Jack Flaherty has regained the strong pitching performance Tigers fans hoped for when Detroit re-signed him in the offseason. The right-hander is set to start the middle game of the three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds at home on Saturday afternoon, aiming to keep the team‘s winning momentum alive.

After a slow start to the season, Flaherty has delivered four quality starts in a row, picking up three consecutive victories as he prepares for his 14th pitching appearance. Early in May, his record stood at 1-5 with a 4.61 ERA, but he has since improved to 5-6 with a 3.41 ERA, demonstrating notable progress in his recent outings.

Flaherty’s Contributions and Contract Background

Last season, Flaherty posted a 7-5 record and an impressive 2.95 ERA across 18 starts for the Tigers before being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers at the trade deadline. His performances were crucial in the Dodgers’ pursuit of the World Series title. Following that championship run, Detroit secured Flaherty’s talents again by offering him a two-year, $35 million contract which features an opt-out clause after the 2025 season.

In his last three games, Flaherty allowed only one run while surrendering eight hits over 18 total innings. His most recent appearance on Sunday was especially strong, limiting the Chicago Cubs to just two hits and no runs while striking out nine batters in six innings, matching his season high for strikeouts. This was a significant rebound after the Cubs had launched five home runs in the previous game.

Pitching Strategy and Fan Support Lift Flaherty

Flaherty discussed his approach to the recent start, acknowledging the importance of adapting during the game.

You feel things out as the game goes on,

Flaherty said.

But we were able to establish (the fastball) and spin off of that. Typically, that’s a good thing, but it’s even better when you can command the ball, and outside of one inning, I did a good job of that.

The Tigers have enjoyed strong fan support, as more than 40,000 spectators filled the stands on Sunday, and a similarly enthusiastic crowd is expected for Saturday’s matchup.

Flaherty expressed his appreciation for the fans’ energy, saying,

Anytime you fill a ballpark out for a whole series, it’s a lot of fun and it elevates our play. It’s just a lot of fun to be a part of. It’s great to play in front of these fans. They’ve been great all season and they’re going to be great the rest of the year.

Upcoming Opposition: Brady Singer and Reds’ Challenges

Flaherty will face Brady Singer, a right-handed pitcher well-acquainted with the Tigers. Singer, formerly with the Kansas City Royals and now pitching for the Cincinnati Reds, holds a 6-4 record and a 4.59 ERA this season. In 13 career starts against Detroit, Singer boasts a 6-1 record with a 3.30 ERA and has performed solidly on Tiger home turf with a 2-1 record and 3.55 ERA in seven Detroit starts.

However, Singer has faced difficulties recently, giving up 23 runs over 35⅓ innings across seven starts since early May, leading to a 5.86 ERA. His most recent outing against the Arizona Diamondbacks was promising, allowing only two runs over five innings before a rain delay cut the game short.

Momentum from Recent Series and Reds’ Offensive Sparks

The Tigers claimed the series opener on Friday with an 11-5 victory. A bright spot for the Reds was the performance of their leadoff hitter TJ Friedl, who has slugged eight home runs this season, including three in the last four games.

Friedl commented on his offensive streak:

It’s nice when everything’s going right,

he said.

You should ride the wave when it’s good, but when it’s not going right, it’s being able to identify what’s not working well to make that change. I think I’ve gotten better in that aspect.

What to Expect as Tigers Seek to Extend Their Winning Streak

With Jack Flaherty’s recent strong pitching performance, the Detroit Tigers are poised to continue their winning stretch against the Cincinnati Reds at home. Flaherty’s ability to command his pitches and the boost from passionate fans will be key factors in Saturday’s game. Meanwhile, the matchup between Flaherty and Singer promises an exciting duel between two pitchers familiar with the opposing lineup.

The Tigers’ series performance and the Reds’ effort to close the gap set the stage for a competitive game, with both teams eager to demonstrate resilience and skill as the season advances.