Ronel Blanco faces the tough Jack Flaherty in the Opener of a three-game series in Houston. At 18-10, the Tigers are first in the AL Central while the Astros, at 14-13, are third in the AL West, 1.5 games behind Seattle and a half game behind the Texas Rangers.
The Tigers’ offense is 11th in MLB OPS at .717, and the Astros are 25th at .647. Spencer Torkelson, .930 OPS, eight homers. and Zach McKinstry, .920 OPS, lead the Tigers.
In pitching, the Tigers staff is second in team ERA at 2.80, while the Astros staff is fourth at 3.