Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Guardians Game Preview: 9/16/2025

Tigers vs Guardians: AL Central Showdown at Comerica Park

The Detroit Tigers (85-65) return home tonight looking to widen their division lead as they host the Cleveland Guardians (78-71) at Comerica Park. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. EST. The Tigers have been up-and-down lately, winning two of three against the Yankees before dropping two of three to the Marlins. Cleveland sits seven games back and needs a strong series to stay alive in the AL Central race.

How to Watch

Date: 09/16/2025
Time: 6:40 pm EST
Stadium: Comerica Park, Detroit, MI
Radio: 97.1 The Ticket, LaZ WDTW 1310AM/107.9FM
Watch:  FanDuel Sports Network Detroit

Pitching Matchup: Mize vs. Cantillo

Detroit will send Casey Mize to the mound. The right-hander has been a reliable arm for the Tigers, carrying a 14-5 record, a 3.83 ERA, and 118 strikeouts over 131.2 innings. He’ll look to bounce back from a rough outing in Miami and set the tone early against a patient Guardians lineup.

Cleveland counters with Joey Cantillo, a lefty who’s gone 5-3 with a 3.36 ERA and 92 strikeouts in 80.1 innings. This will be his second appearance at Comerica Park this year, though his first start here back in May was limited to just one inning.

Odds:

-Spread: Detroit Tigers -1.5 (+155)/ Cleveland Guardians +1.5 (-190)
–Money Line: Detroit Tigers -145/ Cleveland Guardians +120
-Over/Under: 8
Odds from BetMGM

Key Players to Watch

• Riley Greene: The heartbeat of the Tigers offense, Greene leads the team in batting average (.265), runs (81), hits (148), doubles (31), home runs (34), and RBI (108). If Detroit gets on the board early, expect Greene to be involved.
• Kerry Carpenter: Red-hot in September with 8 runs, 9 RBI, 8 hits, and 3 homers through 11 games. His bat could be the difference-maker against Cleveland’s lefty.
• Spencer Torkelson: Steady power threat with 28 homers and 72 RBI this season. A big swing from Torkelson could quickly tilt momentum.
• Gleyber Torres: The team’s on-base leader (.362 OBP) gives Detroit much-needed table-setting at the top of the order.

What’s at Stake

Detroit leads Cleveland by seven games in the AL Central, and this head-to-head series could all but seal the division if the Tigers take control. Consistency has been their biggest hurdle, and this matchup offers a chance to reestablish their rhythm as the postseason approaches.

A win tonight would not only keep the Guardians at bay but send a message: the Tigers plan on closing out the division on their own terms.