The Atlanta Braves and Detroit Tigers play the middle game of their three‑game series this afternoon at Comerica Park.
This matchup feels close to must-win territory for the Tigers, who have dropped four straight and were clobbered 10–1 by Atlanta in the opener. The Braves tagged starter Charlie Morton for six runs in just 1.1 innings, while Bryce Elder turned in one of his best outings of the year, holding Detroit to one run over seven innings.
The Tigers now hold just a 2.5-game lead in the AL Central over the Cleveland Guardians, who’ve won eight straight. The two teams face off for a final three-game battle next week. If Detroit’s lead stays below three games, they risk losing it altogether in the head-to-head with Cleveland.
This afternoon, Keider Montero takes the ball for Detroit. The right-hander is 5–3 with a 4.32 ERA, and after being demoted in July, he has looked sharper since his September recall, including five scoreless innings against the Miami Marlins in his last start. Still, his inconsistency has been an issue all season — it’s unclear whether he’s truly turned a page.
For Atlanta, former Tiger Joey Wentz gets the start. He comes in with a 5–6 record and a 5.56 ERA. The Braves are his third team this season — he was put on waivers by two other teams.
Wentz has struggled against strong lineups in recent weeks, surrendering six earned runs apiece to the New York Mets and Seattle Mariners. The Tigers’ bats, which have been quiet this week — limited to one run or less in four out of five games — will have a chance to do some damage against him.
Wentz faced Detroit once this year, as a reliever for the Minnesota Twins, allowing three runs over 1.2 innings.
Prediction
Detroit’s urgency combined with a vulnerable Atlanta starter should give them an edge here. Expect the Tigers to scratch across runs early and hold off a late Braves push.
Prediction: Tigers 6, Braves 4
Starting Lineups
Atlanta Braves
1. Jurickson Profar — LF
2. Matt Olson — 1B
3. Ronald Acuña Jr. — RF
4. Drake Baldwin — DH
5. Ozzie Albies — 2B
6. Ha‑Seong Kim — SS
7. Michael Harris II — CF
8. Sandy Leon — C
9. Ignacio Álvarez Jr. — 3B
Starting Pitcher: Joey Wentz (LHP) — 5‑6, 5.56 ERA
Detroit Tigers
1. Jahmai Jones — DH
2. Gleyber Torres — 2B
3. Wenceel Pérez — RF
4. Spencer Torkelson — 1B
5. Riley Greene — LF
6. Andy Ibanez — 3B
7. Dillon Dingler — C
8. Parker Meadows — CF
9. Javier Báez — SS
Starting Pitcher: Keider Montero (RHP) — 5‑3, 4.32 ERA
How to Watch Braves vs. Tigers
First pitch for this afternoon’s Braves‑Tigers game is set for 1:10 PM Eastern / 12:10 PM Central at Comerica Park in Detroit.
The game airs nationally on MLB Network for out-of-market viewers and locally on FanDuel Sports Network Detroit, FanDuel Sports Network South, and FanDuel Sports Network Southeast.
Out‑of‑market viewers can stream via MLB.TV.
Looking to catch the game for free? MLB Network is available via streaming on DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, and Hulu + Live TV, all of which offer free trials.
Atlanta Braves vs. Detroit Tigers
Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
First Pitch: 1:10 PM Eastern / 12:10 PM Central
Venue: Comerica Park, Detroit, MI
TV: MLB Network (out-of-market), FanDuel Sports Network Detroit, FanDuel Sports Network South, FanDuel Sports Network Southeast
Streaming: MLB.TV