The Detroit Tigers open a three-game home series against the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night. First pitch is set for 6:40PM ET at Comerica Park. The Tigers enter the game on a three-game win streak after sweeping the Guardians in Cleveland.
Detroit leads the AL Central by 13.5 games and has won 57 games before the All-Star break. Tampa Bay just ended a rough stretch by beating Minnesota 7-5 in extra innings on Sunday. The Rays are 49-41 and chasing a Wild Card spot in the American League.
These teams met three times in June, with Tampa Bay winning all three games. The Rays scored 31 runs in that series and had double-digit runs in two of the matchups. That includes a 14-8 win in which Shane Baz gave up five runs but still earned the win.
Both teams are coming off emotional extra-inning wins. Detroit scored six runs in the 10th to beat Cleveland 7-2. Tampa Bay used a three-run 10th to top the Twins. Both bullpens were used heavily, which could affect how Monday’s game plays out.
DET Preview – Back Home After Big Sweep
Detroit brings a 57-34 record into this matchup. They have been dominant at Comerica Park, going 30-14 at home. The Tigers average 5.01 runs per game and give up just 3.85. Their +1.16 run differential per game is one of the best in baseball.
The Tigers have been winning in different ways. On Sunday, Trey Sweeney broke a tie with a three-run homer in the 10th. He had been sent down earlier in the season but was called back up when Kerry Carpenter hit the injured list. Sweeney now has a chance to stick in the lineup.
Detroit has not named a starter and is expected to use a bullpen game. The Tigers’ bullpen ERA is 3.39 over 299 innings. Will Vest, Tommy Kahnle, and Brant Hurter have all thrown well. Kahnle holds a 2.92 ERA, and Hurter leads the bullpen in innings pitched.
Detroit has also done well in early innings. Their first five innings (F5) team total over has cashed in 54 of 91 games. The Tigers rank in the top 10 in F5 moneyline wins and have also hit their full team total over in 54 games.
TB Preview – Baz Looks for Another Strong Start
Shane Baz will start for the Rays. The right-hander is 8-3 with a 4.33 ERA. In his last five starts, Baz is 4-1 with a 3.06 ERA, striking out 37 in 33 innings. His best outing came June 26 with eight shutout innings against the Royals.
Baz has not lost since May 18. In his last start against the Tigers on June 20, he allowed five runs in 5.1 innings but got the win thanks to strong offense. Riley Greene had a home run and reached base three times in that game against Baz.
Tampa Bay’s bullpen has a 3.49 ERA. Pete Fairbanks, Garrett Cleavinger, and Eric Orze lead the way. Fairbanks has thrown 34.2 innings and allowed just nine earned runs. Cleavinger has 43 strikeouts in 33.1 innings. Injuries have hit this group, but they remain effective.
The Rays are 21-16 on the road and have covered the run line in 15 of their last 21 road games. They’ve also hit the first five innings moneyline in 23 of their last 42 games. Their offense averages 4.79 runs per game, and they give up 4.02.
Betting Prediction
The Rays are small road favorites at -120 with the Tigers listed at even money (+100). The total is set at 8.5. Tampa Bay has hit the under in 41 of 73 games and has strong recent road trends. Detroit, however, has been excellent at home and is riding momentum.
Shane Baz gives Tampa Bay the starting edge, but Detroit’s offense has produced lately, especially at home. If the Tigers can get to Baz early, they have the bullpen depth to hold the lead. This game could be tight, but the Rays have the edge with Baz and should pull out a one-run win late. Final score: Rays 5, Tigers 4.
Pick: Rays -120
