The Detroit Tigers open up the second half of their current six-game homestand on Tuesday night against the Minnesota Twins. With five wins in six tries so far this month coming against the leaders of the American League East and West divisions, AJ Hinch’s squad now has a chance to make up some ground in the AL Central this week.
The Motor City Kitties currently share space in the division cellar with the Kansas City Royals, while the Twinkies are 2.5 games ahead of them in the standings. The Cleveland
Guardians currently lead the pack, with the Chicago White Sox trailing not too far behind them.
The series opener will see right-hander Troy Melton take the mound, coming off an impressive eight-inning performance against the Tampa Bay Rays in St. Pete, where he allowed just two runs on four hits (one home run) and two walks while striking out five en route to his second win of the 2026 campaign.
The 25-year-old has faced Minnesota just once before in his young major league career in relief last year on Aug. 5 at Comerica Park. Melton threw a pair of hitless, scoreless frames, allowing a pair of walks and striking out one in what turned out to be a 6-3 loss for the Tigers that day.
Up against him is fellow righty Taj Bradley, who has regressed slightly after missing some time in May due to right pectoral inflammation. Since his return to the rotation, the 25-year-old has made three starts, putting up an ugly 5.93 ERA but far more respectable 3.40 FIP over 13 2/3 innings of work, allowing 15 hits and nine walks while striking out 18 batters.
Bradley last faced Detroit earlier this season on April 7 at Comerica Park, earning a quality start on 6 1/3 innings of one-run ball, allowing six hits and no walks while striking out 10 — also hitting a pair of batters — en route to his second win of the year with a 4-2 final score.
Here is how the two match up on Tuesday night.
Detroit Tigers (27-39) vs. Minnesota Twins (30-37)
Time (ET): 6:40 p.m.
Place: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
SB Nation Site: Twinkie Town
Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network
Game 67: RHP Troy Melton (2-0, 1.74 ERA) vs. RHP Taj Bradley (5-2, 3.56 ERA)
MELTON
BRADLEY
