tigers' Victor Martinez during batting practice. Martinez is expected to be in the lineup tomorrow.

Tigers manager Brad Ausmus takes some ground balls at shortstop during batting practice.

Josh Barton of Grand Haven holds onto the leash on his dog, Gordie, before the game starts.

Tigers' Nicholas Castellanos, left, meets with members of the Irish National baseball team during batting practice. The team is playing some games in Toronto and came to Detroit for a Tigers game.

Ruby, a long-haired dachshund, gets used to her seat before the game.

Jessica Michalak of Troy and Christopher Oskoian of Rochester attend Bark in the Park with their dog Athena. Detroit Tigers vs Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park in Detroit on June 27, 2017. (Robin Buckson / Detroit News)

From left, Watson and Sophie, Boston terriers belonging to Sandie and Jim Bonczyk of Lapeer check out the ballpark before the game starts.