Cards-Tigers series opener postponed; twin bill set for today

The Tigers and Cardinals saw their series opener, scheduled for Monday night at Comerica Park, postponed due to forecasted inclement weather. They'll make it up Tuesday with a traditional doubleheader beginning at 3:40 p.m. ET, with 40 minutes between games.

It's the fourth postponement -- and third doubleheader -- the Tigers have faced so far this season, and reflected a change in the forecast. Though there was a chance of rain looming Monday, there had been some hope it might hold off long enough to allow the game to get in. That changed as the day went on and the storm system strengthened. The grounds crew moved quickly to put the tarp on the field just as Tigers players were emerging from the dugout for batting practice. The game was called shortly thereafter, bypassing a rain delay.

Tickets for Tuesday's originally scheduled game will be honored for the doubleheader, including the special Bark in the Park package. Tickets for Monday's postponed game can be exchanged for Tuesday's doubleheader, or for any other home game of similar value this season, according to the Tigers.

The Tigers used the postponement to juggle their rotation. Jack Flaherty will stay on turn to face his former team on Tuesday, pitching in Game 1. Kenta Maeda, who had been scheduled to pitch Monday, will start Wednesday's series finale instead.

The Tigers did not announce a starter for Game 2 of the doubleheader. But in their other two doubleheaders this season, they've called up Matt Manning as the 27th player to make a spot start in Game 2. Manning is on turn to start Tuesday for Triple-A Toledo at Columbus.

St. Louis will hand the ball to Kyle Gibson in Game 1, and Steven Matz goes in Game 2. Miles Mikolas will start the series finale.