The Detroit Tigers head to Seattle for a 4:10 PM ET first pitch on Thursday, August 6, at T-Mobile Park, sending left-hander Framber Valdez to the mound against Mariners right-hander Bryce Miller. It is a compelling pitching matchup between two starters capable of controlling a game, and Detroit will need Valdez to be sharp on the road in what shapes up as a genuine test away from home. Catch the action on Detroit SportsNet or tune in on WXYT 97.1 FM.

Probable Pitchers: Framber Valdez vs. Bryce Miller

Valdez takes the ball for Detroit. The left-hander brings a heavy sinker-based approach that generates ground balls and keeps the ball in the park — exactly the profile you want on the road against a Seattle lineup that has enough athleticism to do damage in the gaps. Miller counters for the Mariners. The right-hander has shown the ability to miss bats with his fastball and has been a reliable arm in Seattle's rotation. Neither team has a soft touch on the mound tonight, which means run-scoring opportunities will need to be earned.

Detroit Tigers Starting Lineup at Seattle

• Kevin McGonigle, 3B
• Gleyber Torres, 2B
• Dillon Dingler, C
• Riley Greene, LF
• Colt Keith, DH
• Spencer Torkelson, 1B
• Max Clark, CF
• Javier Báez, SS
• Zach McKinstry, RF

Seattle Mariners Starting Lineup

• Taylor Ward, RF
• Randy Arozarena, LF
• Dominic Canzone, DH
• Julio Rodríguez, CF
• Cole Young, 2B
• Weston Wilson, 1B
• Jhonny Pereda, C
• Leo Rivas, 3B
• Colt Emerson, SS

Keys to Watch for the Tigers

Valdez and the Ground Ball Game

Framber Valdez's value is tied directly to his ability to generate weak contact and keep runners off base. T-Mobile Park can be a pitcher-friendly environment, which plays into his approach. If he can work efficiently through the Mariners' lineup — particularly limiting Julio Rodríguez and Randy Arozarena, two of Seattle's most dangerous hitters — Detroit has a real shot at a quality start and a low-scoring affair they can win.

Riley Greene and the Middle of Detroit's Order

With Greene hitting cleanup and Colt Keith right behind him at DH, the Tigers have their best run-producing opportunities concentrated in the heart of the order. If Torres gets on base at the top and Dingler continues to contribute, Detroit has the lineup construction to scratch across runs against a quality pitcher like Miller. The challenge will be making Miller work deep into counts rather than giving him quick outs.

Max Clark Getting Regular Reps

Clark slots into center field at seventh in the order. Getting the young outfielder consistent at-bats against major league pitching remains an important part of what the Tigers are building. How he handles Miller's stuff will be worth tracking.

Prediction

This is a pitcher's duel on paper, and both Valdez and Miller are capable of delivering exactly that. Detroit's lineup has enough in the middle — Greene, Keith, Torres — to cobble together two or three runs, and if Valdez is on, that may be enough. Tigers 3, Mariners 2.