The Detroit Tigers will take the field on Sunday with a 52–32 record and the confidence of a team that has found its identity through elite starting pitching, timely offense, and steady growth from a core of rising stars who have quietly turned the Tigers into one of the American League’s most complete clubs. Hosting the Minnesota Twins in the series finale at Comerica Park, Detroit is aiming to lock down another series win and maintain control of the AL Central, which they’ve led for much of the first half thanks in large part to a well-balanced attack that features both power and discipline. Offensively, the Tigers are led by Riley Greene, whose breakout campaign has included a collection of game-changing home runs and highlight-reel moments, and Gleyber Torres, whose presence in the lineup has brought experience, consistent contact, and an ability to come through with runners in scoring position. Those two have helped the Tigers average just over 4.6 runs per game, and with complementary contributors like Spencer Torkelson and Jake Rogers heating up in recent weeks, Detroit is finding ways to win with depth and balance rather than relying on a single hot bat.

On the mound, the ace of the staff, Tarik Skubal, will get the start, and his 9–2 record with a dazzling 2.29 ERA underscores his dominance as one of the American League’s top-tier arms this season, with an ability to pound the zone, generate weak contact, and neutralize both left- and right-handed hitters. Skubal’s efficiency allows the Tigers to preserve their bullpen for high-leverage situations, and his command gives them a legitimate chance to take control of games early, especially against a Minnesota offense that has struggled at times to string together rallies. Detroit has also been reliable at home, covering the run line in six of their last eight games at Comerica Park, a sign that this group feeds off home energy and handles business when expected. Defensively, the Tigers have room to grow with a .982 fielding percentage, which ranks near the bottom third of the league, but they’ve generally made the plays when it matters, especially behind Skubal, who works quickly and keeps his infielders engaged. The key to this matchup will be jumping on Twins starter Chris Paddack early—if Detroit can pressure him in the first few innings and put traffic on the basepaths, they’ll likely break through before the game reaches the later innings where Minnesota’s bullpen becomes more unpredictable. For manager A.J. Hinch, the strategy remains the same: trust the rotation, stay aggressive at the plate, and force the opponent into high-stress innings. The Tigers have shown time and again that they can close out a series with professionalism and poise, and Sunday presents another chance to prove they’re not just a surprise team riding a hot start but a legitimate threat with playoff aspirations. With Skubal on the hill, Greene swinging a hot bat, and the team playing confident, fundamental baseball, Detroit is well-positioned to take control early and deliver another statement win in what’s shaping up to be a special season.