The Detroit Tigers are set to rely on veteran right-hander Jack Flaherty as their starting pitcher for the final game of their three-game series against the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday afternoon. The Tigers, who recently bolstered their rotation by acquiring Chris Paddack and Charlie Morton before the trade deadline, are counting on consistent performances from Flaherty, especially as he was brought in during the offseason to serve as the team’s No. 2 starter behind ace Tarik Skubal. As the Tigers prepare for this decisive matchup, Flaherty’s effectiveness remains a key factor in their hopes for a victory.
Flaherty’s Recent Performance and Season Overview
Last season, Flaherty posted a solid 7-5 record with a 2.95 ERA in 18 starts before being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers at the deadline. However, his return to Detroit has seen challenges; following a tough outing on July 21 in Pittsburgh—where he surrendered three runs on six hits and issued three walks across three innings—Flaherty’s record dropped to 5-10 with a 4.77 ERA. Nevertheless, his last two starts have shown signs of improvement. Against the American League East-leading Toronto Blue Jays on July 27, he shut them out over six innings, and then on Friday, he limited the Philadelphia Phillies to one run and two hits in more than six innings. Despite Flaherty’s strong outing in that game and an early 3-0 lead, the Tigers’ bullpen could not maintain the advantage, allowing a Phillies comeback in a 5-4 loss.
Flaherty, now 6-10 with a 4.36 ERA on the season, has refined his approach by improving his fastball location and mixing in sliders and knuckle-curves effectively. Manager A.J. Hinch praised Flaherty’s recent work, saying,
“He was in complete control of the game and really did a nice job of setting us up for the win.”
—A.J. Hinch, Detroit Tigers manager
Challenges Facing the Minnesota Twins Alongside the Tigers Clash
The Twins entered this series planning to start Simeon Woods Richardson on Wednesday. However, Minnesota placed Woods Richardson on the 15-day injured list on Monday due to a lingering stomach illness that has affected his performance and ability to train. Twins manager Rocco Baldelli explained,
“Sim has been dealing with a stomach issue. It’s something that had him getting looked at by the docs numerous times over the last week. He’s been struggling, and (it’s) pushing him to the point where he’s not able to get his baseball activity done. It’s been a tough one. It’s been a challenging one.”
—Rocco Baldelli, Minnesota Twins manager
The Twins have not yet named a replacement starter for Wednesday’s game and may need to rely heavily on their bullpen to cover extended innings. Their bullpen staff has recently undergone considerable change, having traded away five relievers last week. Baldelli is experimenting with his new bullpen composition, stating,
“Certainly a different setup. But this is what we’re doing here: We’re trying to learn what everyone can do. We’re trying to challenge guys, put them in spots.”
—Rocco Baldelli, Minnesota Twins manager
Recent Team Dynamics and Player Updates Affecting Both Clubs
In the previous matchup, the Twins secured a 6-3 victory over the Tigers, with notable contributions from second baseman Luke Keaschall, who returned from the injured list to hit a two-run homer—the first home run of his career—and a run-scoring single. The Twins’ bullpen performed well, with four pitchers contributing after starter Zebby Matthews finished just enough innings to earn the win. Justin Topa recorded a 1-2-3 ninth inning, earning his first save as a Twin.
Detroit’s lineup has seen some adjustments as well. In Tuesday’s game, the Tigers opted not to start two of their All-Stars: Gleyber Torres was sidelined due to left forearm tightness, while Riley Greene, who has struggled offensively with just one hit in 17 at-bats this month, was given rest. These decisions aim to preserve player health as the Tigers push through the final stretch of their schedule.
Flaherty’s Track Record Against Minnesota and What Lies Ahead
Jack Flaherty has made three previous starts against the Twins, earning no-decisions with a respectable 3.00 ERA in those outings. As the Tigers look to finalize the series strong, his experience against Minnesota may prove valuable. The pitching duel gains additional importance because of the Twins’ depleted rotation and bullpen adjustments, presenting an opportunity for Detroit and Flaherty to capitalize.
With the Tigers recently reinforcing their pitching rotation and their ace Tarik Skubal leading the staff, Flaherty’s performance as the Tigers starter is pivotal to the team’s momentum. How he handles the Twins’ lineup and whether he can build on his improved command and mix of pitches will significantly influence Detroit’s ability to secure a win in this decisive game.