The Detroit Tigers return to Comerica Park on Friday, July 24, 2026 for a 6:40 PM ET divisional matchup against the Kansas City Royals. Tarik Skubal gets the ball for Detroit against Royals right-hander Beck Way. With AL Central standings tightening as the summer stretches on, every game between these two clubs carries real weight. This one is on Detroit SportsNet and WXYT 97.1 FM for Tigers fans tuning in from home.

Pitching Matchup: Skubal vs. Way

When Tarik Skubal takes the mound at Comerica Park, the ballpark feels different. Detroit's ace gives this franchise a genuine anchor at the top of the rotation, and facing a divisional opponent only sharpens the stakes. Skubal's ability to generate swing-and-miss with his fastball-changeup combination puts pressure on Kansas City's lineup from the first pitch. The Tigers need him to log innings and keep the bullpen rested.

Beck Way gets the assignment for the Royals. The right-hander will be tested by a Detroit lineup that has some pop up and down the order. Way's command and ability to get early-count outs will be critical — if he lets Detroit's hitters work deep counts, this offense can do damage.

Detroit Tigers Starting Lineup

• 1. Colt Keith — 3B
• 2. Gleyber Torres — DH
• 3. Dillon Dingler — C
• 4. Riley Greene — LF
• 5. Spencer Torkelson — 1B
• 6. Hao-Yu Lee — 2B
• 7. Zach McKinstry — SS
• 8. Matt Vierling — CF
• 9. Ben Malgeri — RF

Keys to Watch

Colt Keith Leading Off

Keith sets the table from the top of the order at third base. His ability to get on base and create pressure early in games is central to how this Detroit offense can get rolling against a quality arm like Way.

Riley Greene in the Middle of the Order

Greene batting cleanup puts him in position to do the most damage. The left fielder is one of this team's most dynamic offensive threats, and how he fares against Way will go a long way toward deciding the final score.

Spencer Torkelson's Continued Development

Torkelson slots in at five, and the first baseman remains one of the most closely watched Tigers hitters. His production against right-handed pitching matters in a spot like this, and a strong night from Tork keeps the heart of this order dangerous deep into the game.

Skubal's Pitch Efficiency

Detroit's bullpen management becomes much easier when Skubal works deep into games. Watch his pitch count through five innings — if he's pitching efficiently, this game sets up beautifully for the Tigers.

Prediction

Skubal at home against a divisional opponent is about as good a spot as Detroit can ask for. The Tigers' lineup has enough variety — contact at the top, power in the middle, and depth at the bottom — to make Way work from the start. Expect Skubal to deliver a quality outing and give Detroit the edge it needs. Tigers win, 4-2.