Probable pitchers: Tigers LHP Tarik Skubal (17-4, 2.48 ERA) vs. Rays RHP Ryan Pepiot (8-6, 3.64 ERA).
Weather: Rainy in the morning, cloudy during the game, 68 degrees at first pitch, 7 mph winds.
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Game notes: Can the magic come back with the Tigers to Comerica Park?
Somewhere between five and 25 times during the Tigers' recent six-game road trip, it looked like they were going to give up a chance to win and improve their playoff chances. With the exception of Friday - when the Tigers were blown out by the Baltimore Orioles and the Minnesota Twins knocked off the Boston Red Sox won in extra innings - just about everything that could go the Tigers' way did.
Now, A.J. Hinch's squad returns home in the driver's seat for the final wild-card spot with a one-game lead over the Twins. Somehow, in addition to holding a lead over the Twins, the Tigers are also now tied with the Kansas City as the Royals have dropped seven straight games, including a sweep at the hands of the Tigers. The Royals hold the tiebreaker over the Tigers, just like the Twins, but if the Tigers can finish one game better than the Royals over the final six games, they could move into the second wild-card spot. Baseball is a long season, and with 156 games down, it'll all come down to the final six games.
To start the home stretch, the Tigers will have their ace on the mound, a comforting way to start their return to Comerica Park. Tarik Skubal has been by far the best pitcher in the American League so far this year and probably the best pitcher in baseball, meaning the Rays have a tall task if they want to play spoiler for the Tigers' playoff hopes. The left-handed ace hasn't given up more than two runs since Aug. 24, when he gave up just three runs, and every time he takes the mound he gives the Tigers a great chance to win.
Meanwhile, the Rays come to Comerica Park riding a bit of a hot streak, themselves. The Rays have won four games in a row and technically haven't been eliminated from the wild-card race yet, meaning the Tigers definitely shouldn't expect Tampa to roll over.
After Tuesday's game, the two squads will be back on the diamond Wednesday night with rookie Keider Montero set to make the start for the Tigers.
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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers game vs Tampa Bay Rays: Time, TV channel, weather