After getting hammered by the Tampa Bay offense the first two games of the season, the Tigers send RHP Casey Mize to the bump to try and stop the bleeding and avoid the sweep.
Time/Place: 12:10 p.m. EDT, George M. Steinbrenner Field, Tampa, FL
Media: FanDuel Sports Detroit, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network
Pitching Matchup:
• Tigers: RHP Casey Mize (TBA ERA, no 2025 stats provided)
• Rays: RHP Zack Littell (TBA ERA, no 2025 stats provided)
Team Overview:
• Detroit Tigers (48-30): The Tigers, leading the AL Central with a 9.5-game edge over Cleveland, have cooled off slightly in June but remain one of MLB’s top teams with a +87 run differential (third-best in baseball). Despite losing the first two games of this series (14-8 and 8-3), their offense ranks 7th in MLB with a .738 OPS, led by Riley Greene (16 HR, 58 RBI), Javier Báez (.293/.327/.474), and emerging contributors like Dillon Dingler and Zach McKinstry. Tarik Skubal anchors the rotation, but injuries to players like Matt Vierling (shoulder), Reese Olson (finger), and others have strained depth. Casey Mize, returning from a hamstring strain, makes his start today.
• Tampa Bay Rays (43-34): The Rays, second in the AL East and holding the top AL Wild Card spot, are 1.5 games behind the Yankees. They’ve won five of their last seven, showcasing offensive versatility with a .253 team batting average (3rd in AL). Yandy Díaz (two homers in Game 1), Junior Caminero (17 HR), and Matt Thaiss (4 RBI in Game 1) pace the lineup. Shane Baz and Ryan Pepiot delivered strong starts in Games 1 and 2, respectively. Zack Littell takes the mound today, aiming to complete the sweep.
Key Storylines:
• Tigers’ Response: After allowing 22 runs in the first two games, Detroit’s pitching needs to rebound. Mize, coming off the IL, faces pressure to stabilize the rotation, especially with the bullpen taxed from Game 2’s “pitching chaos” approach. Can Greene and Báez spark the offense against Littell?
• Rays’ Momentum: Tampa Bay’s bats have been relentless, with every starter hitting in Game 1 and three homers in Game 2. Their ability to score via power, speed, and small ball makes them dangerous. Littell’s performance will be key to securing a sweep against a top-tier opponent.
• Injury Impact: Both teams are dealing with injuries. Detroit’s IL includes key arms like Jackson Jobe (flexor) and Alex Cobb (hip), while Tampa Bay is without Shane McClanahan (triceps) and Ha-Seong Kim (shoulder). Depth will be tested in this finale.