Tigers Reveal Probable Starters for Must-Win Series vs Rays
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The Detroit Tigers are running out of time to salvage a playoff berth. They return home after a miserable road trip, going 1-6 against the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Kansas City Royals.
Detroit's offense has gone cold during this five-game losing streak. They managed seven runs in Sunday's loss, but the pitching staff couldn't hold up. Now, the Tigers are eight games below .500 and are 3.5 games back in the American League wild-card race.
They return home for a pivotal three-game series with the Tampa Bay Rays. A series win is a necessity for Hinch's team. Here are Detroit's probable starting pitchers.
Game 1: Framber Valdez
If there was ever a time for Valdez to prove he was worth the lucrative contract, now is the time. He has to be the tone setter. As has been the case all season, the lefty is going through an up-and-down August.
Over the first two starts, he allowed two combined runs over 14 innings. However, Valdez has surrendered nine earned runs and nine walks over his previous two outings.
Valdez threw a complete game against Tampa Bay in 2025, but you never quite know which version of Valdez you're getting in 2026. The Rays will throw Drew Rasmussen (13-5, 3.01 ERA) for the first game.
Game 2: Jackson Jobe
After a difficult start on August 14, Jobe bounced back against the Pirates. He allowed four hits and one earned run over 5.1 innings. Jobe settled in after the first inning, but a high pitch count drove him out of the game.
The 24-year-old was eager to help contribute after a long time away. He'll get an opportunity to do so in a pivotal second game. The key to success will be managing that first inning. The Rays are aggressive and can strike early, so Jobe will have to work hard to navigate the top of the order.
Ian Seymour (9-4, 4.17 ERA) will get the ball for Tampa Bay.
Game 3: Troy Melton
Melton has looked human over his last couple of starts. The young righty was untouchable for several starts, but he's allowed 14 hits over his previous 10 innings.
However, Melton hasn't gotten much help from his defense. A Kevin McGonigle error led to a run in Friday's loss to Kansas City. A throwing error led to a couple of runs against the White Sox.
Regardless, Melton must be the glue to this starting rotation. If a series win is on the line, a quality start would be massive for the Tigers. The Rays will go to Freddy Peralta (5-11, 5.33 ERA) for the series finale.
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Zion Trammell graduated from TCU in 2023 with a degree in sports broadcasting and journalism. He currently writes for TCU Horned Frogs on SI. In addition to writing, he is the play-by-play voice for Southlake Carroll baseball and hosts a TCU show on the Bleav Network. X: @zion_trammell