Riding the momentum of their series-opening win over the Tampa Bay Rays, the Detroit Tigers will turn to starting pitcher Kenta Maeda as they seek a sweep on Tuesday. Maeda will follow a stellar performance by Tarik Skubal, who dominated the Rays with six scoreless innings and nine strikeouts in Monday’s game.
Maeda, a former 16-game winner, is still finding his rhythm after missing the 2022 season due to Tommy John surgery. In his fifth start of the season, he will aim to improve on his 0-1 record and 7.64 ERA, while keeping the Rays’ offense in check. His 17 2/3 innings pitched this campaign have been marred by seven home runs allowed.
Meanwhile, the Rays will send out right-hander Ryan Pepiot to counter the Tigers’ offensive threat. Pepiot has a 2-2 record and 4.37 ERA in four starts this season. He will look to build on his last outing, where he allowed only one run on three hits over six innings against the Los Angeles Angels.
In their previous encounter last September, Pepiot held the Tigers to five hits and one run over six innings of relief, though he received a no-decision. Detroit’s Parker Meadows homered off Pepiot in that game.
The Tigers’ offense, which woke up in Monday’s game, will need to continue producing against Pepiot and the Rays’ bullpen. Mark Canha and Meadows provided the power on Monday, while the team as a whole collected 11 hits and went 4-for-13 with runners in scoring position.
A series sweep would be a significant boost for the Tigers, who have struggled with consistency this season. A strong showing from Maeda and the offense would go a long way towards building momentum and moving up in the AL Central standings.
