So, you’re looking for the game. Honestly, if you’re checking the clock right now on this Saturday, January 17, 2026, I have some news that might be a bit of a bummer: there is no Tigers game tonight.
I know, I know. You want to see Tarik Skubal painting corners or Riley Greene launched a moonshot into the right-field seats at Comerica. But we are currently in the thick of the "dead zone" of the MLB calendar. The guys are mostly down in Lakeland, Florida, or at their home gyms, getting their bodies right before the spring sun starts beating down on Joker Marchant Stadium.
If you’re wondering what time are the detroit tigers on tonight, the short answer is they aren't—but the long answer is that the 2026 schedule is already locked in, and we actually have some weirdly early start dates to look forward to this year.
Why There’s No Game Tonight (and When That Changes)
Right now, it’s mid-January. We’re in that awkward space where the NFL playoffs are hogging the spotlight and baseball fans are just staring at pictures of grass. The Tigers won't actually take the field for a real, live-action game until Saturday, February 21, 2026.
That’s when Spring Training kicks off. They open up against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. The first pitch for that one is scheduled for 1:05 PM ET.
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If you’re the type who needs to plan your life around the TV schedule, here is the immediate outlook for when the "night game" drought actually ends:
- Spring Training Opener: Feb 21 @ Yankees (1:05 PM ET)
- First Home Spring Game: Feb 22 vs. Orioles (1:05 PM ET)
- First Night Game of 2026: March 13 vs. Pirates (6:05 PM ET)
- Opening Day (The Big One): March 26 @ White Sox (TBD, but usually early afternoon)
The 2026 Schedule is Actually Historic
MLB did something a little wild this year. They released the schedule super early, and the regular season is starting on March 26, 2026. That is the earliest "traditional" Opening Day in the history of the league.
Basically, the league wants to get the season moving so they don't end up playing the World Series in a blizzard in November. For us in Detroit, it means we’re only about two months away from meaningful baseball. The Tigers spend the first week of the season on the road (thankfully, given Michigan weather in March) before the Home Opener at Comerica Park on Friday, April 3, 2026, against the St. Louis Cardinals.
That home opener is a 1:10 PM ET start. If you’ve ever been to one, you know the vibes: freezing cold, beer that stays chilled naturally, and about 40,000 people pretending it’s 80 degrees out.
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Where to Watch the Tigers This Year
The "where" is almost as important as the "what time are the detroit tigers on tonight." Things have shifted a bit in the broadcast world.
For 2026, most of the games are staying on FanDuel Sports Network Detroit (the artist formerly known as Bally Sports). If you’re a cord-cutter, you’re probably still dealing with the same old headaches, but the FanDuel Sports app is the primary home for local streaming.
However, keep an eye on your calendar for these national dates:
- April 5 vs. Cardinals: This one is a Peacock exclusive at 7:00 PM ET.
- May 3 vs. Rangers: Another Peacock game, also a 7:00 PM ET start.
- May 10 @ Royals: Sunday Night Baseball vibes on Peacock/NBC at 7:00 PM ET.
It seems like the national media is finally starting to respect what Scott Harris is building in Detroit, because three national games in the first six weeks of the season is a lot more than we’re used to seeing.
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What to Watch For While We Wait
Since there isn't a game tonight, you might be wondering what the front office is actually doing. They just finished up arbitration a few days ago. On January 6, they locked in deals with Casey Mize ($6.15 million) and Riley Greene ($5 million), which is huge. It avoids any weird locker room tension and keeps the core happy.
The biggest story right now isn't the 7:10 PM start time; it’s the kids. Kevin McGonigle is basically the talk of the town. He’s currently ranked as the #1 prospect in the AL Central, and there is a very real chance he breaks camp with the big league club if he tears it up in Lakeland this February.
Then there’s the international splash. The Tigers just signed Manuel Bolivar, a Venezuelan catcher who got a $2.3 million bonus. He’s 6-foot-3 and has a cannon for an arm. He won't be playing in Detroit tonight (or even this year), but he’s the kind of prospect that makes you realize the "rebuild" is actually turning into a "build."
Actionable Steps for Tigers Fans
Since you can't watch a game tonight, here is how you can actually prepare for the 2026 season so you don't miss the first pitch next month:
- Sync your calendar: Go to the official MLB Tigers site and download the 2026 schedule to your phone. It updates automatically if there’s a rainout or a time change.
- Check your sub: If you use a streaming service like Fubo or the FanDuel Sports app, check your login now. Don't be the person trying to reset a password five minutes before the Home Opener.
- Spring Training tickets: Single-game tickets for Lakeland went on sale in December. If you’re planning a flight to Florida, grab those now because the March games against the Yankees and Red Sox sell out fast.
- Follow the beat: Start following guys like Jason Beck or Cody Stavenhagen on social media. This is the time of year when "best shape of his life" photos start dropping, and it’s the only way to track how the roster is actually shaping up.
The 2026 Detroit Tigers are in a position they haven't been in for a decade—they’re actually expected to compete for the Central. So, while the answer to what time are the detroit tigers on tonight is "not tonight," the wait is almost over. Put February 21 on your calendar. That's when the real work begins.