Tigers vs Orioles Preview: Tigers Try to Break Slump in Baltimore

Detroit is in trouble. The Tigers have lost seven straight games and sit at 20-32, way behind in the AL Central race. That means every game matters right now. The good news? Their pitching is elite. Tarik Skubal, a two-time Cy Young winner, is progressing from elbow surgery and could return soon. Framber Valdez, another ace, brings championship experience from his years with Houston. If those two arms get healthy fast, Detroit's rotation could become a nightmare for opposing hitters. But first, the Tigers need to win games like this one against Baltimore to climb back into contention.

The Orioles just won a game against Detroit, taking Thursday's matchup 7-4. That victory snapped a rough stretch where they'd won just four of their last ten. Baltimore has problems too, though. Starting pitcher Zach Eflin needs Tommy John surgery and is done for the season. Dean Kremer is rehabbing a quad injury. Closer Ryan Helsley played catch for the first time since May. The pitching staff is banged up, but Trevor Rogers leads the rotation and has to be sharp on Sunday. With injuries mounting on both sides, this game becomes about depth and heart.

Riley Greene is Detroit's offensive star. The young All-Star knocked drives in two straight seasons and smashed 36 home runs last year. He's struggling early this season though, hitting just .190 so far. Kerry Carpenter, another Tigers slugger, is hurt but working his way back from a shoulder injury. These two need to produce runs for Detroit to win games. Greene is the type of hitter who can turn a season around with hot stretches. Watch him closely on Sunday. If he gets going against Baltimore's pitchers, the Tigers' lineup suddenly looks dangerous again.