In the second of a three-game series between the Cleveland Indians (32-37) and the Detroit Tigers (32-37) at Progressive Field, Danny Salazar (6-2, 3.56 ERA) and David Price (6-2, 2.50 ERA) get the start. The Tigers won the last game 8-5 and Detroit leads the series 1-0. The game starts at 7:10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Jun. 23 and will air on FSN-DET and STO.
Salazar is 2-2 with a 3.06 ERA against the Tigers in his career, but faces a strong Detroit offense that’s hitting .274 on the year. Jason Kipnis (.346, 47 Rs, 5 HRs, 30 RBIs, 10 SBs) played well again yesterday, going 2 for 5 with one run and two RBIs. In his career against the Indians, Price is 8-1 with a 2.11 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 74 strikeouts. Miguel Cabrera (.350, 41 Rs, 15 HRs, 52 RBIs, 1 SB) has been doing well offensively for the Tigers, going 2 for 3 yesterday with one run and one RBI.
Cleveland, a -117 favorite, will look to capitalize at home against Detroit. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is seven runs. When playing as the favorite, the Indians have a 21-25 record and overall money line at -1,256. They have disappointing records of 7-13 as the favorite and 13-20 SU within their division. Cleveland has averaged 2.5 runs per game over the last 10 games, lower than its season average of 4.0. They typically aren’t overmatched by pitchers, ranking fourth in the AL with an average of only 6.8 strikeouts per game. Transitioning to the pitching staff, they have been extremely effective at striking opposing batters out, leading the AL with 9.3 strikeouts per game.
On the other side, the Tigers have a record of 13-16 when they are the underdog and are -178 overall with the money line. They have played poorly as the underdog as of late. They managed a 2-5 record when playing as the underdog and an SU record of 4-6. They sport the fourth-ranked offense in the AL, averaging four runs per game. Detroit is the top hitting team in the AL with an average of 9.4 hits per contest. The Tigers have racked up 52 steals on the year, making them one of the most threatening base-running teams in the league. Detroit’s pitching staff has allowed an average of 5.6 runs per game during the last 10 games, higher than their season average of 4.3.
The Tigers had the upper hand against the Indians in their previous 10 games this season, earning an 8-2 record. This game will feature Price (LHP) on the mound against the Indians, who have an 11-15 record when they take on a left-handed starter. Taking the hill against the Tigers will be the right-hander Salazar. They sport a 25-28 record against righties.
Predictions: SU Winner – DET, O/U – Over
Notes
When leading after 7 innings, Detroit is 17-14, while Cleveland is 11-12.
The Indians managed to give up five walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Tigers who are coming in with a 10-6 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Tigers are 2-24. The Indians have a 6-29 record when opponents outhit them.
Cleveland ranks near the bottom of the league at 22nd when it comes to home runs, hitting 57 this season. Detroit ranks in the bottom half at 20th with 59.
Detroit tops the league in hits with 9.43 per game this season. Cleveland ranks in the top 10 at ninth with 8.37.
Ranking 17th, Cleveland is in the bottom half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.712). Detroit ranks in the top five at fourth with an OPS of .749.
The Tigers are 14-25 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Indians are 21-29 when they allow at least one homer.
