Detroit Tigers vs Cleveland Guardians Picks and Predictions May 23rd 2025

Tigers Lean on Jackson Jobe to Rebound Against Guardians

After a tough 7-0 shutout loss in the series opener, the Detroit Tigers are looking for a bounce-back performance Friday night. They’ll hand the ball to rookie right-hander Jackson Jobe, who’s quietly become a good luck charm in the Motor City.

Detroit hasn’t lost in any of Jobe’s eight starts this season, and the 22-year-old will try to extend that streak against a Cleveland Guardians team riding the momentum of strong starting pitching and a red-hot Jose Ramirez.

Before diving into matchups, let’s look at what makes Jobe’s presence so significant.

Jobe’s Quiet Consistency Keeps Tigers Rolling

Last Sunday, Jackson Jobe delivered one of his strongest performances of the year against the Blue Jays. He tossed six-plus innings, allowing two runs and six hits while striking out five. He kept his composure, worked through trouble, and, most importantly, gave Detroit a chance to win.

Manager A.J. Hinch praised his maturity:
“There were innings where he was completely dominant. To get through six and not have to go to the bullpen early—that was big for us.”

At just 22, Jobe has shown flashes of veteran-level poise. And with Detroit holding onto the top spot in the AL Central, his ability to consistently keep them in games has been invaluable.

Curious about his odds for tonight? Visit the MLB Odds Page for lines and insights.

Previous Guardians Experience

Jobe faced Cleveland in the playoffs last year, giving up one run and three hits in 1 1/3 innings. It wasn’t a large sample, but it gave him a feel for their lineup—and he’s grown a lot since then.

Looking to learn more about Jobe and Detroit’s season? Check out the Tigers Team Page.

Guardians Counter With Slade Cecconi

Before Friday’s rainout-adjusted start, right-hander Slade Cecconi had only made one appearance this season. Returning from an oblique strain, he allowed three runs and struck out eight over five-plus innings against the Reds.

A Reintroduction to the Majors

Cecconi described his return with a mix of excitement and determination:
“It was just a little bit of anxiousness. I’ve been thinking about this one for a while.”

The 24-year-old was acquired from the Diamondbacks in an offseason trade involving slugger Josh Naylor. He’s expected to bring a versatile arsenal, including a mix of six different pitches: slider, sinker, four-seamer, curveball, cutter, and changeup.

Friday marks his first-ever matchup against the Tigers, which could work in his favor early.

Want more background on Cleveland’s rotation? Visit the Guardians Team Page.

Thursday’s Shutout Sets the Stage

Cleveland dominated Thursday’s opener, blanking Detroit 7-0 and flexing one of the strongest starting pitching stretches in the majors. Guardians starters have allowed two or fewer earned runs in 17 of their last 21 games. That’s a level of consistency every contender envies.

Can Detroit Flip the Momentum?

Despite the loss, the Tigers remain atop the division standings. Catcher Dillon Dingler summed it up well:

“We’ve lost the first game of a series before… Turn the page and move forward.”

The Tigers need to do just that—move on. And with Jobe on the mound, they have every reason to believe they can even the series.

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Jose Ramirez is Heating Up

On the other side of the diamond, Jose Ramirez continues to carry the Guardians’ offense. With two more hits on Thursday, he extended his hitting streak to 15 games—the longest active run in the majors.

During this streak, Ramirez is batting .390 with 23 hits in 59 at-bats, including seven multi-hit games. When he’s hot, the entire Guardians lineup becomes harder to navigate.

This is something Jobe will need to prepare for carefully. Ramirez’s ability to make contact and drive the ball gap-to-gap puts pressure on young pitchers to be nearly flawless.

AL Central Heats Up

With Cleveland’s win on Thursday, the Guardians are now in a three-way tie for second place alongside the Twins and Royals. The Tigers still lead the AL Central, but the margin is razor-thin.

That’s what makes this series so crucial—it’s not just about bouncing back after a loss, it’s about maintaining control in a tightly packed division.

Manager Stephen Vogt of the Guardians put it plainly:
“Every time you play a divisional opponent, it’s a big series… We’ve got to bring our ‘A’ game.”

Both teams are well aware of the stakes. And with the summer stretch looming, every game carries postseason implications.

FAQs

Why is Jackson Jobe so important to the Tigers?
Detroit is undefeated in Jobe’s starts this season. He’s a steady presence in the rotation and has shown poise beyond his years.

Who is Slade Cecconi, and what does he bring to the mound?
Cecconi is a 24-year-old righty with a deep pitch mix. Acquired in an offseason trade, he’s making just his second start of the year.

What happened in the series opener?
Cleveland shut out Detroit 7-0, with strong pitching and timely hitting. It was a statement win to open the four-game set.

How hot is Jose Ramirez right now?
Ramirez has a 15-game hitting streak and is batting nearly .400 over that span. He’s the hottest hitter in the majors right now.

What’s at stake in this series?
The AL Central is tight, with four teams in the mix. Each game has playoff implications, especially when division rivals square off.

Where can I get more MLB betting info?
Check out the Expert Betting Guide for picks, analysis, and strategy.