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Tigers, Guardians Open Crucial AL Central Series
The Detroit Tigers’ once-comfortable division lead has dwindled to a single game. After dropping 18 of their last 25 contests, Detroit (85-71) heads to Progressive Field tonight for a three-game set with the surging Cleveland Guardians (84-72). First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. EST, and the series could decide who takes the AL Central crown.
How to Watch
Date: 09/23/2025
Time: 6:40 pm EST
Stadium: Progressive Field, Cleveland, OH
Radio: 97.1 The Ticket
Watch: FanDuel Sports Network Detroit
Detroit’s September skid has been fueled by cold bats, the Tigers are averaging just 2.9 runs per game this month. They were swept at home by the Guardians last week, a blow that erased nearly all of their cushion atop the division.
Consistency has been the problem. The Tigers went from winning 12 of 13 in midsummer to struggling to string wins together down the stretch. Now, every game feels like a playoff audition.
Pitching Matchup: Skubal vs Williams
Detroit turns to ace Tarik Skubal, who has been one of the best pitchers in baseball. The left-hander is 13-5 with a 2.23 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, and 233 strikeouts. In his last start against Cleveland, he punched out nine over six strong innings.
The Guardians counter with Gavin Williams (11-5), who brings a 3.06 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, and 161 strikeouts. Williams has been steady in big spots, and Cleveland trusts him to match zeros with Skubal.
Odds:
-Spread: Detroit Tigers -1.5 (+118)/ Cleveland Guardians +1.5 (-145)
–Money Line: Detroit Tigers -160/ Cleveland Guardians +135
-Over/Under: 6.5
Odds from BetMGM current to the time of publishing
Players to Watch
- Riley Greene: Detroit’s offensive engine, leading the team in hits (151), doubles (31), home runs (34), and RBI (109).
- Spencer Torkelson: With 132 hits, 31 home runs and 78 RBI, he’s also tied with Riley Greene for 82 runs.
- Gleyber Torres: On-base machine with a 133 hits, and 74 RBI. Leads the team with a .261 AVG and a .366 OBP.
What’s at Stake
Detroit still controls its own destiny. Win the series, and the Tigers regain breathing room. Drop two of three, and Cleveland could take over first place. A sweep? That could push Detroit into Wild Card territory and change the postseason path entirely.
This isn’t just another September series; it’s a critical point. If the Tigers want to prove they belong in October, it has to start tonight behind their ace.
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Richard Knight
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