• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Nominations Are Open for Front Office Sports Honors! Submit Now

Tigers Following Lions’ Act, Surge Into Playoff Contention

  • The MLB club’s turnaround after a long stretch of losing resembles the resurgence of the neighboring Lions.
  • The Tigers are again on local television following the resolution of the Comcast–Diamond Sports Group dispute.
Detroit Free Press

A Major League Baseball club out of the national limelight for all of the past decade and thought firmly out of this year’s playoff mix as recently as two weeks ago is now thoroughly back—and is poised to shake up the league in the process.

The Tigers beat the Rays 2–1 on Tuesday afternoon, the club’s 28th win in its last 39 games. The victory extended a surprising and remarkable run in which it is MLB’s top-performing team since mid-August. The club currently holds the second wild-card slot in the American League, and it is eyeing its first winning season since 2016 and first playoff berth since 2014. 

The marked turnaround—the team was still under .500 as recently as a month ago—has prompted a significant attendance resurgence at Comerica Park. The Tigers are averaging about 22,000 fans per game, up by roughly 12% from a year ago. Detroit has already clinched its best annual figure at the gate since 2018, and further lift is possible depending on the total from the final five regular-season games.

Boosted in part by a start by ace pitcher and likely AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal, Tuesday’s game drew 22,770, a solid draw for a weekday afternoon contest initially delayed by rain. Armed in part with Skubal, now eyeing a win of pitching’s Triple Crown and 18–4 on the season, the Tigers could become the proverbial team that opponents don’t want to face in the playoffs. 

“Our guys know what’s at stake, and we’re having a great time chasing down what we hope to be some of the most memorable baseball” in Detroit in a decade, said Tigers manager A.J. Hinch. The former Astros skipper has also been in the midst of a career rehabilitation following a prior firing from Houston for his role in that club’s sign-stealing scandal. 

Furthering the Tigers’ reborn win-now mentality, the club this week called up top minor-league pitching prospect Jackson Jobe to provide additional fortification out of the bullpen. 

Back on the Air

The Tigers’ resurgence somewhat mirrors their NFL neighbors, the Lions, who broke through an even longer stretch of losing in 2023 to reach the NFC championship game. For the NFL, the Lions’ rebuild reactivated the No. 14 U.S. media market that remains the center of the U.S. automotive industry and is a critical corporate hub. 

Similar benefits are also likely to head MLB’s way. But in the immediate term, it’s also a big relief that the Tigers are once again broadly available on television in the Detroit market. The Tigers were among those most affected by a nearly three-month carriage standoff between Comcast, the country’s No. 2 cable distributor and a significant entity in Michigan, and Bally Sports parent Diamond Sports Group. Comcast and DSG resolved their issues in late July, just before the Tigers began their on-field tear.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sacramento A's

A’s Sacramento Debut Beset by Logistical Problems

Monday saw broadcast issues, a drone delay, and a tight press setup.

Yankees RSN, Comcast Reach Deal After FCC Pressure

The deal keeps the regional sports network on an expanded basic tier.

Clark Hunt: Chiefs Will Decide on Stadium Plans by Summer

The Chiefs owner also addresses TV, Patrick Mahomes, and the White House.
Oct 20, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; General view of a television camera operator during the game between the Houston Texans and Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.

Sources: NFL ‘Virtual Lock’ to Opt Out of Media-Rights Deals

Data continues to support an early opt-out of the league’s rights.

Featured Today

Seattle Kraken

Samantha Holloway Is Seattle’s NHL Present—and Hopeful NBA Future

Samantha Holloway is steering the Kraken and hoping to revive pro hoops.
Brehanna Daniels
March 31, 2025

NASCAR Pit Crew Member Brehanna Daniels Didn’t Know She’d Be a Trailblazer

The first Black female tire changer didn’t know she’d be a trailblazer.
Columbia, SC - February 16, 2025 - Colonial Life Arena: Rebecca Lobo and Ryan Ruocco during a regular season game.
March 30, 2025

Inside Ryan Ruocco’s Rapid Rise to ESPN’s Top Voice of Women’s Hoops

The top voice became “quickly addicted” to calling the women’s game.
Mar 27, 2025; Newark, NJ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide guard Chris Youngblood (8) and the Alabama Crimson Tide bench celebrate during the second half against the Brigham Young Cougars during an East Regional semifinal of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Prudential Center.
March 29, 2025

How Alabama Became College Basketball’s Newest Juggernaut

The Crimson Tide have found success rivaling their historic football program.
Caledonian Braves

The Scottish Soccer Club With 9,000 Owners—Including NBA and NWSL Players

The Braves’ popularity exploded in the last 10 months.
March 31, 2025

NFL’s QB Market Shake-Up Puts Steelers in Unfamiliar Territory

Conversations are continuing with four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers.
March 31, 2025

Jets Offer Most Employees Buyouts

The team offered nearly 70% of its workforce severance packages.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Feb 8, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Mark Cuban watches the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets at the American Airlines Center.
March 28, 2025

Mark Cuban Says He ‘Fully Expected’ to Run Mavs After Selling Team

Cuban still owns about 27% of the Mavericks.
Adam Silver
March 27, 2025

The $6.1 Billion Celtics Sale Is Not Street-Legal Yet

The complex deal still has some league hoops to jump through.
Mar 16, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) reacts against the Charlotte Hornets during the second half at Intuit Dome.
March 26, 2025

Celtics Sale Has Made Ballmer’s $2B Clippers Stunner a Bargain

The Celtics owners agreed to sell the team for $6.1 billion.
NWSL Ball
March 26, 2025

Boston NWSL Team Tries Second Name: Legacy

Boston Legacy Football Club will replace Bos Nation FC.