Tigers vs. Cubs Preview: Detroit welcomes Chicago to Comerica Park

The Detroit Tigers have inexplicably won four games in a row after a three-week exercise of ultimate futility, taking a game from the Minnesota Twins before sweeping its home series with the Kansas City Royals this week. Now, the team gets back to interleague play as it hosts the Chicago Cubs this weekend for a three-game series between a pair of teams who rarely meet up on the diamond.

The recent winning ways helped the Motor City Kitties nearly crawl out from the American League Central cellar as they enter Friday night’s tilt tied with the Minnesota Twins for last, though Minny has played two fewer games. On the other side, the Cubs currently sit fourth in the National League Central standings, though they have been heading in the opposite direction as the Tigers, losing their last three including a two-game midweek sweep at the hands of the Cleveland Indians.

Here is a look at the pitching matchup for Friday night’s game in this abbreviated game preview.

Detroit Tigers (13-24) vs. Chicago Cubs (17-19)

Time/Place: 7:10 p.m. ET, Comerica Park

SB Nation Site: Bleed Cubbie Blue

Media: Bally Sports Detroit, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network

Pitching Matchup: LHP Tarik Skubal (0-5, 5.67 ERA) vs. RHP Jake Arrieta (3-3, 4.31 ERA)