The Detroit Tigers are limping home after wrapping up a brutal seven-game road trip, capped by an 8-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox that saw them drop that series three games to one. You know it’s been a grind when the end of the regular season feels mercifully near, and get this: the Tigers are sitting at a wild 73-83 record, which is *exactly* where the Washington Nationals are too. These two teams, with identical records, are staring down the penultimate series of the summer, kicking off Monday at Comerica Park.
New Blood On The Mound For Detroit
For Tigers fans, there’s actually something to look forward to in this home stand. Right-hander River Ryan is making his Detroit debut in the opener, a dude they picked up from the Los Angeles Dodgers in that Tarik Skubal trade at the deadline. We’re talking about a 28-year-old trying to make an impression at the very end of the season. His numbers in Triple-A with the Toledo Mud Hens weren’t exactly lights-out: a 3.86 ERA but a pretty high 1.71 WHIP over just 4 2/3 innings across two appearances. He gave up seven hits, including a homer, walked one, and struck out four of the 20 batters he faced. But hey, in 2024, his last MLB action, he had a solid 3.36 FIP over 20.1 innings with a 0.4 fWAR. Can he flash some of that promise now and show why he was worth it?
Washington’s Comeback Kid Takes The Bump
On the other side of the mound for Washington, we’ve got a real comeback story making his 2026 debut: left-hander DJ Herz. This 25-year-old has been through the wringer, missing two whole years recovering from Tommy John surgery! He just returned to action last month after a June setback, and now he’s making his first appearance of the year for the Nats. In six minor league starts since his return, he’s posted a 4.24 ERA over 17 innings, getting up to 65 pitches in his last outing, so expect about four innings of work from him. Back in 2024, Herz put up a 3.71 FIP over 88.2 innings with a 1.7 fWAR. Talk about a battle just to get back on the big league field!
So, Monday night at Comerica Park, it’s River Ryan vs. DJ Herz, both trying to prove something at 6:40 p.m. ET. With both teams dead even at 73-83, this weird three-game set, one of only two against NL opponents to close out the schedule, isn’t just about killing time. It’s about who ends this wild, weird season with a shred of momentum for next year, and who’s already mentally checked out. Don’t miss it.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bless You Boys.
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