Tigers vs Yankees Preview: Upbeat Tigers Look to Shock Yankees

The Tigers came to Yankee Stadium and took over. They crushed the Yankees 9-3 on June 30, with homers flying everywhere. Carpenter, Greene, and Torkelson all went deep in the first inning alone. The Tigers won again on June 29, 7-3. Now they're back Wednesday looking to sweep. The Yankees have lost five straight games. Their bats have gone quiet. The Tigers scored nine runs in one game. The Yankees need to find answers fast. This is Detroit's moment to take control.

Detroit's staff is built to win. Tariq Skubal won two Cy Young Awards. The Tigers added Framber Valdez, a two-time All-Star from Houston. They brought back Justin Verlander too, though he's hurt right now. Troy Melton takes the mound Wednesday. The Yankees counter with Will Warren. New York's pitching looks strong on paper, but Max Fried is injured. Gerrit Cole hasn't pitched yet. The Tigers' arms are ready. This matchup comes down to which staff stays sharp longer.

Aaron Judge isn't playing. He's out with a rib injury until August. Giancarlo Stanton is also hurt. That leaves holes in the Yankees' lineup. The Tigers' hitters came alive last week. Torkelson, Greene, and Dingler all powered runs in recent games. Jazz Chisholm Jr. might be available for New York. Ryan McMahon could return Friday. The Yankees have to find offense right now. One more loss could put them in real trouble. This is do-or-die baseball.