The Detroit Tigers are heading into a four-game set with the Cleveland Guardians that could go either way: a final push into the playoff race or the point where the chase runs out of runway.
Detroit is 64-75 and starts the series 5.5 games back of Cleveland, which sits at 70-70 and owns the final American League wild card spot. The math is simple for the Tigers. If they somehow sweep the four games - including Friday’s doubleheader - they would cut that gap to 1.5 games and keep alive the possibility of a third straight postseason trip.
If not, the Tigers could still make life miserable for a division rival trying to hang onto the last berth. Cleveland is barely clinging to that spot, sitting just one-half game ahead of both the Texas Rangers and the Toronto Blue Jays. Toronto already made things tighter by taking two of three from the Guardians in Cleveland.
Friday opens with an afternoon makeup game from a rainout in June, and Detroit will get two chances to start the series on the right foot.
Here’s the full setup for the series, including how to watch and the pitching matchups:
Friday, Game 1, 2:10 p.m. - Tigers: Detroit SportsNet; Guardians: Guardians.TV
Friday, Game 2, 7:15 p.m. - Tigers: Apple TV; Guardians: Apple TV
Saturday, 6:10 p.m. - Tigers: Detroit SportsNet; Guardians: Guardians.TV
Sunday, 1:40 p.m. - Tigers: Detroit SportsNet; Guardians: Guardians.TV
Radio coverage: Tigers: WXYT 97.1 FM; Guardians: WTAM 1100, WMMS 100.7, WARF 1350, Guardians Radio Network
Pitching probables: Friday, Game 1: Tigers RHP Keider Montero (9-8, 3.24) vs.
Guardians LHP Logan Allen (0-0, 3.77)
Friday, Game 2: Tigers LHP Andrew Sears (0-1, 6.75) vs.
Guardians LHP Foster Griffin (15-4, 3.21)
Saturday: Tigers LHP Framber Valdez (8-10, 4.36) vs.
Guardians LHP Parker Messick (11-8, 2.46)
Sunday: Tigers RHP Jackson Jobe (1-2, 4.63) vs.
Guardians RHP Gavin Williams (13-7, 3.81)
Detroit’s injured list remains crowded. On the 10-day IL: OF Kerry Carpenter (left foot plantar fasciitis), OF Matt Vierling (left adductor strain), and OF Parker Meadows (concussion, fractured left radius bone in arm).
On the 15-day IL: RHP Jack Flaherty (right flexor inflammation) and RHP Justin Verlander (left hip inflammation, left hamstring strain).
On the 60-day IL: LHP Brant Hurter (lumber spine inflammation), OF Wenceel Pérez (left orbital fracture, RHP Reese Olson (right shoulder surgery), RHP Will Vest (right elbow stress fracture), RHP Burch Smith (right shoulder inflammation), LHP Bailey Horn (left UCL reconstruction), and SS Trey Sweeney (right shoulder strain).
In Other News...
Casey Mize Trade Is Suddenly Looking Better For The Tigers
When the Tigers dealt Casey Mize to San Diego at the Aug. 3 deadline, it looked like the kind of move Detroit had to make if it wanted to reset and get something useful back in return. Mize was leaving with plenty of baggage attached, but the early returns have tilted in Detroits favor because his start with the Padres has been rocky, with a 1-3 record and a 6.67 ERA over six outings.
Detroits side of the trade has also become part of the conversation as Jackson Wolf and Kash Mayfield settle into their own situations in the organization. Their results have varied across different levels, but the bigger picture for the Tigers is straightforward: a deal that once raised questions is now starting to look a lot more sensible from their end. [Read more 🡒]
Eduardo Valencia Is Forcing A Big Tigers Decision Much Sooner Than Expected
Eduardo Valencia has made his first stretch in the big leagues hard to ignore. Since his debut in July, he has brought enough punch to the plate to look like much more than a short-term call-up, slashing .313 with a .956 OPS and six home runs in 83 at-bats while getting most of his work at catcher and designated hitter for Detroit.
The issue for the Tigers is what comes next, because Valencias bat is creating pressure on a roster question they may have hoped to answer later. His offensive production is pushing the club to weigh whether his best path is behind the plate or in a more regular DH role, and with other catching prospects in the system, the offseason could bring a broader look at how Detroit wants to shape that mix. [Read more 🡒]
Jack Flaherty Return Raises A Big Question For Tigers Rotation
Jack Flaherty is finally set to take a meaningful step back toward the Tigers' rotation, with a rehab assignment beginning Sept. 6 at Triple-A Toledo. The right-hander has been sidelined since July 21 with right flexor tendon inflammation, and manager A.J. Hinch said the assignment is expected to be brief, with Flaherty possibly logging only one inning as Detroit eases him back into game action.
The timing gives the Tigers something to monitor closely as they try to sort out the rest of their rotation down the stretch. Flaherty has not pitched since July 20, and even with his return now drawing nearer, the bigger issue is how quickly he can build back up and what kind of role awaits once he proves he is ready. [Read more 🡒]