Baseball is resuming after the All-Star break with an exciting matchup set to take place this weekend. The reigning Triple Crown winner, Tarik Skubal, will take the mound for the Detroit Tigers as they face off against the struggling Texas Rangers in a three-game series at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas from July 18-20. This key series not only features Skubal, who leads the American League in various pitching categories, but also provides fans with a chance to see some strong bullpen performances from both teams.
The Tigers enter this series with the best record in Major League Baseball, although they recently faced a setback with a four-game losing streak after getting swept by the Seattle Mariners. Despite this dip, the Tigers are still ranked highly in runs per game and team slugging percentage, and they have shown resilience by winning 20 of their 59 games after trailing.
A notable improvement for the Tigers this season has been their offensive production. Unlike last year’s struggles, where Riley Greene was the only player to hit over 18 home runs, the current lineup boasts multiple players on pace to hit 25 or more home runs this year. Greene has already hit 24 homers, while Spencer Torkelson and Kerry Carpenter contribute significantly to the power game.
Skubal, who is projected to start in the series finale on “Sunday Night Baseball,” has delivered an impressive performance in 2024, showcasing a lower ERA and WHIP compared to last season, along with a complete-game shutout. His dominance on the mound positions him as one of the top pitchers in the league.
On the flip side, the Rangers, the previous year’s World Series champions, have faced challenges this season, struggling to maintain momentum and find consistency on offense despite a strong pitching staff. Their top hitters have underperformed, particularly with injuries adversely affecting star shortstop Corey Seager.
This matchup presents both teams with an opportunity to either solidify their status as contenders or seek answers to their ongoing challenges. For fans and players alike, the potential for a turnaround lies in their performances this weekend.
For those looking to catch the games, tickets are available on StubHub, and streaming options include Victory+ for Rangers games and ESPN+ for “Sunday Night Baseball.” As the season progresses, both teams will be looking to harness their talents and improve as they work towards their goals.