The Los Angeles Dodgers close out their road trip at Comerica Park on Sunday, August 30, with a 1:40 PM ET first pitch against the Detroit Tigers. Tyler Glasnow gets the ball for the Dodgers against Tigers left-hander Framber Valdez in what shapes up as one of the more compelling pitching matchups of this late-August slate. With the Dodgers' loaded lineup making the trip to Detroit, this is exactly the kind of game Los Angeles needs to take care of business away from home.

Probable Starters: Glasnow vs. Valdez

Tyler Glasnow draws the assignment for the Dodgers, and when healthy and dialed in, he is one of the more imposing arms in the National League. His combination of a high-octane fastball and sharp breaking stuff gives Los Angeles a legitimate chance to control the game from the first pitch. The challenge is Framber Valdez, a proven ground-ball specialist who has made life difficult for opposing lineups with his heavy sinker and reliable command. This is a genuine ace-versus-ace scenario, and runs are going to come at a premium.

Dodgers Lineup at Comerica Park

Los Angeles rolls out its full complement of stars. Shohei Ohtani leads off at DH, followed by Tommy Edman at second and Mookie Betts hitting third at shortstop. Freddie Freeman anchors the cleanup spot at first base, with Teoscar Hernández in left, Miguel Rojas at third, Kyle Tucker in right, Enrique Hernández in center, and Ben Rortvedt behind the plate. That is a lineup capable of breaking a game open against anyone.

Detroit Tigers Lineup

• Gleyber Torres, 2B
• Colt Keith, 1B
• Kevin McGonigle, 3B
• Dillon Dingler, C
• Brett Callahan, LF
• Zach McKinstry, RF
• Hao-Yu Lee, DH
• Max Clark, CF
• Javier Báez, SS

Detroit counters with a lineup that includes veteran Gleyber Torres at the top and Javier Báez hitting ninth. The Tigers have some upside pieces in young players like Max Clark in center, but this is a club that will need Valdez to keep the Dodgers' bats quiet to stay competitive.

Keys to Watch

• Glasnow's command: When Glasnow is throwing strikes and limiting walks, he is extremely difficult to beat. His ability to work deep into the game could be decisive against a Tigers lineup that does not project as a heavy-hitting unit on paper.
• Cracking Valdez: Framber Valdez induces ground balls at an elite rate, which means the Dodgers may need extra-base power from Ohtani, Freeman, and Tucker rather than stringing together singles to generate runs.
• Kyle Tucker's production: Tucked into the seven hole, Tucker represents a threat that opposing pitchers cannot overlook. A big game from him could swing the outcome.
• Mookie Betts at short: Betts' versatility in the field adds a layer of intrigue. His defensive reliability at shortstop will matter if Glasnow generates contact and needs clean plays behind him.

Prediction

This game leans on pitching, and Glasnow matching up with Valdez makes for a low-scoring afternoon in Detroit. The Dodgers' lineup depth gives Los Angeles a slight edge in a tight contest. Expect a grind-it-out win for the Dodgers, something in the range of 3–1 or 4–2, with Glasnow delivering quality innings and the middle of the order providing just enough offense to get the job done. Dodgers win.

Watch on SportsNet LA or tune in on Dodgers Radio AM570. Spanish-language coverage is available on KTNQ 1020.