Detroit Tigers vs Houston Astros Game 43 Preview, TV, Lineup

Detroit Tigers (25-17) vs Houston Astros (27-15) – 7:08 PM ET

Comerica Park – Detroit, MI

TV: FSD

Radio: 97.1 The Ticket (click for affiliates)

Weather: 61 degrees, sunny

More from Motor City Bengals

• Detroit Tigers: Victor Reyes finding ways to get the job done
• The Detroit Tigers must cut their losses and release Jonathan Schoop
• Detroit Tigers: Garrett Hill’s new role and changed delivery are excellent
• Detroit Tigers: Joe Jiménez has rebounded in 2022
• Detroit Tigers: Is it finally time to move the fences in at Comerica Park?

Game Preview 

The Detroit Tigers suddenly find themselves on a two-game winning streak after a couple of late rallies in the previous games pushed them to victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday night and the Houston Astros on Thursday afternoon.

When We Last Met

The Tigers appeared to be coasting to a victory on Thursday with a 5-0 lead behind David Price absolutely dominating Astros’ batters. But he grew tired while still under 100 pitches in the seventh inning and allowed Houston to climb back within two runs. Houston scored again in the eighth off Joba Chamberlain and Joakim Soria allowed the first career homer to Preston Tucker and blew his first save.

James McCann saved the day in the 11th when he led off the inning with his second homer of his career–and first to reach the seats after his first one was an inside the park variety. McCann’s heroics saved his team from a potentially devastating loss.

Pitching Matchup

Alfredo Simon (4-2, 3.04) continued his surprisingly fine season in his last start Sunday night in St. Louis, but as has happen often this year, was the victim of poor run support. Simon held the Cardinals to two runs while scattering seven hits. He struck out four and walked four but picked up the loss. He has not faced Houston since 2013 and has four career appearances against them all in relief, going 1-0 with a 1.93 ERA.

Collin McHugh (5-1, 4.09) came back nicely in his last start, allowing two runs on six hits over seven innings, after being bombed for seven runs in his previous start, an 8-1 loss to the San Francisco Giants. The right-hander  will be facing the Detroit Tigers for the first time in his four-year major league career, which has featured stops in New York with the Mets and Colorado.

Tigers Lineup

1. Anthony Gose-CF
2. Ian Kinsler-2B
3. Miguel Cabrera-1B
4. J.D. Martinez-RF
5. Yoenis Cespedes-LF
6. Nick Castellanos-3B
7. Rajai Davis-DH
8. James McCann-C
9. Jose Iglesias

Injuries

• Victor Martinez — 15-day DL
• Bruce Rondon — 15-day DL
• Alex Avila — 15-day DL
• Justin Verlander — 15-day DL
• Joe Nathan – Out for the Season

Next: Verlander, Rondon getting close to a return