Alfredo Simon (7-4, 3.29 ERA) and Carlos Rodon (3-1, 3.75 ERA) are on the hill in the first of a four-game series between the Detroit Tigers (37-35) and the Chicago White Sox (31-40) at Comerica Park. Action begins at 1:08 p.m. ET on Thursday, Jun. 25 and can be seen on WGN and FSN-DET.
Simon is 2-0 with a 4.15 ERA in his appearances against the White Sox, and goes up against a below-average Chicago offense which is batting just .240 this season. Miguel Cabrera (.351, 42 Rs, 15 HRs, 52 RBIs, 1 SB) had another good game yesterday, going 2 for 5 with one run. Rodon went 6.0 innings, surrendering two runs, striking out five and walking three in a 3-2 win over the Rangers in his most recent start. Adam LaRoche (.237, 27 Rs, 9 HRs, 28 RBIs) has been successful at the plate, going 3 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
Detroit is a -137 favorite against Chicago and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at eight runs. The Tigers have an overall money line of +53 and a record as the favorite of 22-18. Detroit has had an impressive season against division opponents, earning 16-6 and 24-12 records as the favorite and SU respectively. The Tigers have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 5.6 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 4.3 runs per game. The Tigers lead the AL in hits with an impressive 9.4 per game. Detroit is one of the best in the MLB in terms of steals, swiping 53 bases. Detroit’s pitchers put it all together when division rivals are on the field. Its average runs allowed per game drops to 3.8 against fellow AL Central members, compared to its 4.3 season average. The Tigers are the second-best team in the AL at limiting walks to their opponents, allowing only 2.6 walks per game so far this season.
In the other locker room, Chicago is coming in with an overall money line of -1,107 and a disappointing record of 12-25 as the underdog. They have been on a bit of a dry streak over their last 10 games. They managed a 0-5 record when playing as the underdog. Offensively, the White Sox have really sputtered in the last 10 games. They have decreased their season average of 3.4 runs per game by averaging 2.0 during that stretch. Chicago is excellent at not striking out n the road with just 7.0 per game, ranking fourth in the AL.
The Tigers lead the season series, 5-4. The Tigers have a 10-6 record against left-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Rodon takes the mound. Simon (RHP) will be on the hill against the White Sox, who have a 26-30 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – DET, O/U – Over
Notes
Chicago recorded at least two errors for the 14th time this season.
The White Sox are 5-2 in games that go into extra innings. Meanwhile, the Tigers are 3-3 in such matchups.
Having scored one run in their last game, the White Sox are going to have to up their game if they want to win this matchup. The Tigers have a 19-0 record in games where opponents scored that many runs or fewer.
When they outhit their opponents, the Tigers are 32-8. The White Sox have a 23-5 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 30th in runs, Chicago has earned 241 this season. Detroit ranks 10th with 310 runs.
Ranking 27th, Chicago is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 163 this season. Detroit ranks in the top 10 at ninth with 219.
When the Tigers hit at least one home run, they are 27-12. When the White Sox hit at least one homer, they have a 17-18 record.
