Tigers vs. Rangers Preview: Keider Montero Gets the Ball in Game 34 as Detroit Looks to Even Series
TL;DR
The Detroit Tigers aim to even their series against the Texas Rangers in Game 34, starting Keider Montero against Kumar Rocker. Montero has a 5.40 ERA over his last outings, while Rocker has been consistent with a 3.38 ERA.
Key points
- Tigers lost 5-4 to Rangers in the series opener
- Keider Montero has a 5.40 ERA over his last outings
- Kumar Rocker has a 3.38 ERA and two quality starts recently
- Game 34 is part of a six-game homestand for Detroit
- Both teams are close in standings with records of 16-17 and 16-16
Mentioned in this story
Introduction
The **Detroit Tigers** need a cleaner start Saturday night after opening their six-game homestand with a 5-4 loss to the **Texas Rangers** on Friday night. **Jack Flaherty** struggled again in the opener, and Detroit’s offense came up short after working back from a 4-0 deficit. Game 34 gives the Tigers a chance to even the series behind **Keider Montero**, who will face **Kumar Rocker** in a matchup of right-handers. Montero has allowed 10 runs for a 5.40 ERA over the last 16 2/3 innings, but his 13:3 strikeout to walk ratio over that stretch points to better command than the run line shows. He last faced Texas last summer in **Arlington** on July 19, when he allowed four runs on four hits (one home run) while walking three and striking out five over 4 1/3 frames to take the loss. Rocker, a former first-round pick in the 2022 draft, has two quality starts over his last two outings despite modest strikeout totals. The 26-year-old last faced the Tigers on July 19, when he worked 6 1/3 innings of one-hit ball, walked three and struck out five at **Comerica Park** for his final win of 2025.
How to Watch
- **Matchup:** Detroit Tigers (16-17) vs. Texas Rangers (16-16)
- **Game:** Game 34
- **Time:** 7:15 p.m.
- **Place:** Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
- **TV:** **Detroit SportsNet**
- **Streaming:** **MLB.TV**
- **Radio:** **Tigers Radio Network**
- **Community:** Join the **DSN Tigers Facebook Group**:
Predictions
This game looks like a close one. Montero’s recent run total is a concern, but the 13:3 strikeout to walk ratio suggests he has not been all that far off. If he keeps the ball in the park and limits early traffic, Detroit should have a real shot to even the series. Rocker has been steady of late, and his ground-ball profile gives Texas a path to control innings. Still, Detroit’s late push Friday showed enough life to think the offense can carry some of that into Saturday. **Prediction:** Tigers 4, Rangers 3.
More
**Probable starters:**
RHP Keider Montero (1-2, 4.00 ERA) vs. RHP Kumar Rocker (1-2, 3.38 ERA)
| Player | G | IP | K% | BB% | GB% | FIP | FWAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montero | 5 | 27.0 | 21.5 | 4.7 | 34.6 | 2.93 | 0.8 |
| Rocker | 5 | 26.2 | 19.1 | 8.7 | 56.1 | 3.68 | 0.5 |
| The broader context is simple for Detroit: this is the second game of a six-game homestand, and the Tigers are trying to get back to .500 after slipping to 16-17. Texas enters at 16-16, so both clubs are working from a similar spot early in May. |
Q&A
What time is the Tigers vs. Rangers Game 34?
The game is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. at Comerica Park in Detroit.
What are Keider Montero's recent performance stats?
Keider Montero has a 5.40 ERA over his last 16 2/3 innings, with a strikeout to walk ratio of 13:3.
Who are the starting pitchers for the Tigers vs. Rangers matchup?
Keider Montero will start for the Tigers, while Kumar Rocker will take the mound for the Rangers.
