The Detroit Tigers return from the All-Star break with a road test against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Right-hander Troy Melton brings one of the club’s strongest recent pitching runs into Friday night’s opener.
Melton has allowed one run or fewer in each of his last four games, giving Detroit a promising starting point as it begins the season’s second half. The 25-year-old will make his ninth start of the campaign against an Angels lineup facing a pitcher in sharp form.
Game Details
| Matchup | Record | Starting Pitcher | Game Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit Tigers vs. Los Angeles Angels | Tigers 44-52; Angels 38-59 | RHP Troy Melton vs. LHP Reid Detmers | 9:38 p.m. ET, Angel Stadium |
Melton enters Game 97 with a 5-1 record and a 1.82 ERA. Over his past 23 2/3 innings, he has posted a 0.76 ERA and 2.68 FIP while steadily raising his strikeout totals from outing to outing.
His latest appearance included a career-high nine strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings. That stretch has made Melton a key early storyline for the Tigers as the schedule resumes.
Angels Look for a Reset From Detmers
The Angels will counter with left-hander Reid Detmers, who owns a 3-6 record and 4.39 ERA. Detmers is seeking a turnaround after allowing a difficult pair of starts to close the first half.
Across nine innings in those two outings, Detmers recorded a 10.00 ERA and 7.77 FIP. He gave up 14 hits, including four home runs, and issued four walks while striking out 11 batters.
Detmers also threw two wild pitches during that span, adding to the pressure on the Angels starter entering the opener. According to Bless You Boys, Detroit’s recent momentum from Melton contrasts sharply with Detmers’ struggles heading into the break.
The game will air on Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, and the Tigers Radio Network. The late West Coast start gives Detroit an immediate challenge as it opens its road series in Anaheim.