Riley Greene hits his 20th homer, but Jack Flaherty falters as the Tigers fall to the Nationals 6-4 on July 2, 2025. Get the recap and a key injury update.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a tough start to the day in the nation's capital. The Detroit Tigers dropped the first game of their doubleheader against the Nationals 6-4, a loss made tougher by a shaky start from Jack Flaherty and the fresh news of a key injury. But even on a day of setbacks, Riley Greene continued his star turn with his 20th home run, and the Tigers woke up this morning still firmly in command of the AL Central. It’s a classic case of losing a battle but still winning the war.
We’ll miss Kerry’s presence in the lineup, but Trey has earned this opportunity.
The game largely swung on a tough outing for starter Jack Flaherty. The right-hander (now 5-9) was tagged for five earned runs over just 4.2 innings, with the big blow being a three-run homer by Nationals rookie James Wood. Despite the rough start, the Tigers' offense showed its trademark fight. Riley Greene launched his 20th homer of the season, a two-run shot that continued his stellar campaign. Gleyber Torres later sparked an eighth-inning rally with a two-run double, but the comeback effort ultimately fell short.
The lineup that took the field was already missing a key piece. The team officially placed outfielder Kerry Carpenter on the 10-day injured list with a hamstring strain, sidelining one of their most important left-handed bats. Carpenter's 17 homers and .265 average will be missed. To fill the void, the Tigers recalled infielder Trey Sweeney from Triple-A Toledo, where he was hitting a robust .282. 'We’ll miss Kerry’s presence in the lineup, but Trey has earned this opportunity,' said manager A.J. Hinch, emphasizing the team's depth.
One loss, even a frustrating one, can't overshadow the story of this 2025 season. At 53-32, the Tigers still hold a comfortable 5-game lead in the AL Central. This is a team on pace for its best finish in over a decade, powered by one of the most improved offenses in all of baseball. The team's barrel rate has seen a massive jump to 10.2%, a testament to what President Scott Harris called the 'internal development' of young stars like Greene, who boasts an elite 141 wRC+.
With game two of the doubleheader on deck, the Tigers have an immediate chance to wash away the taste of defeat. Injuries and tough losses are part of the 162-game grind, but this team has proven its resilience all season. The mission remains the same: win the series, protect the lead, and keep marching toward an unforgettable October.
