The Detroit Tigers are back at Comerica Park this Friday, ready to kick off a home series against the Texas Rangers after a challenging 4-5 interleague road trip. That stretch ended on a high note with a 5-2 win over the Braves in Atlanta on Thursday, saving the Tigers from a sweep and giving them some much-needed momentum heading home.
This series marks the start of a six-game homestand, with the Boston Red Sox coming to town next. The Rangers arrive just half a game behind Detroit in the overall standings, having played one fewer game. Texas currently sits in the middle of the AL West, while the Tigers are tied with the Cleveland Guardians at the top of the AL Central, both holding 16-16 records.
One key story here is the stark contrast in Detroit's performance at home versus on the road. The Tigers have been dominant at Comerica Park, boasting a 10-2 record, compared to a rough 6-14 mark away from home. They've also gone 5-6 against fellow American League opponents, with all five wins coming in front of their home crowd. That home-field advantage could be a major factor this weekend.
On the mound Friday, the Tigers will send Jack Flaherty to the bump. Flaherty has struggled in his last two starts, both on the road, and he'll be looking to bounce back. His last outing against Texas came on May 10 of last year, when he allowed five runs on four hits—all four of them home runs—plus two walks, striking out four over just three innings in a loss. He'll need to keep the ball in the park this time around.
The Rangers counter with MacKenzie Gore, who will make his first start against the Tigers as a Ranger. Gore has had his own recent struggles, posting a 6.14 ERA and 5.50 FIP over his last three starts, spanning 14 2/3 innings. In that stretch, he's surrendered 16 hits (three homers) and 10 walks, though he's also racked up 17 strikeouts. The last time Gore faced Detroit was last summer, when he was with the Washington Nationals. On July 2, he threw 5 1/3 innings of two-run ball, allowing three hits and four walks with two strikeouts in a win.
Matchup: Detroit Tigers (16-16) vs. Texas Rangers (15-16)
Game 33: RHP Jack Flaherty (0-2, 5.33 ERA) vs. LHP MacKenzie Gore (2-2, 4.35 ERA)
The edge here likely goes to Detroit, thanks to their strong home record. The Tigers have been a much better team at Comerica Park, and Gore's recent command issues could play right into their hands. Flaherty still needs to prove he can limit the long ball after that rough outing against Texas last year, but the friendly confines of home should help him settle in and find his rhythm.
Detroit is ready to start May on the right foot—and with the crowd behind them, this could be a series to watch.