Reds, Tigers riding high heading into weekend series

Off to their best 25-game start to a season in two decades, the Cincinnati Reds host the Detroit Tigers in an interleague series opener on Friday night.

Coming off a road trip that saw them sweep three games against the Minnesota Twins and take two of three from the Tampa Bay Rays, the Reds have won 16 of their first 25 games for the first time since beginning 17-8 in 2006.

Winners in seven of their past nine, the Reds averaged 5.5 runs per game across the road trip -- an impressive figure for a club that ranks just 24th in the majors in scoring (97 total runs).

Cincinnati has relied on consistent production from Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart, who are among the players tied for second in the National League with eight home runs apiece. Now, the Reds will look to spread the wealth across the lineup. Offseason trade acquisition Dane Myers is one player hoping to stay hot as the team returns home.

The former Miami Marlins center fielder homered, walked three times and scored four runs in the Reds' latest victory, a 12-6 triumph over the Rays on Tuesday.

"It feels good," Myers said of playing for a winning team. "Like I said in the spring, I think this team has what it takes to play meaningful ballgames deep into the season. If we stay the course, I think that will happen."

On the mound for the Reds in the series opener on Friday, Andrew Abbott (0-2, 5.84 ERA) will look to find his way out of an early-season rut. An All-Star last year, Abbott has compiled a 7.71 ERA in four April starts. Last time out, the 26-year-old left-hander gave up four runs (three earned) across 4 2/3 frames in a no-decision against Minnesota on Saturday. The Reds won 5-4.

Making his 81st career start, Abbott will face the Tigers for the first time.

Detroit's flight to Cincinnati figured to be an enjoyable one, as the Tigers took two of three at home against the Milwaukee Brewers to begin the week. The Tigers have won 10 of their past 13 games, including a 5-4 victory on Thursday thanks to Spencer Torkelson's walk-off home run.

"That's what it's all about," Torkelson said. "You've just got to be ready for the moment."

Following a 31-homer season in 2025, Torkelson launched his first two home runs of the year over the past two days.

Detroit entered the game tied for 13th in the American League with just 19 homers before slugging three on Thursday.

Framber Valdez (2-1, 3.30 ERA) is slated to make his sixth start in a Detroit uniform on Friday. After inking a three-year, $115 million deal with the Tigers in February, Valdez has allowed one earned run or nine in four of his first five starts.

The two-time All-Star surrendered one run on three hits in six innings on Sunday in a 6-2 win over the Boston Red Sox. The 32-year-old left-hander is matching up with the Reds for the first time in his career.

--Field Level Media