The Detroit Tigers are looking to bounce back from their 5-2 loss to the Kansas City Royals to launch their season. After that loss, they announced a new decision involving Brett Callahan.
Today’s game features the pitching matchup of Drew Anderson against Michael Wacha. Game 2 will be broadcast at 7:15 PM Eastern Time, 5:15 PM Mountain Time.
Detroit Tigers Announce Sudden Brett Callahan & Javier Baez News
GettyPITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – AUGUST 18: Javier Báez #28 of the Detroit Tigers throws during batting practice before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on August 18, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
Saturday’s lineup for the Tigers will look different from Friday night. Here is what the team announced via Underdog MLB:
“Tigers 8/22: K. McGonigle SS, G. Torres 2B, C. Keith DH, D. Dingler C, Z. McKinstry RF, B. Callahan LF, S. Torkelson 1B, M. Clark CF, H. Lee 3B, D. Anderson SP,” they wrote.
K. McGonigle SS G. Torres 2B C. Keith DH D. Dingler C Z. McKinstry RF B. Callahan LF S. Torkelson 1B M. Clark CF H. Lee 3B
D. Anderson SP
According to this, the Tigers are once again swapping out Javier Baez for Callahan. However, this isn’t the only change that they are making.
Callahan is a 24-year-old rookie outfielder, while Javier Baez is a 33-year-old shortstop.
Other Detroit Tigers Lineup Changes For Game 2
GettyDETROIT, MI – JULY 10: Eduardo Valencia #32 of the Detroit Tigers hits a RBI single to drive in Riley Greene against the Philadelphia Phillies during the sixth inning at Comerica Park on July 10, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
In addition to Callahan coming in for Baez, the Tigers have made other adjustments.
For starters, Eduardo Valencia and Ben Malgeri are also out of the lineup. Secondly, Kevin McGonigle is hitting leadoff, and Hao-Yu Lee was moved down to ninth after batting second.
Brett Callahan’s Season With the Detroit Tigers Organization
GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – AUGUST 16: Brett Callahan #34 of the Detroit Tigers celebrates after scoring a run 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)
Callahan has split his season between the minors and a handful of MLB games.
Outside of his five games with the Tigers, he has played 96 games. In those games, he recorded 13 home runs, two triples, 19 doubles, 96 hits, and 56 RBIs.
Additionally, Callahan can wheel, as evidenced by his 29 stolen bases.
Detroit Tigers & the Wild Card Race
GettyKANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – AUGUST 21: Hao-Yu Lee #50 of the Detroit Tigers hits a single during the third inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on August 21, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images)
The Tigers still have a 9.7 percent chance of making the playoffs, according to FanGraphs.
Even though there are five teams standing between them and the final Wild Card playoff spot (Texas Rangers, Minnesota Twins, Cleveland Guardians, Toronto Blue Jays, & Baltimore Orioles), the Tigers are only 2.5 games back of that AL playoff spot.
However, to achieve that, they will need to change their recent fortunes. They are 3-7 in their last 10 games.
A hot streak wouldn’t hurt (as the Boston Red Sox and Blue Jays can attest to), but it all starts with one game.
For the Tigers and Tigers fans, they would certainly hope that streak starts tonight.
Detroit Tigers Announce Sudden Brett Callahan News After Royals Loss