The Detroit Tigers missed a chance to earn their second series sweep of the 2025 campaign and a rare four-game variety, but were unable to prevail in extra innings, 4-3, against the Kansas City Royals in the final game Sunday afternoon.

Fear not, Tiger fans — Detroit still holds a half-game lead in the American League Central as its 10-game homestand continues this week. However, the next matchup is a formidable one in the visiting San Diego Padres, who arrive in the D also with a half-game lead in their respective division.

The good news is that the Pads come in stumbling, having lost two of three at the Houston Astros last weekend. It is also worth noting that San Diego is just 4-5 away from its home field so far this season.

The three-game series opens up with Keider Montero facing Randy Vásquez. Here is a look at how the two match up on Monday night.

Detroit Tigers (13-9) vs. San Diego Padres (16-6)

Time (ET): 6:40 p.m.

Place: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan

SB Nation Site: Gaslamp Ball

Media: Bally Sports Detroit, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network

Player IP K% BB% FIP fWAR Player IP K% BB% FIP fWAR Montero 5.0 33.3 4.2 8.23 -0.2 Vasquez 20.2 9.3 16.3 4.28 0.2

Game 23: RHP Keider Montero (0-1, 9.00 ERA) vs. RHP Randy Vásquez (1-1, 1.74 ERA)

MONTERO

VÁSQUEZ

Randy Vásquez looks to continue strong start

Sure, the peripherals — like his strikeout and walk percentages — are not at all impressive, but Vásquez has made it work in 2025 for the most part, largely because of the absence of home runs allowed. His season debut was a gem, tossing six scoreless innings against the Atlanta Braves on four hits and walks apiece along with three Ks.

The only blemish came in the second game at the Chicago Cubs, who put up three runs (two earned) on two hits and five walks along with a pair of strikeouts over 4 2⁄3 innings for the loss. The next two times out, the righthander threw exactly five innings apiece while allowing just a run in each but a combined three Ks.