The Detroit Tigers return to Comerica Park on Tuesday, July 28 for a 6:40 PM ET showdown with the Baltimore Orioles. Right-hander Troy Melton gets the ball for Detroit against Baltimore's Dean Kremer in what shapes up as a compelling mid-summer test. With the calendar deep into the 2026 season, every game carries real weight in the standings race. Detroit is sending out a recognizable lineup built around some intriguing names up and down the order, and a Comerica Park crowd will be watching closely to see how this group responds at home.

Detroit Tigers vs. Baltimore Orioles: Starting Pitching Matchup

Troy Melton draws the home start for the Tigers. Melton is a young arm who has been working to carve out a consistent role in Detroit's rotation, and a home start against Baltimore gives him a meaningful stage. How he handles the Orioles' lineup — managing pitch counts, keeping the ball in the yard, and working deep into the game — will set the tone for the Tigers' evening.

Dean Kremer takes the hill for Baltimore. The right-hander has been a steady presence in the Orioles' rotation and presents a real challenge for a Detroit lineup that will need to be patient and look for pitches to drive. Kremer is experienced enough to work through lineups multiple times, so the Tigers' hitters will need to make adjustments as the game progresses.

Detroit Tigers Starting Lineup for July 28 vs. Baltimore

• 1. Kevin McGonigle — SS
• 2. Gleyber Torres — 2B
• 3. Riley Greene — LF
• 4. Dillon Dingler — DH
• 5. Colt Keith — 3B
• 6. Spencer Torkelson — 1B
• 7. Zach McKinstry — RF
• 8. Eduardo Valencia — C
• 9. Javier Báez — CF

Keys to Watch in Tigers vs. Orioles

Riley Greene in the Middle of the Order

Greene hitting third puts him at the heart of Detroit's offensive construction. He is the kind of hitter who can change an inning quickly, and getting him into favorable counts against Kremer early will be critical. If Greene gets on base consistently, it puts pressure on Dingler and Keith to drive runs home.

Melton's Efficiency Against a Disciplined Baltimore Offense

The Orioles are not a team that gives away at-bats. Melton will need to establish his fastball early and keep Baltimore from working deep into counts. Pitch economy matters here — the longer Melton stays in the game, the better the Tigers' bullpen is positioned for a late-inning hold.

Spencer Torkelson's Production Opportunity

Batting sixth, Torkelson often comes up with runners on base and a chance to do real damage. His ability to turn on inside pitches and drive the ball to right-center makes him a threat Kremer cannot ignore. A big night from Torkelson in this lineup spot could be the difference.

Javier Báez Batting Ninth

Báez in the nine-hole is an interesting lineup choice. His speed and ability to get on base in front of the top of the order can function as a secondary table-setter, giving McGonigle and Torres opportunities to drive runs early in innings. Watch how Báez approaches his at-bats against Kremer.

Prediction: Tigers vs. Orioles, July 28, 2026

This one figures to be a tight, low-scoring game with two pitchers capable of keeping hitters off-balance. Detroit's lineup has enough pop in the middle — Greene, Dingler, Keith — to scratch out a lead, and if Melton can give the Tigers five or six quality innings at Comerica Park, the bullpen should be able to close it out. Expect a 4-2 Tigers win in front of the home crowd.

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