Tigers vs Astros Preview: Detroit Looks to Even Home Series on Friday

After suffering a 2-1 defeat in the first game of a four-game home series against the Houston Astros, the Detroit Tigers announced on Thursday night that they had officially reached the halfway point of the regular-season schedule for the 2026 season.Despite the fact that Troy Melton gave a strong performance and recorded a career-high six strikeouts, the offense was unable to score until Dillon Dingler hit a single home run in the ninth inning.

Keider Montero, a right-handed pitcher who continues to be a consistent fixture in the rotation for the Olde English D, will be the driving force behind AJ Hinch’s team as they attempt to even something out on Friday night. He allowed three runs on six hits (one home run) while giving zero walks for the second consecutive game and struck out three batters over the course of seven innings in his most recent outing against the Chicago White Sox, which ultimately culminated in a 5-4 victory in extra innings. The 25-year-old pitcher’s performance was also consistent with his previous outings.

Montero made his one and only appearance as a relief pitcher this season, which was against the Astros a couple of games ago. However, things did not go well for him when he allowed two runs, one of which was earned, on two hits and no walks while striking out two batters over the course of one and a third innings, which resulted in him suffering his fifth loss of the 2026 season.

A fellow right-handed pitcher named Spencer Arrighetti, who has also been a significant presence on the Astros’ pitching staff this season, will be facing him for Houston. The 26-year-old pitcher, on the other hand, has struggled throughout the month of June, as evidenced by his 6.95 earned run average (ERA) but a less offensive 4.42 ft3 (FIP) that spans his last four games and 22 innings of work. Since he was unable to attend the Tigers’ game when they were in town the previous week, this will be his first time playing against them this season.