Astros vs Tigers Preview: Battle of Young Arms in Detroit

The Astros just won two straight games and they're hungry for more. Yesterday they beat the Tigers 2-1 in a nail-biter. Spencer Arrighetti takes the mound tonight looking to keep the momentum rolling. He's been hit hard this season with a 6.5 ERA, but Houston's batting lineup has been swinging hot. The Tigers' pitching staff is legendary—anchored by two-time Cy Young winner Tariq Skubal. Keider Montero starts for Detroit tonight. This matchup pits a hungry Houston team against one of baseball's most talented rotations.

The Tigers have one of the best pitching staffs ever assembled with Skubal leading the charge. But injuries are piling up. Jack Flaherty might return Sunday instead of Friday. Justin Verlander hit a hamstring issue and needs weeks to heal. The bullpen gains Kenley Jansen, a future Hall of Famer. Despite missing key arms right now, Detroit's depth is still elite. Young talents and veterans fill every rotation spot. Tonight's game tests whether the Tigers can win without full strength.

Houston's got momentum. They're 39-43 on the season and just won two straight. The Astros need every victory they can get. Meanwhile, Detroit sits 34-46 but owns the most fearsome pitching rotation in baseball. Tariq Skubal dominated last year with a 2.21 ERA and 241 strikeouts. Framber Valdez—formerly Houston's ace—now throws for Detroit. This is a clash between a surging team and a staff built to shut down hitters. Every pitch matters tonight. Will Houston's hot bats stay hot?