The Detroit Tigers wrap up their regular season schedule Wednesday, September 23, hosting the Washington Nationals for a 1:10 PM ET first pitch at Comerica Park. Framber Valdez takes the ball for Detroit opposite Washington's Richard Lovelady. With the season winding down to its final days, every game carries roster evaluation weight as the Tigers look to close out 2026 on a strong note in front of the home crowd.

Pitching Matchup: Framber Valdez vs. Richard Lovelady

Framber Valdez is the clear headliner of this pitching matchup. The left-hander brings legitimate front-of-the-rotation stuff to a Wednesday afternoon setting, and getting a quality start from him is the baseline expectation. Whatever the Tigers get from Valdez today will set the tone — when he's on, Detroit's bullpen rarely has to carry a heavy load.

Washington counters with Richard Lovelady, a left-hander who figures to be tested early by Detroit's lineup. Lovelady hasn't been a frontline starter for the Nationals, and the Tigers will be looking to make him work deep into counts and get into the Washington bullpen as quickly as possible.

Detroit Tigers Starting Lineup

• 1. Kevin McGonigle — 3B
• 2. Hao-Yu Lee — DH
• 3. Ben Malgeri — RF
• 4. Riley Greene — LF
• 5. Dillon Dingler — C
• 6. Max Clark — CF
• 7. Spencer Torkelson — 1B
• 8. John Peck — SS
• 9. Zach McKinstry — 2B

Keys to Watch Wednesday

Riley Greene in the Cleanup Spot

Greene batting fourth puts the weight of the middle of the order squarely on his shoulders. He's Detroit's most dangerous hitter in this lineup construction, and how he performs against a left-handed starter like Lovelady will be worth tracking closely.

Spencer Torkelson Batting Seventh

Torkelson slotting in at seventh is notable. The first baseman was once viewed as a cornerstone piece for this franchise, and his spot this deep in the order reflects where things stand heading into the offseason. He's still capable of doing damage, but the Tigers clearly have questions to answer about his role going forward.

Young Pieces Getting Late-Season Looks

The presence of Kevin McGonigle leading off, Max Clark in center, and John Peck at shortstop signals that Detroit is using these final regular season games to evaluate youth. McGonigle hitting first and Peck batting eighth gives the front office genuine data on two players who could factor into 2027 roster decisions.

Prediction

Valdez against a Nationals squad finishing out its own season is a favorable matchup on paper for Detroit. If Valdez pitches to his capabilities and the lineup does enough damage against Lovelady early, the Tigers should handle business at Comerica Park this afternoon. Detroit wins, 5-2.

Catch the game on Detroit SportsNet or listen on WXYT 97.1 FM. Spanish-language coverage is available on LaZ WDTW 1310 AM/107.9 FM.