Potential Payday: Tigers (+130) Offer Value Bet in Upset Bid vs. Twins

Game Info: Saturday, July 27, 2024, 6:40 AM EST (Comerica Park, Detroit, MI)

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Twins (-150) / Tigers (+130)
• Run Line: Twins -1.5 (+140) / Tigers +1.5 (-120)
• Total Runs: Over 8.5 (-110) / Under 8.5 (-110)

Detroit Tigers Betting Preview

The Detroit Tigers (48–52), whose chances of qualifying for the postseason are fading, are traveling to Minnesota. In this game, they are still the underdogs despite their recent success.

• Hitting Offense: The Tigers rank 12th in MLB for runs scored, demonstrating their well-rounded offensive capabilities. With a .292 batting average and 18 home runs, Riley Greene has emerged as the team’s star player. With his seasoned leadership and clutch hitting, Miguel Cabrera keeps showing signs of youth. The Tigers strike out a lot of runs though and they can be inconsistent at times.
• Pitching Woes: It’s evident that Detroit’s pitching is a vulnerability. With team’s 4.52 ERA, they are rated 24th in MLB. Because of injuries to their starting rotation, they are unduly dependent on their overworked bullpen. The only shining light has been Tarik Skubal who has a 3.89 ERA and occasional flashes of brilliance.

Minnesota Twins Betting Preview

Currently in second place, the Minnesota Twins (58-42) are right in the thick of the AL Central race. They will want to win the series at home in order to increase their lead over the Tigers.

• Powerhouse Bats: The Twins boast one of the strongest offensive lineups in baseball. Byron Buxton is back to full health and wreaking havoc on opposing pitchers with a scorching .321 batting average and leading the team in home runs. Carlos Correa’s mix of average and power has made him a formidable force in the middle of the order. They are a nightmare to play against because every time they take the field they pose a threat to the other team.
• Inconsistent Pitching: Despite their potent offense, there has been some worry about the Twins pitching staff. Even with their erratic play the team’s ERA of 4.28 is just outside of the top 10 in MLB. As of right now, Sonny Gray is their best player even though it’s still unclear how deep he goes. Though not always, the bullpen can be relied upon on occasion.

Matchup/League Facts

• The season’s final series between the Twins and Tigers is underway. The Twins have won both of their previous encounters with the Tigers by a total score of 18-7.
• It’s worth noting that the Twins have a stellar home record (32-18), compared to the Tigers dismal road record (23-29).
• Throughout the season, one of baseball’s most competitive divisions has been the American League Central. Every team is in a winning position so every game matters.

Detroit Tigers at Minnesota Twins Prediction

There is an interesting stylistic contrast in this matchup. The Tigers’ balanced strong offense offsets their patchy pitching. The Twins have a strong offensive line but there are concerns about the depth of their pitchers.

Probably a pitching matchup will decide the outcome. To help the Tigers win away from home Skubal must pitch deep into the game and shut out the Twins offense. Nonetheless the Twins are winning because of their home field advantage and strong pitching staff.

Prediction: Twins (-150)

Although the Tigers are a formidable offensive team, the Twins are the clear favorites due to their home-field advantage. It’s likely that the Twins will win this game close 6-4.

Key Matchup to Watch:

Skubal vs. Nelson Cruz, Correa and Buxton, the core of the Twins’ order will be the major game to watch. The Tigers will fare well if Skubal can successfully negotiate this ordeal. But it could be a long day for Detroit if the Twins can get to him quickly.

From this thrilling Twins at Tigers series both teams have a chance to advance to the postseason. The Twins are the clear favorites at home so the Tigers will need to play incredibly well to pull off an upset.