The Detroit Tigers are set to face the Cleveland Guardians in a critical three-game series starting Friday, rekindling tension from their 2024 American League Division Series matchup. This Riley Greene Tigers Guardians matchup comes at a pivotal moment as Detroit seeks to capitalize on Cleveland’s recent slump while relying on key players to regain momentum.
Reese Olson to Start After IL Return as Tigers Aim to Extend AL Central Lead
Detroit right-hander Reese Olson, currently holding a 4-3 record with a 2.96 ERA, will be activated from the injured list to start against Guardians righty Slade Cecconi (3-3, 3.64 ERA). Olson, sidelined since May 18 due to ring finger inflammation, is expected to get valuable innings in the opener, bringing his experience from two previous starts against Cleveland where he holds a 1-0 record with a 3.00 ERA. The Tigers, leaders of the AL Central, hope Olson’s return strengthens their pitching rotation against a struggling opponent.
Riley Greene’s Offensive Dominance Fuels Tigers Heading into Rematch
Detroit split a doubleheader on Wednesday against the Washington Nationals, winning the first game 11-2, powered by All-Star outfielder Riley Greene’s two home runs and six RBIs. Despite a quieter second game where he went 0-for-4, Greene remains a crucial offensive presence. He ranks second in the American League with 69 RBIs and is third in the majors for multiple multi-homer games this season, boasting seven such performances.
“That’s kind of what he does. He’s one of the better hitters in the league,”
Nationals pitcher Trevor Williams commented on Greene’s batting abilities.
“The home run ball he hit today [off Williams] was executed down and away, and the bat stayed through the zone for a long time.”
—Trevor Williams, Nationals pitcher
Tigers Seek Redemption in Cleveland After Postseason Disappointment
This series marks Detroit’s first trip back to the Cleveland ballpark since their elimination in the 2024 ALDS. The Tigers previously held a 2-1 series advantage and were close to clinching the victory at home before Guardians players David Fry and Lane Thomas hit key home runs that turned the tides. Detroit’s motivation is high to avoid a repeat of that outcome and gain critical wins against the division rivals.
Manager A.J. Hinch Praises Olson’s Steady Performance and Impact
After arriving in Cleveland on Thursday to prepare for the weekend series, Olson has the Tigers’ full confidence in his ability to return effectively. “Reese is really good,” said Detroit manager A.J. Hinch.
“He’s one of the more underrated guys that we’ve lost. He doesn’t get a lot of attention, but we love it when he pitches.”
Guardians Struggle Deepens as Losing Streak Hits Seven Games
The Cleveland Guardians are currently enduring a severe downturn, having lost seven consecutive games following a 1-0 extra-innings defeat to the Chicago Cubs. Now trailing 12½ games behind Detroit in the AL Central standings, the Guardians’ performance has fallen sharply from their previous title-winning form. Their pitching staff, particularly, faces challenges amid this difficult stretch.
Slade Cecconi Prepares to Steadily Counter Tigers’ Threat
Slade Cecconi, Cleveland’s starting pitcher for Friday, is aiming to rebound from a recent shaky outing in which he allowed three runs over 4 2/3 innings during a loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. Cecconi previously recorded a solid six-inning, one-run performance to secure his only win against Detroit earlier this season. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt highlighted Cecconi’s resilience and dedication:
“Whatever the situation, Slade battles and fights,”
and added,
“Slade takes really good care of himself. He has great routines, is always prepared.”
Off-Field Challenges Add to Guardians’ Turmoil
Cleveland’s difficulties are compounded by the absence of starting pitcher Luis Ortiz, who has been placed on non-disciplinary, paid leave amid an <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/baseball/mlb/”>MLB investigation. Guardians president Chris Antonetti noted the impact of Ortiz’s situation:
“We don’t really have a sense on timing, except it would be through at least the end of the All-Star break,”
he said.
“It’s a challenge and not something we were expecting. He was trending in the right direction and had made strides from the start of the year.”
Upcoming Series Could Decide AL Central Trajectory
The outcome of the Tigers and Guardians encounters over the holiday weekend will be critical for the AL Central race. With Detroit holding the division lead and much-improved form, buoyed by Riley Greene’s continued offensive efforts and Olson’s return, they are positioned to widen the gap. On the other hand, Cleveland’s persistent struggles and lack of pitching depth cast uncertainty over their ability to bounce back. This matchup will likely influence playoff positioning and morale for both teams as the season progresses.