The Detroit Tigers return to Comerica Park on Wednesday, August 12 to host the Cleveland Guardians in a 6:40 PM ET first pitch that carries real AL Central weight. Framber Valdez gets the ball for Detroit against Cleveland left-hander Foster Griffin. With division rivals squaring off in the heart of August, every game on this schedule matters — and this one is no exception. Catch it on Detroit SportsNet or WXYT 97.1 FM if you can't make it to the park.

Probable Pitchers: Framber Valdez vs. Foster Griffin

Framber Valdez is the headliner here. The veteran left-hander is a proven workhorse capable of eating innings and keeping lineups off-balance with his elite sinker-curveball combination. He is exactly the kind of arm you want going up against a Cleveland lineup that features some dangerous hitters. This is a marquee pitching assignment for the Tigers, and Valdez will need to be on his game against a Guardians offense built around contact and patience.

On the other side, Foster Griffin draws the start for Cleveland. Griffin is a left-handed arm who will look to exploit any holes in the Detroit order. The Tigers' lineup will need to stay disciplined against him early and make him work deep into counts.

Detroit Tigers Starting Lineup

• Gleyber Torres — DH
• Dillon Dingler — C
• Kevin McGonigle — 3B
• Hao-Yu Lee — 2B
• Spencer Torkelson — 1B
• Ben Malgeri — LF
• Max Clark — CF
• Javier Báez — SS
• Corey Julks — RF

Cleveland Guardians Starting Lineup

• Steven Kwan — CF
• Chase DeLauter — DH
• José Ramírez — 3B
• Jo Adell — RF
• Angel Martínez — LF
• Rhys Hoskins — 1B
• Angel Genao — 2B
• Austin Hedges — C
• Brayan Rocchio — SS

Keys to Watch Wednesday Night

Valdez Containing José Ramírez

José Ramírez batting third is the gravitational center of everything Cleveland does offensively. He is the kind of hitter who can single-handedly change a game's complexion. Valdez will need to be sharp and deliberate when Ramírez steps in — how that matchup plays out will likely shape the tone of the entire game.

Torres and Dingler Setting the Table

Gleyber Torres leading off followed by Dillon Dingler gives Detroit two contact-oriented bats at the top of the order. If those two can get on base consistently against Griffin, they put Kevin McGonigle and Hao-Yu Lee in position to do damage in the middle of the innings before the lineup's core takes over.

Max Clark in Center Field

Batting seventh and playing center, Max Clark is worth watching every time he takes the field at Comerica Park. The young outfielder represents one of the more intriguing pieces of Detroit's present and future, and moments in August games like this one are where development gets real.

Spencer Torkelson's Production

Batting fifth at first base, Torkelson is a player this organization has invested in heavily. His performance in the heart of the order against a Cleveland staff willing to challenge right-handed hitters will be a storyline to track.

Prediction

Valdez gives Detroit a genuine pitching edge in this one. If he commands his sinker and limits Cleveland's ability to put runners in motion early, the Tigers' lineup should have enough in it to scratch out the runs needed against Griffin. Detroit wins a close one, 4-2, at Comerica Park.