The Detroit Tigers have turned a corner in June, stringing together a series of dominant performances that culminated in a sweep of the Chicago White Sox.
Their starting rotation has now logged 25 consecutive starts in which opponents have been held to four runs or fewer, the longest active streak in Major League Baseball and a key factor behind the team’s ascent in the American League standings.
With a Team ERA of 3.12 for the month, Detroit sits atop the AL, just ahead of the New York Yankees, whose own 3.82 ERA places them a close second.
A pivotal three‑game set
The Tigers will next host the Yankees in a crucial three‑game series, with Framber Valdez, Casey Mize and Tarik Skubal slated to take the mound for Detroit.
Valdez arrives after a strong outing against the Houston Astros, where he limited the opposition to a single run over six innings and showcased his trademark mix of fastball, curveball and slider.
What Valdez must do
To keep the Yankees’ potent lineup in check, Valdez will need to rely on his secondary pitches, especially the curveball that has been generating swings and misses all season.
If he can continue to restrict opponents to four runs or fewer, the Tigers’ offense should find enough room to exploit the Yankees’ bullpen, potentially turning the series in Detroit’s favor.