The Detroit Tigers have a golden opportunity to move on from their Kansas City Royals sweep by earning a W against the Tampa Bay Rays. To prepare, they have announced news about Brett Callahan.
Tonight’s MLB game between the Tigers and Rays will be broadcast at 6:40 PM Eastern Time. Framber Valdez and Drew Rasmussen will be the starting pitchers for Game 1.
Prior to tonight’s game, the Tigers signed recently released Atlanta Braves pitcher Tyler Kinley.
“The Tigers have signed RHP Tyler Kinley, who had a 4.01 ERA with the Braves this season. He will be active tonight. Detroit has optioned Ty Madden and DFA’d Ricky Vanasco to clear room on the roster,” Cody Stavaenhagen wrote on social media.
Detroit has optioned Ty Madden and DFA’d Ricky Vanasco to clear room on the roster.
The Braves released Kinley two days ago.
Detroit Tigers Announce Brett Callahan News
GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – AUGUST 16: Brett Callahan #34 of the Detroit Tigers hits a two-run triple against the Chicago White Sox during his rookie debut in the bottom of the second inning at Comerica Park on August 16, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
For the final game of their series against the Rays, the Tigers took Callahan out of the lineup. Later on in the game, Callahan came into the lineup to replace Corey Julks at DH.
Now, the Tigers have announced their lineup for Game 1 against the Rays, and Callahan is back in:
⚾️ 6:40 PM ET 📺 @WatchDSN 📻 @971theticketxyt 🏟️ Comerica Park
- DH: Colt Keith
- 2B: Hao-Yu Lee
- 3B: Kevin McGonigle
- C: Dillon Dingler
- LF: Brett Callahan
- RF: Zach McKinstry
- 1B: Spencer Torkelson
- CF: Max Clark
- SS: Javier Báez
Gleyber Torres, Eduardo Valencia, Ben Malgeri, and Julks are all scratched.
Callahan is a young outfielder who is enjoying a solid rookie season. Despite being in and out of the lineup recently, he has had some solid production.
Looking at Brett Callahan’s Rookie Season
GettyPITTSBURGH, PA – AUGUST 17: Brett Callahan #34 of the Detroit Tigers hits a two-run single in the sixth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on August 17, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
Callahan is a 6-foot, 195-pound, 24-year-old player for the Tigers.
He stepped into the Designated Hitter role off the bench during their last game against the Royals. Callahan finished the game with a walk and a strikeout.
On the season, Callahan has played in seven games during the 2026 season. In those games, he has recorded five hits, two runs, one double, one triple, one home run, and five RBIs. Additionally, he owns a .278 batting average and a .350 on base percentage.
Looking at Facing Drew Rasmussen
GettyST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA – JULY 09: Drew Rasmussen #57 of the Tampa Bay Rays reacts in the third inning against the New York Yankees at Tropicana Field on July 09, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
The Rays are turning to Rasmussen to deliver them a win against the Tigers.
Rasmussen brings a 13-5 record and a 3.01 ERA into tonight’s matchup. Additionally, he has 138 strikeouts and a 0.95 WHIP in 24 starts, pitching 134.1 innings.
The 31-year-old has been a solid starter for the Rays.
Detroit Tigers Facing Must-Win Scenario
GettyST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA – JUNE 01: Will Vest #19 and Dillon Dingler #13 of the Detroit Tigers celebrate after defeating the Tampa Bay Rays 10-9 at Tropicana Field on June 01, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
The Tigers must win this series against the Rays if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive.
The Tigers must start winning games if they want to change the course they’re on. Two wins in the past 10 games isn’t enough for a team with playoff aspirations.
It also won’t help them catch up with the Cleveland Guardians, Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, Minnesota Twins, Baltimore Orioles, or Seattle Mariners.
This series could be the deciding factor for Tigers fans in either becoming hopeful for a playoff run or looking forward to next year.
Detroit Tigers Announce Surprise Brett Callahan Decision Before Major Rays Series