Tigers have the rested arms to keep Dodgers close on August 28

The Detroit Tigers meet a familiar ace under awkward circumstances, while the Los Angeles Dodgers continue their push for an NL West title and a first-round bye. Skubal’s return supplies the theater; the bullpens may decide the ticket.

Tigers need an early swing, then the rested arms

The Tigers have lost two of three and were shut out in their latest game, producing scattered singles rather than sustained pressure. Their Wild Card position has deteriorated, so another lost series would carry weight beyond one quiet night at the plate.

Drew Anderson is listed to start opposite Skubal after a competitive outing against Kansas City. Home-run damage was the blemish, and turning over the Dodgers’ left-handed core will require better command of his secondary stuff.

The useful part of the Tigers’ setup begins behind Anderson. Thursday’s off-day leaves Kenley Jansen, Kyle Finnegan and the rest of a changing relief group well rested, allowing the coaching staff to use a short leash if Anderson starts leaking pitches into barrel zones.

Riley Greene remains sidelined with a hamstring strain unless the Tigers activate him Friday, while Kerry Carpenter’s rehabilitation has hit a setback. That thins the lineup against premium velocity and places more responsibility on Gleyber Torres, Javier Báez, Spencer Torkelson and Dillon Dingler.

Dodgers bring the ace, but not a full deck

The Dodgers have mlb.com-listed Tarik Skubal for the series opener. His fastball still reached triple digits late in his previous outing, and after early trouble he settled into the kind of rhythm that can make a lineup’s second trip through feel shorter than advertised.

Skubal has acknowledged that he can spend the opening innings feeling out a game instead of attacking it. Against former teammates who know his sequencing and routines, that makes the first pass through the order the Tigers’ clearest scoring window.

The Dodgers entered their Atlanta series on a six-game winning streak before dropping two close games, with missed opportunities doing more damage than a lack of baserunners. Their lineup still presents Anderson with waves of left-handed threats through Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Max Muncy and Kyle Tucker.

There is less depth around that core because Andy Pages underwent surgery on a fractured left hand, with mlb.com reporting Alek Thomas as his replacement. Will Smith and Dalton Rushing are also unavailable, leaving Hunter Feduccia and Ben Rortvedt to handle the catching duties.

The late innings are harder to map. Tanner Scott and Evan Phillips entered Thursday after working on consecutive days, while Edwin Díaz remains on the IL, so Friday availability depends on how the Dodgers handle their Atlanta finale.

Comerica Park leaves room for a one-run game

Friday night’s forecast carries little rain risk, with mild conditions and no reliable wind advantage established. Comerica Park protects pitchers on balls hit toward straightaway center, though its broad alleys can reward line drives, speed and alert baserunning.

This is the opener of a three-game series, and the travel ledger favors the Tigers. They spent Thursday at home while the Dodgers played in Atlanta before making the trip to Detroit, a modest edge that matters most in bullpen recovery.

The extra run covers the likeliest Dodgers script

Skubal supplies the clear starting-pitching advantage, but that alone does not require a multi-run Dodgers victory. The Tigers can attack early, move quickly to rested relief if Anderson falters and force a reduced Los Angeles lineup to build separation rather than merely protect a lead.

The extra run is especially useful if Skubal controls the game and the Dodgers carry a narrow advantage into uncertain late innings. A low-scoring Los Angeles win remains entirely compatible with the Tigers covering the run line.