Detroit Tigers vs San Francisco Giants Picks and Predictions May 26th 2025

Hayden Birdsong Looks to Lock in Permanent Spot in Giants’ Rotation

After opening the season in the bullpen, San Francisco Giants right-hander Hayden Birdsong is making a serious push for a full-time spot in the starting rotation. He’ll make his second start of the season Monday afternoon as the Giants kick off a three-game series against the Detroit Tigers.

Birdsong impressed in his first start, holding Kansas City to one unearned run over five innings while striking out four and issuing no walks. His performance solidified his status as a strong candidate to replace struggling starter Jordan Hicks.

“There were some misses from him … but when he needs to make a pitch, he does.”
— Bob Melvin, Giants Manager

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Birdsong Focused on Staying a Starter

Birdsong (2-0, 1.91 ERA) admits he’s still ramping up his pitch count, but he’s feeling strong and motivated to keep his role in the rotation. Last year, he started 16 games with a 4.75 ERA and knows that another stint in the bullpen isn’t where he wants to end up.

“I’ll do what the team needs, but I plan on starting.”
— Hayden Birdsong, Giants Pitcher

Ironically, he could square off against his former Eastern Illinois teammate Trey Sweeney, now Detroit’s starting shortstop.

“It’s kind of rare for that to happen at a smaller D-1 school. It’s going to be cool for everybody.”
— Trey Sweeney, Tigers Shortstop

Tigers Turning to Montero in Opener

Keider Montero (1-1, 5.28 ERA) is likely to pitch the bulk of the innings Monday for Detroit. Used primarily in spot starts, Montero is filling in while the rotation remains shorthanded due to Reese Olson’s finger injury.

Montero gave up five runs in 5 2/3 innings in his last outing and also allowed four runs over five frames to the Giants in a start last August.

Despite his struggles, Montero remains optimistic.

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“From every error and every mistake you learn.”
— Keider Montero, Tigers Pitcher

Teams Riding Momentum into Series

Detroit snapped a four-game skid Sunday with a gem from ace Tarik Skubal, who tossed his first career complete-game shutout in a 5-0 win over Cleveland.

“What an incredible performance when a team needed it the most.”
— AJ Hinch, Tigers Manager

The Giants, meanwhile, took two of three from Washington, capped by a 3-2 victory Sunday. They’ll be looking to carry that momentum — and Birdsong’s rise — into a potential series-opening win.

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