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Tigers vs Twins action opens a crucial seven-game road trip on Monday night, with Detroit visiting Minnesota for the first game of a three-game American League Central series. The Tigers enter the matchup at 63-73 after dropping two of three to the Los Angeles Dodgers, while the Twins are 65-72 and looking to build momentum at Target Field.
First pitch is scheduled for 7:40 p.m. Eastern time in Minneapolis. Detroit will send right-hander Jackson Jobe to the mound against Minnesota righty Taj Bradley in Game 137 of the season. The series continues a demanding stretch for the Tigers, who will face two division rivals during their seven-game trip.
Surprising Tigers vs Twins matchup features Jobe’s return
Jobe is still working his way back into form after returning from Tommy John surgery earlier this month. The 24-year-old has shown encouraging signs across his last two starts, keeping Detroit in both games while rebuilding his command and stamina.
Over those two appearances, Jobe has posted a 1.86 ERA and a 3.81 FIP across 9 2/3 innings. He has allowed eight hits and six walks, struck out seven batters and hit one. The numbers indicate that his control is still developing, but his ability to limit damage has helped the Tigers remain competitive.
For the season, Jobe is 1-1 with a 3.93 ERA. His profile also includes an 18.8 percent strikeout rate, a 10.0 percent walk rate, a 55.6 percent ground-ball rate and a 4.66 FIP. Detroit will be watching his pitch efficiency closely, especially with the young right-hander continuing to manage his workload.
Can Taj Bradley deliver a dramatic turnaround?
Bradley will try to finish August on a stronger note after an uneven month. The Minnesota starter has recorded a 5.40 ERA over his last five outings, although his 3.98 FIP suggests that his underlying performance has been more stable than the surface results.
Across 26 2/3 innings during that span, Bradley has surrendered 28 hits, including three home runs, and issued 14 walks. He has struck out 30 batters, hit one and thrown a wild pitch. The right-hander has also taken two losses during the stretch, making Monday’s start an important opportunity to reset before the season’s final month.
Bradley’s season numbers remain solid overall. He is 9-6 with a 3.97 ERA, a 27.0 percent strikeout rate, a 10.0 percent walk rate, a 34.6 percent ground-ball rate, a 3.90 FIP and 2.1 fWAR.
Detroit has already seen both sides of Bradley
The Tigers have faced Bradley twice this season, with dramatically different results. On April 7 in Minneapolis, Bradley worked 6 1/3 innings of one-run baseball. He allowed six hits, walked nobody and struck out 10 while earning his second victory of the season.
The rematch on June 9 in Detroit went the other way. Bradley gave up five runs on seven hits, including three home runs, and issued three walks in a losing effort. He struck out only three batters in that appearance.
That history gives Detroit’s lineup some confidence, but the Twins will hope Bradley can repeat his strong April performance rather than his difficult June outing. The Tigers’ hitters must be ready for a pitcher capable of missing bats when his command is sharp.
Critical road trip begins after frustrating Dodgers series
Detroit played the Dodgers closely for most of the weekend but settled for one win in the three-game set after a 6-1 defeat Sunday afternoon. Framber Valdez delivered five innings of one-run ball, but a poorly located changeup in the sixth inning broke a 1-1 tie and opened the door for Los Angeles.
The loss increased the importance of the upcoming divisional schedule. With the Tigers and Twins separated by only two games in the standings, Monday’s result could quickly affect the Central race and each club’s September outlook.
- Matchup: Detroit Tigers vs. Minnesota Twins
- Starting pitchers: Jackson Jobe vs. Taj Bradley
- Record: Tigers 63-73, Twins 65-72
- First pitch: 7:40 p.m. ET
- Location: Target Field in Minneapolis
Jobe’s command, Bradley’s recent struggles and Detroit’s ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities will be central to the opener. For both teams, this is more than a routine late-season game: it is a chance to gain ground, establish confidence and begin September with a statement.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Tigers vs Twins game?
The series opener is scheduled for Monday night at 7:40 p.m. Eastern time.
Where will the Tigers and Twins play?
The game will be held at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Who are the starting pitchers?
Jackson Jobe is scheduled to start for Detroit, while Taj Bradley will take the mound for Minnesota.
What is Jackson Jobe’s record and ERA?
Jobe enters the matchup with a 1-1 record and a 3.93 ERA. He is continuing to rebuild his workload after Tommy John surgery.
What is at stake in the series?
The Tigers and Twins are American League Central rivals separated by two games in the standings. The three-game series could provide valuable momentum heading into September.
