How to watch Rays vs. Tigers: TV channel, stream and time
The Rays vs. Tigers series opener airs Monday, August 24, 2026 at 6:40 p.m. ET from Comerica Park in Detroit. Watch on FS1 or stream via FOX One (3-day free trial) and the FOX Sports app. Left-hander Framber Valdez starts for Detroit; Drew Rasmussen takes the mound for the AL East-leading Rays.
Tampa Bay's Sunshine State squad rolls into Michigan for a three-game set just as Detroit's playoff hopes are fading. The Tigers have dropped five straight and seven of their last eight, including an 11-7 loss to Kansas City on Sunday. For fans tracking every Florida-flavored twist in sports, our Bizarre News & Florida Man hub covers the stories that keep trending.
Key Takeaways
- First pitch is Monday, August 24, 2026 at 6:40 p.m. ET at Comerica Park in Detroit.
- Watch nationally on FS1; Detroit viewers can also catch the game on Detroit SportsNet.
- Stream live on FOX One (3-day free trial), the FOX Sports app, MLB.TV, or Fubo.
- Framber Valdez (8-8, 4.35 ERA) opposes Drew Rasmussen (13-5, 3.01 ERA) in the opener.
- Tampa Bay (77-53) leads the AL East; Detroit (61-69) sits fourth in the AL Central on a five-game skid.
What time is the Rays vs. Tigers game?
First pitch from Comerica Park is set for 6:40 p.m. ET on Monday, August 24, 2026. It is Game 1 of a three-game series that runs through the week.
Detroit returns home after being swept in Kansas City. Tampa Bay arrives off a 3-1 win over Baltimore on Sunday, holding a 77-53 record and first place in the American League East.
Where can you watch Rays vs. Tigers on TV?
National coverage lands on FS1, according to FOX Sports. Local viewers in the Detroit market can also tune in through Detroit SportsNet.
Out-of-market fans can follow the broadcast through MLB.TV. Radio listeners can catch the Tigers on the Tigers Radio Network.
How can you stream Rays vs. Tigers live?
FOX Sports lists FOX One and the FOX Sports app as streaming options, with a three-day free trial available on FOX One. CBS Sports also notes Fubo as a streaming option for the matchup.
MLB.TV remains an alternative for subscribers who want to watch outside the traditional cable bundle. Check your regional blackout rules before signing up.
Why does this Rays vs. Tigers matchup matter?
Detroit entered Monday desperate to halt a five-game losing streak and stay relevant in the American League wild-card race. Tampa Bay, meanwhile, is trying to protect its AL East lead at 77-53.
The Tigers swept the Rays in St. Petersburg to open June and broke out of a May slump doing it. Detroit hopes history repeats against its Sunshine State rivals now that both clubs meet again in the Motor City.
Who is starting for the Rays and Tigers?
Left-hander Framber Valdez (8-8, 4.35 ERA in 138.2 innings) gets the nod for Detroit after being pushed back a day. He has struggled lately, posting a 6.35 ERA over his last 11 1/3 innings.
Right-hander Drew Rasmussen (13-5, 3.01 ERA in 134.1 innings) starts for Tampa Bay. He took a loss in his last outing against Toronto, giving up five runs over five frames. Neither pitcher has faced the opposing club yet this season.
Per CBS Sports, Tampa Bay is a -126 money-line favorite and the over/under sits at 7.5 runs. SportsLine's model projects 8.7 combined runs after simulating the game 10,000 times.