The Pittsburgh Pirates return to PNC Park on Monday, August 17, 2026, for a 7:05 PM ET matchup against the Detroit Tigers. Right-hander Carmen Mlodzinski gets the ball for Pittsburgh opposite Tigers starter Framber Valdez in what shapes up as a classic pitching-focused affair. The game airs nationally on ESPN and the ESPN App, with local radio coverage on Sports Radio 93.7 KDKA The Fan. For a Pirates club grinding through the regular season, every home game at PNC Park carries weight — and this one is no different.
Probable Starters: Mlodzinski vs. Valdez
Carmen Mlodzinski draws the assignment for the Pirates. The right-hander has worked to carve out a role in Pittsburgh's rotation, and this start against a Detroit lineup gives him a chance to make a statement on the home mound. He'll need to command the zone and limit traffic on the bases if Pittsburgh wants to control the pace of this game.
Standing in his way is Framber Valdez, who makes the trip to Pittsburgh for Detroit. Valdez is a proven arm at the major league level, a ground-ball oriented left-hander who relies on a heavy sinker to generate weak contact and induce double plays. He's the type of pitcher who makes opposing offenses work for everything they get. Getting deep into counts against Valdez and forcing him to throw strikes will be essential for the Pirates' bats.
Keys to Watch at PNC Park
- Mlodzinski's command early: Pitching at home in a nationally televised game, Mlodzinski cannot afford to fall behind hitters. Getting ahead in counts and keeping the Tigers off the bases in the first three innings sets the tone for everything that follows.
- Attacking Valdez's sinker: Pittsburgh hitters need to stay disciplined and look to drive pitches on the inner half. Valdez wants to get grounders — the Pirates need to elevate when they get pitches to hit.
- Bullpen readiness: Should either starter exit early, both clubs will lean on their relief corps. Pittsburgh's ability to bridge to high-leverage relievers without giving up the lead will be critical.
- Home-field energy: PNC Park crowds can swing momentum. A big inning at home with the fans behind them is exactly the kind of spark Pittsburgh has shown it can generate this regular season.
Prediction
This is a low-scoring game on paper. Valdez is the kind of pitcher who eats innings and keeps lineups quiet, but PNC Park has a way of producing moments. If Mlodzinski keeps the Tigers to three runs or fewer, the Pirates have enough at home to scratch out a win. Pittsburgh finds a way in the late innings, 3-2.
