Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
First pitch: 6:40 p.m. ET
TV: DSN / NATS / MLB.TV
Both clubs are well out of contention in the final week of the regular season. The Tigers took the series opener 9-2 on Monday behind three home runs and a strong debut from River Ryan, extending a recent home winning streak. This is Game 2 of a three-game set.
Starting Pitchers
Washington LHP Jackson Kent (1-4, 6.40 ERA, 1.76 WHIP, 32.1 IP, 27 K, 23 BB) The 23-year-old rookie left-hander has struggled with command since his August call-up (high walk rate). Road ERA is elevated (around 8.82 in limited samples). He is making his eighth start of the season.
Detroit RHP Drew Anderson (5-6, 3.62 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 102.0 IP, 109 K, 43 BB) The 32-year-old right-hander has been one of Detroit’s more reliable arms after transitioning into a larger starting role. Solid strikeout numbers and better control; recent outings include a scoreless five-inning effort. He holds a clear edge in this matchup.
Venue & Weather Forecast
Comerica Park (spacious outdoor park that generally suppresses home runs, especially to the alleys). Forecast: Overcast to partly cloudy with temperatures around 60-64°F at first pitch. Northeast/east winds 10-15 mph. Low chance of precipitation (near 0-20%). Cool conditions favor pitchers and could keep the total in check.
Injury Reports
Nationals
RP Orlando Ribalta: 15-day IL (forearm).
C Drew Millas: 60-day IL (finger fracture).
RP/SP Mitchell Parker, Matt Waldron, Connelly Early, PJ Poulin, Ken Waldichuk: Longer-term IL (elbow/forearm/chest). Core lineup (CJ Abrams, James Wood, Daylen Lile, etc.) largely healthy; recent activations include pitchers like DJ Herz and Josiah Gray.
Tigers
3B Colt Keith: 10-day IL (left thumb sprain – likely season-ending).
SP Troy Melton: 15-day IL (arm fatigue).
OF Kerry Carpenter: 10-day IL (heel).
SP Jack Flaherty: 15-day IL (flexor – rehabbing).
SP Justin Verlander: 60-day IL (hip – targeting late September return).
Multiple others (Parker Meadows, Matt Vierling, Will Vest, etc.) on longer IL. Offense features Riley Greene, Kevin McGonigle, Dillon Dingler, and Spencer Torkelson.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups & Roster Notes
Nationals lead with speed and power from SS CJ Abrams (31 HR, 99 RBI range, strong steals) and OF James Wood/Daylen Lile. Tigers counter with LF Riley Greene (.284 AVG, solid power), C Dillon Dingler, and 1B Spencer Torkelson. Anderson’s strikeout ability matches up well against Washington’s free-swinging tendencies, while Kent’s high walk rate could put runners on for Detroit ’s extra-base hitters. Comerica’s dimensions may limit some of the Nationals’ power.
Recent Team Forms
Nationals: 6-4 in last 10 but dropped the series opener badly (2-9). Road record 36-43. Offense can score in bunches but pitching has been inconsistent.
Tigers: Also 6-4 in last 10; riding a home winning streak and coming off a dominant Monday win. Home record 40-36. Better overall pitching staff ERA.
Season Series History
Limited 2026 meetings so far; Detroit won the opener 9-2. Historically competitive interleague series with splits in recent years, but the Tigers hold home-field advantage here.
Betting Trends
Unders are viable at Comerica in September. Detroit has been strong when scoring 5+ runs; Washington struggles on the road against better arms.
Game Odds
Washington Nationals 8.5
Detroit Tigers – 149
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, September 21, 2026
