Tigers host Pirates in final series of 2026 starting on Friday

Opening things up for the Motor City Kitties is right-hander Jackson Jobe , who will make his ninth start since returning from Tommy John surgery. The 24-year-old has been solid in September, posting a 3.12 ERA and 3.44 FIP over three games spanning 17 1/3 innings, allowing 11 hits (three home runs) and four walks while striking out a whopping 24 and hitting a batter for a win, loss and no-decision.

Jobe faced the Pirates earlier this season back on Aug. 19 in Pittsburgh, when he spun 5 1/3 frames of one-run ball on four hits and three walks while striking out three and plunking a batter. He took a no-decision in that game, in which the Tigers ultimately lost, 4-3.

Opposite him for the visitors is fellow righty Bubba Chandler , whose final month of the season has been a bit lackluster. The 24-year-old has put up a 4.87 ERA and a 4.92 FIP over his last four games stretching across 20 1/3 innings, surrendering 22 hits (four home runs) and while striking out 21 and recording a HBP, earning a pair of wins along the way while his team was victorious in three of those outings.