Detroit returned to Comerica Park on Friday to open a six-game homestand against the Texas Rangers, with Jack Flaherty set to face MacKenzie Gore at 6:40 p.m. ET.
The Tigers came home after a 5-2 win over the Braves in Atlanta on Thursday and a 4-5 interleague swing that ended with them tied with the Cleveland Guardians atop the AL Central at 16-16. Texas entered the series a half-game behind Detroit in the overall standings, one win shy in one fewer game played.
The matchup gives Detroit a chance to extend the season trends that have defined its start. The Tigers are 10-2 at home and 6-14 on the road, a split that has helped them stay in the division race even while the offense has been less consistent away from Comerica. They are 5-6 against fellow AL opponents, and every one of those five wins came in Detroit.
Flaherty has had one previous look at Texas and did not fare well, allowing five runs on four hits in three innings on May 10 of last year. Gore, meanwhile, was making his first appearance against the Tigers as a Ranger, though he did face Detroit last July 2 while pitching for the Washington Nationals and allowed two runs in 5 1/3 innings.
The left-hander came in carrying a 6.14 ERA and a 5.50 FIP over his previous three starts, a stretch in which he gave up 16 hits and 10 walks while striking out 17. Detroit’s decision to hand Flaherty the ball at home and send Gore out for Texas put two starters with recent uneven runs into a game that could matter quickly in the standings.
The series also begins a stretch that will shape the Tigers’ next week. Boston is scheduled to visit Detroit for the second leg of the homestand, and Friday’s opener against Texas gives the Tigers an early chance to protect the ground they have built at home.
Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV and the Tigers Radio Network were listed as viewing and listening options.
