The Detroit Tigers (85‑71) are on the road to take on the Cleveland Guardians (84‑72) at Progressive Field to kick off a decisive head-to-head series in the final full week of the MLB season.
This is the second series in as many weeks between the two teams. Last week, the Guardians swept the Tigers, accelerating their September collapse that could take on epic proportions this week.
Detroit has held first place in the AL Central since April 23, but now clings to a one-game edge over the Guardians. A loss tonight would bring the two teams into a tie, and a Cleveland sweep could flip the division entirely.
Cleveland, however, has a lot riding on this series too. They’re tied with the Houston Astros for the third and final AL Wild Card spot. Losing the series would likely put them on the outside of the Wild Card race, with just three games to go. The Tigers would be in a similar scenario, too.
So when it comes to the playoff chase, this is an all-or-nothing proposition for both teams.
Tonight, both teams are sending their aces to the mound. Tarik Skubal gets the ball for Detroit, entering at 13–5 with a 2.23 ERA. He’s been even sharper of late, with a 1.84 ERA over his last seven outings.
Skubal did stumble earlier this month against the Miami Marlins, surrendering four runs in just 3.1 innings, but he bounced back last week against these same Guardians, limiting them to one run over six frames. Cleveland still pulled out the win, tagging Detroit’s bullpen for two late runs.
The Guardians are built for these low-scoring battles. Their pitching staff has been the best in baseball this month, posting a league-leading 2.32 ERA in September —nearly a full run better than the next-best team, the Seattle Mariners.
Gavin Williams (11–5, 3.06 ERA) takes the mound tonight, and he’s been superb recently with a 4–1 record and 2.70 ERA over his last seven starts. Against Detroit last week, Williams tossed five scoreless innings and earned the win.
Prediction
This one has all the makings of a classic pitcher’s duel, with both teams leaning on their aces. Detroit has more offensive firepower, but Cleveland’s bullpen and late-inning edge give them the upper hand at home.
Prediction: Guardians 3, Tigers 2
Starting Lineups
Detroit Tigers
1. Parker Meadows — CF
2. Gleyber Torres — 2B
3. Kerry Carpenter — DH
4. Spencer Torkelson — 1B
5. Riley Greene — LF
6. Dillon Dingler — C
7. Wenceel Pérez — RF
8. Zach McKinstry — 3B
9. Javier Báez — SS
Starting Pitcher: Tarik Skubal (LHP) — 13‑5, 2.23 ERA
Cleveland Guardians
1. Steven Kwan — LF
2. Angel Martínez — CF
3. José Ramírez — 3B
4. David Fry — DH
5. Gabriel Arias — SS
6. Kyle Manzardo — 1B
7. Jhonkensy Noel — RF
8. Brayan Rocchio — 2B
9. Austin Hedges — C
Starting Pitcher: Gavin Williams (RHP) — 11‑5, 3.06 ERA
How to Watch Tigers vs. Guardians
First pitch for tonight’s game between the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians is set for 6:40 PM Eastern at Progressive Field in Cleveland.
The game airs live locally on FanDuel Sports Network Detroit and Guardians TV. Out-of-market viewers can stream the game on MLB.TV.
Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Guardians
Date: Tuesday, September 23, 2025
First Pitch: 6:40 PM Eastern
Venue: Progressive Field, Cleveland, OH
TV: Guardians TV, FanDuel Sports Detroit
Streaming: MLB.TV