Detroit Tigers vs Boston Red Sox Picks and Predictions May 12th 2025

Tigers vs Red Sox: Must-Watch Series Between Two Trending Teams

After getting cooled off by the defending champion Texas Rangers, the Detroit Tigers look to hit reset as they welcome the Boston Red Sox to town. Monday’s opener at Comerica Park kicks off a three-game set between two American League squads with very different momentum.

Detroit had won five straight before dropping back-to-back games to Texas, including a 10-3 thumping Saturday and a 6-1 loss Sunday. Meanwhile, the Red Sox are surging—winners of four of their last five, with elite pitching and Rafael Devers swinging a fiery bat.

It’s an early-week series that feels like a litmus test for both clubs. Are the Tigers still real AL Central contenders? And can the Red Sox keep their pitching dominance rolling?

Let’s break down the pitching duels, lineup trends, X-factors, and betting angles heading into this exciting matchup.

Detroit Tigers: Reset After Ranger Reality Check

Back-to-Back Losses, But Perspective Remains

Manager A.J. Hinch isn’t panicking after two bad outings:

“This is all part of the ebbs and flows… I wish we would’ve played better, but we’ll be ready Monday.”

That mindset has defined this young Tigers team—a club that started the year rocky but surged recently with five straight wins before this weekend’s stumble.

Home Run Trouble for Pitching Staff

The biggest concern? Eight home runs allowed in the last two games. The long ball has been an issue for Detroit’s staff at times this season, especially when their offense doesn’t show up.

Detroit didn’t get on the board Sunday until Spencer Torkelson’s ninth-inning sacrifice fly. That’s far too little, too late against playoff-level competition.

“We haven’t dwelled on losses,” said catcher Dillon Dingler. “I hope we come back Monday, clean slate.”

Rookie Spotlight: Jackson Jobe

Jackson Jobe (2-0, 4.88 ERA) has quietly become a lucky charm—Detroit is 6-0 in his starts, even though his numbers suggest he’s still learning.

Last Start: Rough, But Not a Killer

• 3.2 IP, 6 ER, 8 H, 2 HR vs Colorado
• Tigers still pulled off an 8-6 win in extras

He’ll make his first career appearance against Boston, hoping to command his secondary pitches better and avoid the fat part of the strike zone.

While his ERA hovers near 5.00, the fact that Detroit consistently wins when he pitches says a lot about how this club rallies behind him.

You can track advanced metrics and matchups on our MLB Team Page.

Boston Red Sox: Red-Hot and Pitching with Precision

After an inconsistent April, Boston’s pitching has locked in. The Sox have won 4 of their last 5, allowing just eight total runs in that span.

Devers: Power, Consistency, and Attitude

No one is hotter than Rafael Devers, even if he’s not thrilled with being a full-time DH.

• 8 RBIs in last 4 games
• 440-foot home run Sunday vs KC

“That ball was demolished,” said manager Alex Cora. “He’s probably the best DH in the American League right now.”

The bat speaks louder than positional drama.

A Tough Series Ahead

Cora isn’t overlooking the Tigers:

“We can talk about their pitching, but their defense is solid, their baserunning is amazing, and they hit the ball hard.”

Boston respects what Detroit brings—especially when playing at home.

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Tanner Houck: Red Sox Need More from the Righty

Tanner Houck (0-2, 6.10 ERA) hasn’t been sharp in 2024. The Red Sox are just 2-6 in games he’s started, though some of that blame falls on lackluster run support.

Last Start: Another Short Outing

• 4.2 IP, 3 R (2 ER), 6 H vs TEX

The Red Sox offense has scored two or fewer runs in half of his starts. He’ll need more support—and fewer middle-of-the-plate fastballs—if he wants to secure his first win of the season.

Career vs Detroit:

• 2-0
• 1.42 ERA
• 17 strikeouts in 4 appearances (3 starts)

He’s owned the Tigers historically—but this lineup is more confident than previous seasons.

Key Matchups to Watch

Rafael Devers vs Jackson Jobe

Can the rookie keep the red-hot Devers in the park? One mistake over the plate could turn into a fireworks show.

Spencer Torkelson vs Tanner Houck

Torkelson hasn’t exploded yet this season, but he has a knack for clutch RBIs. If the Tigers are going to turn things around, he’ll need to produce early.

Jackson Jobe vs Jarren Duran

Duran is a table-setter with speed and sneaky power. If Jobe can keep him off base, it’ll limit Boston’s run opportunities.

Team Trends & Series Outlook

This is a much more evenly matched series than it looks. While Boston is pitching better, the Tigers play gritty, grind-it-out ball at Comerica, and Jobe’s starts tend to inspire run support.

Betting Preview: Who Has the Edge?

Prediction:

Tigers 4, Red Sox 3

It won’t be pretty, but Detroit scraps out a much-needed win thanks to timely hitting and a bounce-back performance from Jobe.

Best Bets:

• Tigers +1.5
• Under 9.0 Total Runs
• Devers 1+ RBI

Looking to bet with confidence? Head to our MLB Pick Page for top picks and winning streaks.

FAQs

Who’s pitching tonight for the Tigers and Red Sox?

Jackson Jobe gets the ball for Detroit; Tanner Houck starts for Boston.

Is Rafael Devers staying as DH?

For now, yes. He’s thriving offensively and prefers not to return to third base duties.

What’s the Tigers’ record in Jobe’s starts?

Detroit is a perfect 6-0 when the rookie pitches, despite his 4.88 ERA.

How’s Boston’s pitching overall?

Very strong lately—only eight runs allowed over their last five games.

Where can I get player stats and injuries?

Head over to the MLB Team Page for all player data, injuries, and team splits.

Final Take: Bounce-Back or Beatdown?

This game sets the tone for the week. If the Tigers respond to their weekend losses with a strong outing behind Jobe, it could signal a return to their winning ways. But if Boston’s pitching continues its stingy trend, the Red Sox might roll to another series win.

Will the rookie rise, or will Devers dominate?

Either way, it’s a must-watch night in Motown.