The Detroit Tigers return to Comerica Park on Friday, July 24, for a 6:40 PM ET showdown with the Kansas City Royals. Tarik Skubal gets the ball for Detroit, squaring off against Kansas City's Beck Way in what shapes up as a compelling AL Central matchup. With division standing implications on the line every time these two clubs meet, Friday night in downtown Detroit carries real weight — and Skubal on the hill gives the Tigers a genuine ace-caliber advantage heading into first pitch.
Pitching Matchup: Tarik Skubal vs. Beck Way
There is no bigger name in this game than Skubal. The Tigers' left-hander has established himself as one of the premier pitchers in the American League, and every time he takes the mound at Comerica Park the crowd has reason to believe Detroit is walking away with a win. He generates swings and misses, works both sides of the plate, and has the kind of competitive edge that makes him a genuine stopper.
Beck Way gets the nod for Kansas City. The right-hander is part of a Royals rotation that has shown flashes of growth, and he will need to be sharp to keep pace with what Skubal is capable of bringing on any given night. Way has the stuff to keep hitters off-balance, but this is a tough draw — facing a Tigers lineup at home with Skubal setting the tone from the other side.
Keys to Watch Friday Night
- Skubal's command early: When Skubal is locating his fastball and mixing his offspeed pitches effectively through the first three innings, Detroit's bullpen rarely gets tested. Getting deep into the game is everything.
- Detroit's lineup vs. a right-hander: The Tigers will want to make Way work early in counts. Drawing walks, getting on base, and manufacturing pressure forces Kansas City's bullpen into action sooner rather than later.
- Royals' baserunning: Kansas City is a club that can create problems on the bases when given opportunities. Detroit's battery will need to stay disciplined and limit free passes that put runners in motion.
- First-inning tone: Comerica Park crowds feed off fast starts. If Detroit scratches across a run in the first, the energy in the ballpark shifts in a hurry.
Broadcast Information
Friday's game can be seen locally on Detroit SportsNet and on Royals.TV for Kansas City viewers. Radio coverage is available on WXYT 97.1 FM in Detroit and 96.5 The Fan on the Kansas City side. Spanish-language listeners can tune in to LaZ WDTW 1310 AM / 107.9 FM.
Prediction
Skubal at home against a Kansas City club he has seen plenty of is about as favorable a pitching setup as Detroit can ask for. Lean heavily on the Tigers here. The offense just needs to give him a lead to work with, and this ballpark — on a warm Friday night — is the kind of environment where this lineup can put up crooked numbers. Tigers win, 4-2.
