The Detroit Tigers had a solid showing in Beantwon this past weekend having taken two of four from the Boston Red Sox to remain just one game under the .500 mark. The team now travels to the Lone Star State to face the defending world champion Texas Rangers over the next three days.
The Rangers enter the series with the exact same record as the Tigers as they continue to show signs of a World Series hangover. They managed to take two of three from the Miami Marlins in South Florida last weekend and swept the Arizona Diamondbacks at home in a two-fer the series prior, so they do have some momentum on their side.
Below is a look at the pitching matchup for Monday night’s affair, with the Tigers’ Tuesday and Wednesday starters also announced.
Detroit Tigers (29-30) at Texas Rangers (29-30)
Times (ET): Monday: 8:05 p.m.; Tuesday: 8:05 p.m.; Wednesday: 8:05 p.m.
Place: Globe Life Field, Arlington, Texas
SB Nation Site: Lone Star Ball
Media: Bally Sports Detroit, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network
Game 60 Pitching Matchup
| Player | IP | K% | BB% | FIP | fWAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | IP | K% | BB% | FIP | fWAR |
| Skubal | 67.0 | 31.3 | 4.3 | 2.07 | 2.4 |
| Eovaldi | 44.1 | 25.3 | 10.4 | 3.44 | 0.8 |
Game 60: LHP Tarik Skubal (7-1, 2.01 ERA) vs. RHP Nathan Eovaldi (2-2, 2.84 ERA)
Skubal faced the Rangers in Detroit back on April 17, taking a no-decision but notching a quality start in the team loss. The 27-year-old surrendered four runs (two earned) on five hits and a walk while striking out six over 6 1⁄3 frames. The Tigers ace leads the majors in FIP and is tied for second among pitchers in fWAR while also ranking third in xERA (2.42).
Eovaldi missed the Tigers on that road trip earlier this season but has otherwise had a solid showing so far in 2024. The 34-year-old has put up some of his best numbers in his 13-year career, although his elevated walk rate seems to be his key Achilles heel. He has excelled in run value for his offspeed pitch, ranking in the top 94th percentile among big league peers.
Game 61 Pitching Matchups
| Player | IP | K% | BB% | FIP | fWAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | IP | K% | BB% | FIP | fWAR |
| Flaherty | 67.2 | 34.0 | 3.8 | 2.79 | 1.7 |
| TBD | – | – | – | – | – |
Game 61: RHP Jack Flaherty (2-4, 3.46 ERA) vs. TBD
Flaherty did not get a shot at the Rangers earlier this season but he will never be more ready to face the defending champs than now. The 28-year-old has thrown quality starts in his last six outings, putting up a 2.35 ERA and 2.15 FIP, allowing 28 hits (four home runs) and six walks while striking out 54 in 38 1⁄3 innings. Unfortunately, the team has only gone 2-4 in those starts.
Game 62 Pitching Matchup
| Player | IP | K% | BB% | FIP | fWAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | IP | K% | BB% | FIP | fWAR |
| Maeda | 40.1 | 17.1 | 6.9 | 5.85 | -0.2 |
| TBD | – | – | – | – | – |
Game 62: RHP Kenta Maeda (2-2, 6.25 ERA) vs. TBD
Maeda has been the focus of the fanbase’s ire as he struggles to find a groove in 2024. The 36-year-old’s start against Texas on Apri 18 was his worst of the season, surrendering six runs (five earned) on seven hits (three home runs) and two walks while striking out two over 2 2⁄3 innings. His last outing against Boston was not much better so hopefully the former NPB star can figure things out here in a hurry.
Series Outlook: Winnable series, but…
Two of Detroit’s three best pitchers will be toeing the mound this week which in theory gives the Tigers a good chance at taking a pair from the home team. However, we all know how that has gone for them this season. The good news is that Texas’ offense is not that formidable, ranking at No. 14 in OPS (.697), which breaks down into No. 12 in batting average (.243), No. 11 in on-base percentage (.313) and No. 15 in slugging. On the other hand, the Rangers’ pitching ranks No. 16 in ERA (3.95) and No. 20 in WHIP (1.30)