Casey Mize and the Tigers aim to avoid a sweep vs. the Rays on June 22, 2025. Can Riley Greene and the offense back up their ace and stop the bleeding?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It's been a tough weekend in the Sunshine State, but the Detroit Tigers (48-30) have a chance to salvage something today. After dropping the first two games to the Tampa Bay Rays, the first-place Tigers are staring down the barrel of a sweep. The pressure falls squarely on the shoulders of Casey Mize, who takes the mound in this crucial series finale with the mission of playing stopper and reminding everyone why this team is leading the AL Central.
The Tigers' pitching staff boasts a 3.51 ERA, among the best in the league, a foundation of success they'll lean on to escape Tampa with a win.
The matchup for the 9:10 AM start pits Detroit's Casey Mize (7-2, 2.95 ERA) against Tampa Bay's Zack Littell (6-7, 3.88 ERA). On paper, it's a favorable duel for the Tigers, but the bats need to wake up. After being held in check for two straight games, the offense, led by the likes of Riley Greene (.284 AVG, 17 HR, 59 RBI), must provide Mize with run support. This isn't just about avoiding a sweep; it's about halting the Rays' momentum and re-establishing the Tigers' identity as a dominant force before a new week begins.
Despite the rocky series, let's not lose sight of the bigger picture. The Tigers still hold a comfortable lead in the AL Central, a testament to their consistent play all season. They've built this lead on a balanced attack, averaging 4.9 runs per game, and a pitching staff that has been nothing short of elite. With a team ERA of 3.51, anchored by ace Tarik Skubal's incredible 2.12 ERA, the Tigers have the arms to compete with anyone. This series is a bump in the road, but the foundation for a deep playoff run remains firmly in place.
The team's resilience is being tested on the injury front as well. Key contributors Matt Vierling (right shoulder inflammation) and reliever Will Vest (right pinkie finger) remain on the sidelines, their absence felt on the field. The farm system is also nursing injuries, with top prospect Kevin McGonigle working his way back from a hamate fracture. However, there is good news on the horizon. Starter Reese Olson recently had a successful bullpen session, targeting a September return that could be a massive boost for the stretch run. Unfortunately, Brendan White and Sawyer Gipson-Long remain on the long-term mend.
Today's game is more than just another notch in the win or loss column; it's a statement. A win shows the league that even on a bad weekend, the Tigers can't be swept. A loss, however, sends them home with their tails between their legs, having been swept by a tough AL East opponent. All eyes are on Mize and the offense to see if they can turn the tide and head into the next series with their AL Central lead feeling secure.
