The Pittsburgh Pirates return to PNC Park on Monday, August 17 to host the Detroit Tigers in a 7:05 PM ET first pitch. Carmen Mlodzinski gets the ball for the Bucs against one of the more accomplished left-handers in the American League, Framber Valdez. It's a legitimate pitching challenge for a Pittsburgh lineup that will need to be patient and productive against a veteran arm. The game airs nationally on ESPN and ESPN App, with local radio coverage on Sports Radio 93.7 KDKA The Fan.

Probable Starters: Mlodzinski vs. Framber Valdez

Carmen Mlodzinski draws the start for Pittsburgh. The right-hander has been working his way through a regular season rotation spot, and Monday night represents a genuine proving ground. He'll need to keep the Tigers' lineup off the bases and work deep into the game to give the bullpen a break.

On the other side, Framber Valdez makes the trip to Pittsburgh for Detroit. Valdez is a sinker-heavy left-hander who generates ground balls at a high rate and has a track record of eating innings. He's the kind of starter who makes lineups uncomfortable even when he doesn't have his best stuff. Pittsburgh hitters will need to be disciplined early in counts and look to work walks if the sinker is running.

Pittsburgh Pirates Lineup

• 1. Jared Triolo — SS
• 2. Esmerlyn Valdez — RF
• 3. Bryan Reynolds — LF
• 4. Nick Gonzales — 2B
• 5. Brandon Lowe — DH
• 6. Rafael Flores Jr. — 1B
• 7. Jake Mangum — CF
• 8. Nick Yorke — 3B
• 9. Henry Davis — C

Detroit Tigers Lineup

• 1. Gleyber Torres — DH
• 2. Kevin McGonigle — 3B
• 3. Dillon Dingler — C
• 4. Colt Keith — 1B
• 5. Zach McKinstry — RF
• 6. Hao-Yu Lee — 2B
• 7. Brett Callahan — LF
• 8. Max Clark — CF
• 9. Javier Báez — SS

Keys to Watch for the Pirates

• Bryan Reynolds against a left-hander: Reynolds batting third gives Pittsburgh a critical middle-of-the-order threat. How he handles Valdez's sinker will set the tone for the offense.
• Nick Gonzales in the cleanup spot: Hitting fourth, Gonzales carries RBI responsibility. A big night from him could be the difference against a pitcher this capable.
• Mlodzinski's pitch efficiency: If Mlodzinski can work efficiently through the first three innings, the Pirates keep their bullpen options open. Getting rocked early against a lineup that features Gleyber Torres and Colt Keith would make for a long night at PNC Park.
• Henry Davis behind the dish: Davis handles the pitching staff and also represents a threat at the bottom of the lineup. His game-calling will matter with Mlodzinski on the mound.

Prediction

This game lives and dies with Mlodzinski. Framber Valdez is going to do what Framber Valdez does — pound the bottom of the zone, generate weak contact, and keep Pittsburgh's offense working uphill all night. The Pirates need at least five solid innings from Mlodzinski to stay competitive. If he can do that and the middle of Pittsburgh's order — Reynolds, Gonzales, and Lowe — can scratch across two or three runs, this is a winnable game at PNC Park. Expect a low-scoring contest. Pirates 3, Tigers 2.