Tigers vs Astros Preview: Pitching Heroes Face Off

The Tigers are rolling into Houston with one of baseball's most dangerous rotations. Troy Melton takes the mound Tuesday night for Detroit. This staff is built to dominate—anchored by two-time Cy Young winner Tariq Skubal and featuring veteran arms like Framber Valdez and Justin Verlander. The Tigers are 29-42 overall but their pitching gives them a real shot every game. Missing Jack Flaherty to injury hurts, but Detroit's depth is incredible. When your starting pitchers throw heat like this, you stay in every contest.

The Astros are 33-40 and hungry to climb back into contention. Hunter Brown, Houston's new ace, is coming back from shoulder surgery and takes the mound Tuesday. Brown looked dominant early this season—just one run on five hits in 10 and two-thirds innings. Now fully healthy, Brown is ready to anchor Houston's rotation. The Astros also have Josh Hader in the bullpen, one of baseball's best closers. With Brown firing and Hader ready to shut down late innings, Houston can beat anyone when their best players are healthy.

The Tigers are missing some big names. Jack Flaherty (left ankle), Parker Meadows (left arm surgery), and Javier Baez (ankle) are all sidelined. That's a lot of talent on the shelf. But here's the thing—Detroit built this roster with incredible depth. Guys like Matt Vierling and Wenceel Perez stepped up when injuries hit. Your starting pitchers can only do so much without runs. The Tigers need their position players to deliver Tuesday night in Houston. If the bats stay quiet, even elite pitching cannot carry the day.