This will mark the seventh and final battle between the Detroit Tigers (34-44) and Texas Rangers (48-31) in 2023. Unless there's an unexpected October battle. So, what's in store in Arlington for a Thursday afternoon? At 2:05 p.m. EDT, the world will find out of the Detroit Tigers can scratch their way to an AL Central crown. Taking down the Rangers in Globe Life Field again would be an impressive feat to aid their push.
Every AL Central team north of Kansas City has a shot at the 2023 crown, even if their play isn't as deserving. That rings true for this third-place Tigers team, which is only a handful of games behind first. Wins are the only way to get there though, and repeating a performance like Monday's will help that cause. Detroit's offense is awful, ranking 28th in runs per game this season. The Tigers put up seven that night, moving to 25-7 when they score at least five runs. There are a lot of statistics offensively that Detroit is horrible in, chief among them OBP and slugging percentage. If this team can somehow find a respectable level at the plate for an extensive stretch, they'll be a tough team to beat moving forward.
Matt Vierling ate with this move and left no crumbs. ?? pic.twitter.com/aeaVy4lDMX
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) June 27, 20 23
As it stands, a passable pitching staff does most of the heavy lifting. Particularly the work of their relievers, who collectively are among MLB's 10 best units for ERA and FIP. Starting pitching is a mixed bag, especially with Eduardo Rodriguez injured. Enter Reese Olson, the starter tabbed for this game. Olson made his MLB debut on June 2, so this game will wrap up his first month in the big leagues. Through 24.2 innings, he's allowed 15 runs (13 earned), although seven of those runs came in one start. Olson's first 10.0 MLB innings were on the road, and he walked away with five hits, two walks, nine strikeouts, and three runs allowed. He's been pretty solid but has a tough test ahead.