Game 36 Preview: Tigers open up second half of homestand vs Red Sox

The Detroit Tigers wrapped up a series win over the visiting Texas Rangers on Sunday with a 7-1 victory at Comerica Park. Spencer Torkelson went yard for the sixth time this season to give his team a lead that the bullpen would not relinquish.

On Monday, the Motor City Kitties kick off the second half of their six-game homestand against the Boston Red Sox — a team they saw not too long ago in Beantown. AJ Hinch’s squad split that four-game series last month, but did outscore their opponent, 16-12, over that stretch; consider that the tie-breaker for now.

Detroit sends left-handed ace Tarik Skubal to the mound to open things up, having thrown quality starts in five of his seven outings so far this season. His previous start against the Red Sox was among them — a six-inning effort in which he allowed one run on four hits and two walks while striking out 10 for his third and most recent win.

Boston has fellow lefty Payton Tolle taking the bump for the third start of his sophomore season. The 23-year-old faced the Tigers in his final outing of the 2025 campaign, throwing one in relief in which he allowed one hit and struck out one batter.

The Tigers are tied for first place in the American League Central with the Cleveland Guardians entering the series, while the Red Sox are the division’s basement dwellers in the AL East. It would be nice to take sole possession of the lead and a strong showing this week could create some breathing room early on.