Tigers' Framber Valdez delivers needed outing against Athletics originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Framber Valdez needed a quality start like the one the Detroit Tigers' starting pitcher delivered Thursday night.

In seven innings at Comerica Park, Valdez yielded just one earned run on three hits, striking out a season-high nine batters, leading the surging Tigers to a 4-1 victory over the Athletics, who have dominated the series recently.

Entering Thursday, the Tigers had dropped 40 of their previous 53 games against the vagabond franchise, but, behind Valdez, earned their first sweep over the Athletics since June 30-July 2, 2014.

Valdez (5-6) needed Thursday's win.

As the Tigers, winners of eight of nine, climbed back into playoff contention, Valdez was not pitching like a No. 2 starter. Over the Tigers' previous 12 games, Valdez posted a 7.36 ERA in 11 innings, while the other members of the starting rotation posted a combined 0.75 ERA in 60 innings.

Tigers' Framber Valdez looked like No. 2 starter

Since June 1, the Tigers entered the week with the league's best team ERA (3.22) and the AL's record (20-12).

After yielding nine runs on 17 hits in his previous 11 innings, Valdez worked on lowering the sight line on his sinker. By lowering his left elbow below his shoulder height, the location of one of his signature pitches improved. He generated 18 whiffs, earning his first win in four starts.

Valdez improved to 9-2 in 12 starts versus the Athletics since 2022.

The Tigers (43-50) cut their Wild Card deficit to 3.5 games and will host the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday, starting the final three-game series before the All-Star break.

For the Tigers to overcome a 6-22 May and remain in contention for an AL Central pennant, the Tigers need Valdez to regain his two-time All-Star form.

Especially if ace Tarik Skubal, as rumored, gets dealt before the trade deadline.