The Detroit Tigers (48-28, 1st in AL Central) are set to face the Tampa Bay Rays (41-34, 2nd in AL East) in Game 2 of a three-game series, following the Rays’ victory in the opener, which ended with a score of 14-8. The Tigers are looking to rebound with a strong pitching performance, while the Rays aim to continue their offensive momentum. Detroit currently leads the AL Central by 9.5 games and has a +87 run differential, which ranks 3rd in Major League Baseball (MLB). Meanwhile, Tampa Bay occupies the top spot for the AL Wild Card, standing 2.5 games behind the Yankees, and has a +65 run differential, ranking 6th in MLB.
Pitching Matchup
• Tigers: RHP Sawyer Gipson-Long (Stats unavailable for 2025 season)
Gipson-Long, recovering from hip surgery, makes his return. His 2023 minor league performance (3.60 ERA, 1.20 WHIP) suggests potential, but he faces a tough Rays lineup. Expect a cautious outing with a pitch count limit.
• Rays: RHP Ryan Pepiot (Stats unavailable for 2025 season)
Pepiot, acquired by the Rays in 2023, has shown promise with a 4.20 ERA in 2024. His ability to limit hard contact will be tested by Detroit’s power-heavy lineup (91 HR, 5th in AL).
Key Players to Watch
• Tigers:
• Riley Greene (OF): 15 HR, 12.4 RBI, 134 wRC+, 2.0 fWAR. Greene’s breakout season continues, with a .280/.355/.500 slash line. He homered in Game 1 and is a threat against right-handers.
• Javier Báez (SS): .293/.327/.474, 9 HR. Báez’s resurgence adds spark to the lineup, but he’ll need to handle Pepiot’s breaking balls.
• Rays:
• Yandy Díaz (1B): .262, 11 HR, 48 RBI. Díaz went 3-for-5 with two homers in Game 1 and is 19-for-42 over his last 10 games. He’s a lock to challenge Gipson-Long early.
• Junior Caminero (3B): .262, 17 HR, 48 RBI. The young star’s power (17 HR) makes him a constant threat.
Team Stats
• Tigers: .738 OPS (7th in MLB), 91 HR (5th in AL). Pitching staff led by Tarik Skubal, but rotation depth is shaky. Road record: 22-16.
• Rays: .253 BA (3rd in AL), .802 OPS vs. RHP (best in MLB last 30 days). Strong home record: 25-22. Bullpen depth is a strength.
Injuries
• Tigers: Matt Vierling (shoulder), Reese Olson (finger), Alex Cobb (hip).
• Rays: Richie Palacios (knee), Manuel Rodríguez (forearm), Shane McClanahan (triceps), Ha-Seong Kim (shoulder).
Betting Odds (as of June 20)
• Moneyline: Tigers +105, Rays -115 (DraftKings, Bet365)
• Over/Under: 8.5 runs
• Run Line: Tigers +1.5 (-152), Rays -1.5 (+122)
Note: Odds for Game 2 may shift. Check updated lines.
Time/Place: 12:10 p.m. EDT, George M. Steinbrenner Field, Tampa, FL
Media: FanDuel Sports Detroit, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network