The Detroit Tigers head to Rogers Centre on Wednesday, September 16 for a 3:07 PM ET showdown against the Toronto Blue Jays, with right-hander Keider Montero drawing the start opposite the legendary Max Scherzer. With the regular season winding down, every game carries weight in the standings, and this road matchup gives Detroit a chance to pick up ground against an AL East opponent. Catch all the action on Detroit SportsNet or WXYT 97.1 FM if you're making the drive.

Pitching Matchup: Keider Montero vs. Max Scherzer

Keider Montero gets the ball for Detroit, continuing what has been a meaningful developmental stretch for the young right-hander. Montero has shown flashes of the stuff that made him one of the more intriguing arms in the organization, and a start against a big-league lineup in a meaningful September game is exactly the kind of experience that sharpens a pitcher. The Tigers need him to go deep into the game and keep them in it.

On the other side, he's walking into one of the tougher assignments a young starter can draw: Max Scherzer on the mound for Toronto. Scherzer remains one of the most accomplished pitchers in baseball history, and even at this stage of his career, he demands respect every time he toes the rubber. Detroit's lineup will need to grind at-bats, work counts, and look for any cracks early before Scherzer settles in.

Toronto Blue Jays Lineup to Watch

Toronto is rolling out a lineup that presents challenges top to bottom. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hits third at first base and remains the centerpiece of everything Toronto does offensively. George Springer slots in as the cleanup DH, and Kazuma Okamoto bats fifth at third base. Brett Bateman leads off in center, with Nathan Lukes hitting second in right field. The Tigers' pitching staff cannot afford to let Guerrero beat them with runners on base — neutralizing the middle of this order is the key to a Detroit victory.

Keys to the Game for Detroit

• Montero's command: If Montero can locate his pitches and avoid big innings, Detroit stays in this game. Free passes against this lineup get expensive fast.
• Grinding Scherzer: The Tigers need to work pitch counts early. Force Scherzer to throw strikes, foul pitches off, and make him work for every out in the first three innings.
• Quieting Guerrero: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hitting third with Springer behind him is a dangerous combination. Getting through that part of the order without damage changes the entire complexion of the game.
• Bullpen depth: Depending on how Montero fares, the Tigers' bullpen will likely be tested. Having arms ready and using them wisely in the late innings is essential on the road.

Prediction

This is a tough draw for Detroit. Facing Scherzer at Rogers Centre with a young starter on the hill is a difficult equation to solve. That said, September baseball can be unpredictable, and if Montero brings his best stuff and the Tigers' offense makes Scherzer work, this game is absolutely winnable. Expect a competitive, low-scoring affair. Blue Jays 4, Tigers 2 — but don't be surprised if Detroit finds a way to steal this one.