DETROIT – The highly anticipated series opener between the Detroit Tigers and Baltimore Orioles was postponed due to inclement weather, leaving fans eager for the action to begin. The game, scheduled for Friday, April 25, 2025, at Comerica Park, was called off less than two hours before the first pitch as thunderstorms swept through the metro Detroit area.
The postponement, announced at 5 p.m. ET, marks the first weather-related cancellation for the Tigers this season. Fans holding tickets for the original matchup will be able to use them for the second game of a split doubleheader set for Saturday, April 26, 2025.
The doubleheader is set to kick off with the first game starting at 1:10 p.m. ET, followed by the makeup game at 6:10 p.m. ET. This adjustment means that the Tigers will have an unexpected second day off, having last played on Thursday, April 24, 2025, when they took two of three games from the San Diego Padres.
Manager A.J. Hinch confirmed that right-handed pitcher Casey Mize (3-1, 2.22 ERA) will take the mound in the first game on Saturday, stepping in as the original starter for Friday's contest. Mize is expected to face off against the Orioles' Brandon Young, who is making his second MLB start after a shaky debut where he allowed three runs on seven hits over four innings against the Cincinnati Reds.
As for the second game, the Tigers have yet to announce a starter. Rookie Jackson Jobe, who was initially slated to pitch on Saturday, will be pushed back to next week as the team monitors his innings workload. "He’s going to throw a heavy bullpen session and get himself as much work as he can be," Hinch stated regarding Jobe's adjustment. "The de-load isn’t a problem, as long as we build the work around it to prepare for his next start, which we will." Jobe last pitched on April 18, 2025, and his next outing is projected for the series opener against the Houston Astros on Monday, April 28, 2025.
On the other side, the Orioles are set to start veteran Charlie Morton (0-5, 10.89 ERA) in the nightcap. Morton has struggled early in the season, giving up five home runs and 15 walks in just 20 2/3 innings. He'll be tasked with facing a Tigers lineup that includes several left-handed hitters who have been performing well.
The Tigers (15-10) entered Friday leading the American League Central Division by a narrow half-game over the Cleveland Guardians. This doubleheader presents an opportunity for Detroit to extend their lead as they finish off a 10-game homestand. The Tigers have shown resilience, winning six series this season, and will look to keep the momentum going against the Orioles.
Despite the rain delay, the anticipation for the matchup remains high. The Tigers are looking to capitalize on their home field advantage, and fans will be eager to see how the team adjusts its pitching strategy under the circumstances. With the potential use of a 27th player for the doubleheader, there’s speculation that the Tigers might call up Keider Montero, who was recently optioned to Triple-A Toledo.
As the teams prepare for the doubleheader, both sides are aware of the stakes involved. The Orioles will aim to improve their standing in the division while the Tigers look to solidify their lead. The outcome of these games could have significant implications as the season progresses.
In the end, while Mother Nature may have delayed the start of this exciting series, the upcoming doubleheader promises to deliver plenty of action and drama. Fans are encouraged to arrive early and support their teams as they battle it out on the field.
Stay tuned for what is sure to be an electrifying day of baseball at Comerica Park as the Tigers and Orioles finally clash in their long-awaited series opener.
