The Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians wrap up their three-game AL Central set on Sunday afternoon. Detroit edged out a 2-1 win on Independence Day, deepening Cleveland’s ongoing slide.
Check out our Tigers vs Guardians prediction, and if you are looking for winners, consider following David Delano's 22-5 MLB run!
The Guardians have dropped eight straight heading into Saturday's game, while the Tigers remain one of the surprise stories of the season. Though Cleveland leads the season series 3-2, Detroit enters Sunday with momentum and an ace on the mound.
Skubal on the hill
The Tigers have emerged as legitimate contenders, sitting atop the American League standings with a 55-34 record. Their offensive breakout has been key as they rank sixth in MLB in runs per game (5.03), batting average (.256), and OPS (.753). Spencer Torkelson and Riley Greene have helped pace the lineup, while the bottom half of the order has delivered timely production.
One area where Detroit still lags is baserunning, with an AL-low 30 stolen bases, but their power and plate discipline have made up for it.
On the mound, left-hander Tarik Skubal has been brilliant. Detroit is 11-1 in his last 12 starts, and he’s been particularly sharp on the road (2.28 ERA) and during day games (2.09 ERA). His strikeout-to-walk ratio is among the best in baseball, and he's helped Detroit go 7-2 in series finales this year.
Guardians could be selling, soon
At 40-46, Cleveland’s season is spiraling downhill. The Guardians have lost eight straight and rank in the bottom five in MLB in scoring (3.60 runs/game), batting average (.225), and OPS (.661). A lack of power (just 85 home runs) and defensive woes (63 errors, third-most in MLB) have made it tough to stay competitive.
Gavin Williams has been one of the brightest spots in Cleveland's pitching rotation. lone bright spots. On the season Williams is 5-4 with a 3.86 ERA in 17 starts, but his 2.27 ERA in day games shows promise, and he’s held opposing hitters to a sub-.210 batting average in those outings. The biggest issue for Williams has been the Cleveland offense, which hasn’t provided much support, scoring two or fewer runs in five of his last six starts.
If Cleveland can’t halt the skid soon, they may shift toward selling at the deadline, with several veterans reportedly on the trade block.
Best Bets for Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Guardians
Full-Game Side Bet
Insiders Status:
Tarik Skubal has been one of the most dominant and consistent pitchers in baseball, and the Tigers have thrived in his starts. Detroit has won 11 of his last 12 starts made by Skubal, including five straight by two or more runs. Detroit has the defensive and offensive edges by a wide margin, and Skubal should be able to shut down the Guardian's struggling offense. Take Detroit on the -1.5 runline.
Full-Game Total Pick
Insiders Status:
With two strong starting pitchers and a slumping Cleveland offense, this matchup profiles as a potential pitcher’s duel. Skubal is dominating on the road and in day games, and Gavin Williams has quietly posted a sub-2.30 ERA in daytime starts. Williams also has a strong track record against the Tigers. In four career games against Detroit, Williams has a 2.53 ERA and their active hitters have just a .193 lifetime batting average against him.
The play is the under.
Want a second opinion on this pick?
For another opinion on this game, check out Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Guardians Prediction from Statsalt, our partner site.
