Tigers vs Twins 2025: Game 123 Preview, Lineups, and Pitching Matchup

The Detroit Tigers are riding a wave of momentum into Minneapolis this week. Fresh off back-to-back series victories, including a two-games-to-one triumph over the Chicago White Sox in the Windy City, the Tigers will now turn their focus to another divisional foe the Minnesota Twins.

For four straight days, Target Field will host this AL Central clash, and while the Tigers are aiming to strengthen their hold on first place, the Twins are determined to reverse their recent fortunes against the division leaders.

Tigers Rolling Into Minneapolis with Confidence

Detroit’s recent form has been a picture of steady success. Splitting their last ten games at 5–5, the Tigers have maintained a 6.5-game lead over the Cleveland Guardians in the AL Central standings.

Even more impressive is their +76 run differential, good for seventh-best in all of Major League Baseball. This stat isn’t just a number it’s a sign that Detroit has been consistently outscoring opponents and winning in convincing fashion rather than squeaking by.

While the Milwaukee Brewers have been setting the pace for the league’s best record, holding a seven-game advantage over the Tigers, Detroit still finds itself in a position to challenge for a top playoff seed if their consistency holds.

Twins Looking to Regain Upper Hand

The Minnesota Twins come into this series with mixed results. Over their last 10 games, they’re 6–4, which includes an early-August series victory over the Tigers at Comerica Park. However, the road since then has been bumpy.

They took two of three from the Kansas City Royals but were swept by the New York Yankees, and their -33 run differential is a reminder that they’ve been outscored more often than they’d like.

This four-game home stand is an opportunity for the Twins to chip away at the division gap, and there’s no better way to do it than by beating the division leaders in front of their home fans.

Pitching Matchup: Tarik Skubal vs Bailey Ober

Tarik Skubal – Detroit Tigers (11-3, 2.35 ERA)

It’s not an exaggeration to say Tarik Skubal has been the best pitcher in baseball this season. The left-hander has dominated hitters with pinpoint command and elite strikeout ability. His 2.35 ERA tells only part of the story he’s been consistently keeping runners off base and neutralizing big bats all season.

In divisional matchups, Skubal has been particularly sharp, using his fastball-slider combination to carve through lineups. His ability to pitch deep into games gives the bullpen much-needed rest, and heading into this matchup, he’ll be looking to set the tone for the series.

Baseball pitching duel Tarik Skubal Detroit Tigers vs Bailey Ober Minnesota Twins

Bailey Ober – Minnesota Twins (4-7, 5.16 ERA)

For Ober, this game presents both a challenge and a shot at redemption. The last time he faced the Tigers on June 28 it was a nightmare outing. Detroit tagged him for seven runs on 11 hits, including four home runs, in just 5 2/3 innings.

Ober will need to avoid the middle of the plate and mix his pitches effectively if he wants to keep Detroit’s powerful bats in check this time around. His tall frame and downhill delivery can be effective when he’s hitting his spots, but any lapses could lead to another long night.

Key Storylines to Watch

1. Can Skubal Keep His Dominance Going?

Detroit’s ace has been nearly untouchable, but Target Field can be tricky for pitchers due to its deep gaps and unpredictable winds. If Skubal commands his pitches early, it could be another statement performance.

2. Tigers’ Power Surge

In their last meeting with Ober, Detroit hit four homers. With players like Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson heating up, the Tigers’ lineup could once again put up crooked numbers.

3. Twins’ Home Advantage

While the Twins have struggled against certain opponents, they tend to play tighter games at home. The energy of Target Field could give them the push they need to compete with Detroit’s deep rotation.

Head-to-Head Recap in 2025

Last Series: Twins won 2–1 at Comerica Park in early August.
Season Record: Tigers lead overall but Minnesota has shown they can take games when their pitching clicks.
Key Stat: Detroit has outscored the Twins in total runs this season, but Minnesota has won more one-run games in the matchup.

Projected Lineups

Detroit Tigers

Riley Greene – CF
Spencer Torkelson – 1B
Kerry Carpenter – RF
Javier Báez – SS
Mark Canha – LF
Colt Keith – 2B
Carson Kelly – C
Matt Vierling – 3B
Parker Meadows – DH

Minnesota Twins

Edouard Julien – 2B
Carlos Correa – SS
Byron Buxton – CF
Max Kepler – RF
Trevor Larnach – LF
Alex Kirilloff – 1B
Ryan Jeffers – C
Willi Castro – 3B
Matt Wallner – DH

Game Details

Matchup: Detroit Tigers (70-52) vs Minnesota Twins (57-63)
Game Number: 123 of the season
Date & Time: Thursday, 7:40 p.m. ET
Venue: Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Broadcast: FanDuel Sports Detroit, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network

Prediction

With Tarik Skubal on the mound and Detroit’s offense finding rhythm, the Tigers are favorites to open the series with a win. However, if Bailey Ober can shake off his last outing against Detroit and keep the ball in the park, the Twins could make it competitive.

Projected Score: Tigers 5, Twins 2

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is starting for the Tigers against the Twins?

Tarik Skubal (11-3, 2.35 ERA) will start for Detroit in Game 123.

2. Who is pitching for the Twins in this matchup?

Bailey Ober (4-7, 5.16 ERA) will start for Minnesota.

3. What was the result of the last Tigers vs Twins series?

The Twins won two of three games when they met in Detroit earlier this month.

4. Where is the Tigers vs Twins game being played?

At Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

5. How can I watch the Tigers vs Twins game?

Fans can watch on FanDuel Sports Detroit, MLB.TV, or listen via the Tigers Radio Network.