The Detroit Tigers snapped their six-game losing streak on Tuesday night with a 4-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays at Comerica Park. Jackson Jobe was not incredibly sharp, but combined with the bullpen, the pitching staff stymied the visitors’ bats while a two-run homer from Max Clark helped power the good guys to the win.
Getting the start for the Tigers in the series finale on Wednesday is right-hander Troy Melton, who has hit a bit of a rough patch recently after an impressive showing in 13 of his
previous 14 appearances. Over his last two outings, the 25-year-old has allowed six runs — but only three earned — stretching across 10 innings of work, allowing 14 hits (two home runs) and four walks while striking out seven for a rough 5.48 FIP, with a pair of team losses and one of his own.
Melton’s longest appearance this summer came against the Rays when he saw them in St. Petersburg back on June 3, throwing eight frames of two-run ball on four hits (one home run) and two walks while striking out five for his second win in a 7-2 final.
For the visitors, fellow righty Freddy Peralta will take the bump looking to turn around what has been a rough season for two different teams. The 30-year-old has been brutal since his trade from the New York Mets to Tampa Bay, posting a 7.17 ERA and 5.76 FIP in four games stretching across 21 1/3 innings, allowing 23 hits (five home runs) and six walks while striking out 16 and hitting a pair of batters, taking two losses in the process.
Peralta faced the Tigers with the Mets in Queens back on May 12, tossing six frames of two-run ball on seven hits (one home run) and one walk while striking out seven for his third win in a 10-2 final. The discrepancy between his bWAR and fWAR for 2026 is interesting, as the former is listed at -0.9 while the latter is 1.0.
Here’s a look at how the two pitchers match up for Wednesday afternoon’s matinee in the D as the Tigers seek their first series win since taking two of three from the Cleveland Guardians.
Detroit Tigers (62-70) vs. Tampa Bay Rays (78-54)
Time (ET): 1:10 p.m.
Place: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
SB Nation Site: DRaysBay
Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network
Game 133: RHP Troy Melton (7-2, 1.60 ERA) vs. RHP Freddy Peralta (5-11, 5.33 ERA)
MELTON
PERALTA
