The Detroit Tigers return to Comerica Park on Tuesday, September 22, for a 6:40 PM ET regular season clash against the Washington Nationals. Drew Anderson gets the start on the mound for Detroit, squaring off against Washington's Jackson Kent in what figures to be a meaningful late-September game under the lights in downtown Detroit. With the calendar winding down toward the end of the 2026 regular season, every game at this point carries weight — and Tigers fans tuning in on Detroit SportsNet or listening on WXYT 97.1 FM will want to keep a close eye on how this one unfolds.
Starting Pitchers: Drew Anderson vs. Jackson Kent
Drew Anderson draws the assignment for Detroit, tasked with keeping the Tigers competitive in what is a critical stretch of the regular season. Anderson's role in this start will be straightforward: keep the Nationals' lineup off the board long enough to give Detroit's offense a chance to work. Opposing him is Washington's Jackson Kent, who gets the nod for the visiting Nationals. With detailed season statistics unavailable at this time for both starters, the on-field performance Tuesday will be the first real measuring stick for how this pitching matchup shapes up.
Keys to Watch in Detroit
Anderson's Command and Pitch Mix
When a pitcher's statistical track record isn't fully established heading into a start, execution becomes everything. Anderson will need to work efficiently, avoid deep counts, and keep Washington's hitters from stringing together traffic in the middle innings. Any early struggles could force Detroit's bullpen into extended duty late in a tight pennant-race window.
Detroit's Offensive Approach Against Kent
The Tigers will need to be disciplined at the plate against Kent and look for opportunities to put crooked numbers on the board early. Comerica Park's dimensions favor patient, gap-to-gap hitting, and Detroit will want to take full advantage of home comforts on a Tuesday night in front of the home crowd.
Bullpen Depth
Late-September baseball puts a premium on roster depth, and both clubs will be managing their arms carefully. Detroit's ability to bridge from Anderson to its most trusted relievers without burning through options will be a key tactical element as the game progresses.
How to Watch and Listen
- TV (English): Detroit SportsNet
- TV (English): Nationals.TV
- Radio (English): WXYT 97.1 FM
- Radio (English): WJFK 106.7 The Fan
- Radio (Spanish): LaZ WDTW 1310AM/107.9FM
Prediction
This is a game where the home-field edge at Comerica Park matters. Detroit has the crowd, the familiarity with the ballpark, and the motivation that comes with late-season regular season stakes. Without full pitching stats in hand for either starter, this one is genuinely difficult to call on the mound alone — but lean toward the Tigers to take advantage of home comforts and grind out a win in a low-scoring, competitive ballgame. Tigers 4, Nationals 2.
