The Detroit Tigers will play a series of three games against the Atlanta Braves as they try to keep their shrinking lead in the AL Central. Here’s what you need to know about the game, what people think will happen, and important things to watch.
The Atlanta Braves (70-83) will go to Comerica Park tonight to start a series of three games against the Detroit Tigers (85-68). The feeling is strong, as Detroit is trying to protect its AL Central lead after losing all their games to the Cleveland Guardians earlier in the week. The keywords Braves vs Tigers link right to this big game, which should matter in how the division shakes out.
Tigers Playing Hard for AL Central Top Spot
The Tigers are doing their best to keep their AL Central lead after losing to the Cleveland Guardians this week. Their edge in the standings has gotten thin, and the stress has turned up. Detroit now beats Cleveland by 3.5 games in the division chase. The two groups will battle one last time next week in three games.
That set could be the one that picks the division winner. Since this worry hangs over them, Detroit must win this series to not get pushed into a shaky spot. If they can’t, their division lead could vanish when they meet Cleveland, who will begin a four-game set with the Minnesota Twins tonight. Because of that, getting some pep is key for Detroit.
Detroit’s First Pitcher: Charlie Morton’s Mess
Charlie Morton is set to throw first for Detroit. The experienced pitcher has won 9 games and lost 10, with a not-so-good ERA of 5.56. Lately, his issues have stood out more than before. In his last seven games, he’s had an ERA of 6.75. In three of those, he gave up five runs, not pitching past four innings in his last three games. That strange habit hints Detroit’s bullpen might come in early again. The heat is on the relief guys, and Morton needs to be steady, but he’s been up and down.
Atlanta Starting Pitcher: Bryce Elder’s Ups and Downs
Bryce Elder will pitch first for Atlanta now. He has a 7–2 score, plus a 5.56 ERA so far. Elder’s shows have jumped around all year. Sometimes, he has been great, but many times he has had a lot of trouble. In his last seven games, Elder has won 3 games and lost 1, with an ERA of 4.25.
That time had great games versus the Phillies and Cubs, giving up just two earned runs over 20.1 innings. But he also had games where he gave up six or more runs. The Braves will need Elder to pitch his best tonight if they want to win the first game, with the result probably based on the strange habits of both pitchers.
Game Prediction
Thinking Ahead
A close game is expected, as both pitchers have trouble stopping the other team’s hitters, and Detroit is thought to have a stronger desire to win. The Tigers relief pitchers are thought to be good enough to keep them ahead. Because of all this, Detroit is likely to win, but just barely.
Prediction: Tigers 6, Braves 5
- Who’s Up First
- Atlanta Braves
- Jurickson Profar — LF
- Matt Olson — 1B
- Ronald Acuña Jr. — RF
- Drake Baldwin — C
- Ozzie Albies — 2B
- Ha-Seong Kim — SS
- Marcell Ozuna — DH
- Michael Harris II — CF
- Ignacio Álvarez Jr. — 3B
Starting Pitcher: Bryce Elder (RHP) — 7-10, 5.56 ERA
Detroit Tigers
- Parker Meadows — CF
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- Gleyber Torres — 2B
- Kerry Carpenter — DH
- Riley Greene — LF
- Spencer Torkelson — 1B
- Wenceel Pérez — RF
- Javier Báez — SS
- Zach McKinstry — 3B
- Jake Rogers — C
Starting Pitcher: Charlie Morton (RHP) — 9-10, 5.56 ERA
Ways to See Braves vs. Tigers
The Braves and Tigers get going tonight at 6:40 PM Eastern / 5:40 PM Central at Comerica Park in Detroit. You can watch it on FanDuel Sports Network Detroit, FanDuel Sports Network South, and FanDuel Sports Network Southeast. If you’re not local, you can stream it on MLB.TV. Remember folks, there’s a lot riding on this, with intense divisional action.
Atlanta Braves vs. Detroit Tigers
Date: Friday, September 19, 2025
First Pitch: 6:40 PM Eastern / 5:40 PM Central
Venue: Comerica Park, Detroit, MI
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Detroit, FanDuel Sports Network South, FanDuel Sports Network Southeast
Streaming: MLB.TV
The End
The Braves versus Tigers match feels like a big deal with playoffs near. Detroit has been striving to keep their AL Central advantage, and Atlanta tries to stop them from doing it. Each starting pitcher came carrying ERAs of 5.56 to this duel, showing they both might be unsteady. Since the Tigers need it more and their bullpen feels deep, experts guess Detroit will barely win. The chase for the title is getting intense, so this series first game should bring the heat.