The Detroit Tigers are brushing off their series loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates by getting into the trenches with the Kansas City Royals. Prior to the first game, the Tigers announced a decision regarding Brett Callahan.
Tonight’s game will feature Troy Melton vs Noah Cameron as the starting pitchers. The game will be broadcast at 6:10 PM Mountain Time, 8:10 PM Eastern Time.
Detroit Tigers Announce Brett Callahan Decision
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)
Today’s lineup for the Tigers has been revealed by Underdog MLB:
“Tigers 8/21: G. Torres 2B, H. Lee 3B, K. McGonigle SS, D. Dingler C, E. Valencia DH, S. Torkelson 1B, B. Malgeri RF, M. Clark CF, J. Báez LF, T. Melton SP,” the social media account wrote.
G. Torres 2B H. Lee 3B K. McGonigle SS D. Dingler C E. Valencia DH S. Torkelson 1B B. Malgeri RF M. Clark CF J. Báez LF
T. Melton SP
One of the most notable changes here involves Callahan.
For the last game against the Pirates, Callahan was in LF. Tonight’s lineup shows Javier Baez in Callahan’s place instead.
Callahan is a 24-year-old rookie outfielder.
Looking at Brett Callahan
GettyPITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – AUGUST 18: Brett Callahan #34 of the Detroit Tigers hit his first career home run in the fifth inning during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on August 18, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
Callahan is a rookie and has limited MLB experience.
To date, he has only played in four games for the Tigers. In those games, he has recorded four hits, one triple, one home run, and four RBIs. Additionally, he has a batting average of .364.
Prior to his call-up, he played 36 games of Triple-A baseball.
In those games, Callahan recorded six doubles, one home run, 17 RBIs, and nine stolen bases, along with a .271 batting average.
Tigers vs Kansas City Royals & Playoff Chances
GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – JULY 26: Colt Keith #33 of the Detroit Tigers celebrates with teammates Hao-Yu Lee #50 and Dillon Dingler #13 after scoring during the fifth inning against Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park on July 26, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Jaime Crawford/Getty Images)
As of right now, the Tigers’ playoff chances aren’t great.
They currently have a 14.5 percent chance of making the postseason. This isn’t the worst thing in the world; however, the Tigers still need to sort out a lot of things before they can be talking about the playoffs.
Their bullpen’s ability to hold a one- or two-run lead has been downright awful. That needs to change.
Either internally or externally, they will need to do things differently. Whether that is calling up a pitcher from one of their affiliates or deploying their bullpen differently, something has got to give.
After trading away Tarik Skubal, the goal shouldn’t be the playoffs. The goal should be playing respectable baseball.
We wait and see if that starts tonight.
Detroit Tigers Announce Surprise Brett Callahan Decision Before Royals Series