The Detroit Tigers host the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday, July 12, at Comerica Park for a 1:40 PM ET first pitch, and this one comes with a headliner worth circling on the calendar. Tarik Skubal toes the rubber for Detroit against Zack Wheeler, giving fans at the corner of Wigle and Adams two of the more formidable right-handed starters in the American and National Leagues. Whether you care about standings or just elite pitching, this afternoon game delivers a reason to watch.

Probable Pitchers: Tarik Skubal vs. Zack Wheeler

Skubal is the unquestioned anchor of Detroit's rotation. The left-hander — one of the game's premier starters — draws the assignment in what shapes up as the toughest test this Tigers staff can face this side of a playoff game. Wheeler, a veteran workhorse for Philadelphia, brings a powerful four-seam fastball and a wipeout slider that has punished hitters throughout his career. Expect both starters to attack the strike zone and keep pitch counts honest. If either bullpen has to work deep into this one, something went sideways.

Detroit Tigers Starting Lineup

• 1. Kevin McGonigle — SS
• 2. Dillon Dingler — C
• 3. Colt Keith — 3B
• 4. Riley Greene — LF
• 5. Spencer Torkelson — 1B
• 6. Kerry Carpenter — DH
• 7. Zach McKinstry — 2B
• 8. Matt Vierling — RF
• 9. James Outman — CF

Keys to Watch for Detroit

Can the Middle of the Order Make Wheeler Work?

Colt Keith, Riley Greene, and Spencer Torkelson occupy the three, four, and five spots, and that trio needs to put pressure on Wheeler early. The Phillies ace is at his most dangerous when he is ahead in counts and working at his own pace. Detroit's best shot is grinding at-bats, taking pitches, and forcing Wheeler into deep counts before the sixth inning arrives.

Skubal's Command Against a Philadelphia Lineup That Makes You Pay

Philadelphia does not chase. Their lineup is disciplined enough to draw walks and patient enough to sit on a mistake. Skubal's strength has always been his ability to command multiple pitches at the bottom of the zone, and that precision becomes especially important today. Any stretch where his fastball leaks over the middle of the plate is a stretch where the Phillies can do damage.

Bottom of the Order Contribution

Kerry Carpenter through James Outman — spots six through nine — represent a stretch where Wheeler will try to cruise. If McKinstry, Vierling, or Outman can find a way on base and create something for the top of the order to drive in, Detroit's offensive ceiling rises considerably. Wheeler can be stingy, but he is not untouchable if lineups manufacture pressure late in at-bats.

Broadcast Information

The game airs locally on Detroit SportsNet and on WXYT 97.1 FM on the radio dial. Philadelphia-market viewers can catch the action on NBCSP and 94 WIP. Spanish-language coverage is available on LaZ WDTW 1310 AM/107.9 FM and 106.1 Rumba.

Prediction

Skubal versus Wheeler is the kind of matchup that tends to stay close and get decided late. Both starters are capable of going deep into a game and suppressing runs. Expect a low-scoring affair — something in the neighborhood of a 2-1 or 3-2 final. Detroit has the home crowd at Comerica Park and Skubal on the mound, two factors that lean this one toward the Tigers. Pick Detroit to grind out a tight win on a Sunday afternoon.