The Detroit Tigers wrap up the workweek at Comerica Park on Friday, September 25, hosting the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 6:40 PM ET first pitch. Jackson Jobe gets the ball for Detroit against Pittsburgh's Bubba Chandler in what shapes up as a compelling young-arms matchup. With the regular season winding down, every game carries weight for a Tigers club looking to finish strong in front of the home crowd. This one airs on Detroit SportsNet and WXYT 97.1 FM for Tigers fans tuning in.

Pitching Matchup: Jackson Jobe vs. Bubba Chandler

The storyline on the mound Friday is impossible to ignore. Jobe and Chandler represent two of the more intriguing young arms in their respective organizations, and both will be looking to make a statement in the final stretch of the regular season. Jobe has been one of the more closely watched developments in the Tigers rotation, a hard-throwing right-hander who embodies the young core Detroit has been building toward. Chandler, Pittsburgh's own prized pitching prospect, brings a similar pedigree across the diamond.

Without season-long ERA or win-loss numbers available heading into Friday, the focus shifts to execution on the night. When two young starters face off this late in a season, command and pitch efficiency tend to separate the performances. Whichever pitcher can keep his pitch count manageable through five or six innings gives his team the best chance to lean on the bullpen from a position of strength.

Detroit Tigers Lineup Friday, September 25

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

Keys to Watch at Comerica Park

Riley Greene's Production in the Middle of the Order

Greene sliding into the five-hole is worth monitoring. He's one of Detroit's most dynamic hitters, and his ability to drive in runs or set the table for the bottom third of the lineup matters in close late-season games.

Spencer Torkelson at the Bottom of the Order

Torkelson batting eighth is an interesting construction. He's a power threat capable of doing damage even from that spot, and opposing pitchers can't simply cruise through the order assuming an easy inning when he steps in.

Jobe's Command Against a Live Pittsburgh Lineup

The Pirates may not be a powerhouse, but they can put the ball in play and make a young pitcher work. How Jobe handles traffic on the bases — particularly in the middle innings — will tell us a lot about where he is as the season closes out.

Prediction

This feels like a tight, low-scoring game built around two pitchers who thrive on keeping hitters off balance. Detroit's lineup top to bottom has enough variety to manufacture a run or two even on a night when the ball isn't flying. Give the edge to the home side. Tigers win, 3-2, in a game Comerica Park appreciates on a Friday night heading into the final days of the regular season.