Tigers vs Rangers Preview: Casey Mize Faces Kumar Rocker in July Game

The Tigers just beat Texas 3-0 yesterday, and it was all about their offense. Greene smashed a home run to right field that reached 386 feet. Carpenter scored on that blast, and Keith added another run in the second inning. But here's the thing—the Rangers answered back hard on Thursday night. Texas erupted for 10 runs and dominated 10-4. Díaz, Jung, and Carter all went deep for the Rangers. This series is heating up fast. Today's matchup could swing things either way.

Casey Mize is Detroit's starter today, and this guy has serious talent. He was drafted first overall back in 2018 and made his first All-Star game last year. That's huge. Mize carries a 3.21 ERA into this game with 28 strikeouts so far this season. He's not overpowering hitters like some ace pitchers do, but he's smart and effective. Kumar Rocker gets the ball for Texas. The Rangers' young pitcher is still finding his way in the big leagues. Rocker has a 4.64 ERA and was drafted third overall in 2022. This is a battle between two rising arms.

Detroit's got big problems right now. Gleyber Torres, their starting second baseman, is hurt with an oblique strain. Parker Meadows hasn't hit since April after forearm surgery. Javier Baez is out with an ankle sprain. Even future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander hit a setback with his hamstring. The Tigers are missing star power. Texas has injuries too—star shortstop Corey Seager is on the injured list with back inflammation. Wyatt Langford is out with a hamstring strain. Both teams are fighting through the injury grind. That's baseball in July.