Tuesday’s interleague matchup between the Detroit Tigers and Washington Nationals at Nationals Park features two teams on opposite trajectories as they begin July with very different expectations. The Tigers enter the game with a strong 53-32 record, leading the AL Central thanks to a well-rounded roster that combines productive hitting, consistent starting pitching, and a bullpen capable of closing tight games. Detroit’s offensive core has been paced by Riley Greene, who continues to emerge as one of the best young outfielders in the American League with a mix of power and speed, while veteran Javier Báez has provided steady middle infield defense and timely hitting to keep the offense rolling. Their team averages nearly five runs per game, and even though their overall lineup doesn’t boast the top-end power of some contenders, they’ve been remarkably efficient with runners in scoring position. On the mound, Jack Flaherty is set to start for Detroit and will look to improve on a 5-9 record and 4.80 ERA—figures that don’t reflect some of his stronger outings this season, particularly against weaker-hitting teams. The Tigers are heavily favored in this one, entering with a -159 moneyline and with betting markets backing them to control the tempo early against a struggling Nationals squad. Meanwhile, Washington comes into this contest with a 35-49 record, and while they’ve had flashes of competitiveness, injuries and inconsistency have plagued their season.

They’ll counter with Trevor Williams, who holds a 3-9 record and a 5.65 ERA, numbers that suggest another uphill battle against a capable Detroit lineup. Washington’s offense has seen young talents like James Wood begin to contribute, but their run production remains modest at 4.4 runs per game, and injuries to key players such as Keibert Ruiz and Dylan Crews have only added to their challenges. The Nationals do have a decent record against the spread on the road, but at home they’ve struggled to find rhythm, and against a confident Detroit team, they’ll need nearly flawless execution to keep things close. Detroit’s bullpen has quietly become a strength, with multiple reliable arms in the middle and back end, allowing them to close out games even when leads are narrow, while the Nationals have battled bullpen fatigue and occasional defensive lapses that have cost them in high-leverage situations. With an over/under set at 9.5, oddsmakers are expecting a moderately high-scoring game, which plays into the Tigers’ advantage given their offensive balance and ability to strike early. If Flaherty can limit walks and keep the ball in the park, Detroit’s offense should have more than enough firepower to wear down Williams and take control by the middle innings. This game offers Detroit an excellent opportunity to pad their lead in the Central and continue building momentum as they eye the All-Star break, while Washington will simply look to stay competitive and give their fans a glimpse of progress from their young core. Expect the Tigers to dictate the pace in this one with sharper execution, more reliable pitching, and greater depth across all facets of the game.