The Detroit Tigers are staring at their biggest test of the season. What was once a 15.5-game lead in the AL Central has completely evaporated, and after eight straight losses, Detroit (85-71) now trails the Cleveland Guardians (86-70) by a game heading into Thursday night’s finale at Progressive Field. First pitch is at 6:40 p.m. EST.
How to Watch
Date: 09/25/2025
Time: 6:40 pm EST
Stadium: Progressive Field, Cleveland, OH
Radio: 97.1 The Ticket
Watch: FanDuel Sports Network Detroit
Pitching Matchup: Melton vs. Messick
Detroit turns to rookie right-hander Troy Melton (3-2, 2.79 ERA), who has been a bright spot since debuting in July. In 42 innings, he’s recorded 35 strikeouts and shown the poise of a pitcher beyond his years. That composure will be tested against a Cleveland lineup that has seized momentum in September.
The Guardians counter with Parker Messick (3-0, 2.08 ERA). The lefty has been sharp in limited action, striking out 31 over 34.2 innings. He’ll look to keep Detroit’s slumping lineup off balance as Cleveland tries to secure the sweep.
Odds:
-Spread: Detroit Tigers +1.5 (-160)/ Cleveland Guardians –1.5 (+135)
-Money Line: Detroit Tigers +120/ Cleveland Guardians -145
-Over/Under: 8
Odds from BetMGM current to the time of publishing
Tigers’ Offense Searching for a Spark
Detroit’s lineup has gone silent at the worst possible time. In Wednesday’s 3-1 loss, their only point came from Dillon Dingler due to a sacrifice fly from Parker Meadows. Riley Greene, the team’s offensive centerpiece with 154 hits, 35 home runs, and 110 RBI, has gone just 5-for-23 with nine strikeouts over his last six games.
Gleyber Torres has been the most reliable on-base threat, carrying a .363 OBP along with 134 hits and 74 RBI. To climb out of the skid, Detroit needs its core; Greene, Spencer Torkelson, and Kerry Carpenter, to deliver in big spots.
What’s at Stake
The Tigers aren’t just fighting for the AL Central anymore, they’re clinging to the final Wild Card spot, one game ahead of Houston. Another loss would deepen the slide and shift the division completely into Cleveland’s hands.
The Tigers haven’t reached the postseason since 2014, and since winning the World Series in 1968, they’ve only made the playoffs nine times. Securing Playoff #10 requires an immediate turnaround. A win tonight wouldn’t erase the damage of the past two weeks, but it could stop the bleeding and give the Tigers a chance to reset heading into the final stretch.
Recent Comments