Detroit Tigers vs Cleveland Guardians September 16th 2025
The Cleveland Guardians will visit the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park for a night game on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. The Guardians have a record of 78-71 and are second in the AL Central. They are on a four-game winning streak and have won nine of their last ten games.
The Tigers, with a record of 85-65, lead the AL Central. They recently ended a losing streak with a win and have been 4-6 in their last ten games. Casey Mize will start for the Tigers, while Joey Cantillo will take the mound for the Guardians. The weather is expected to be warm with clear skies and a light breeze. The game will be broadcast on CLEG.
Guardians vs Tigers Key Information
- Sport: Baseball
- Teams: Cleveland Guardians vs. Detroit Tigers
- Venue: Comerica Park in Detroit, MI
- Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2025
- Betting Odds: Guardians Moneyline +129, Tigers Moneyline -152, Guardians Runline +1.5 (-169), Tigers Runline -1.5 (+141), Total Over 8.0 (-115), Total Under 8.0 (-105)
The Cleveland Guardians Can Win If…
The Cleveland Guardians have won nine of their last ten games, including a 3-2 victory over the White Sox that extended their winning streak to four. Bo Naylor powered the offense in that win, driving in all three runs with a home run and a double. The Guardians’ ability to produce clutch offense has been a catalyst in their late-season surge.
Pitching has been the team’s backbone, ranking 6th in MLB with a 3.80 ERA. Joey Cantillo will start, carrying a 3.36 ERA. He is coming off a career-best outing against Kansas City, where he threw eight scoreless innings with pinpoint control. If Cantillo maintains that level of command, Cleveland’s pitching can hold down Detroit’s big bats.
Offensively, José Ramírez continues to lead the way with 28 home runs and a .281 average. The Guardians have hit homers in three straight games, a welcome sign for a team often known more for contact than power. If Ramírez and Naylor continue to drive the offense, Cleveland has the tools to steal another game on the road.
The Detroit Tigers Can Win If…
The Detroit Tigers snapped their three-game losing streak with a 2-0 victory over Miami, highlighted by Keider Montero’s sharp five innings and timely runs from Spencer Torkelson and Colt Keith. With momentum back on their side, Detroit enters this series looking to protect its AL Central lead.
Torkelson remains the team’s top power threat with 28 homers, while Riley Greene adds balance with 34 home runs and a .265 average. Detroit’s lineup, which ranks 9th in MLB with a .249 team batting average, can generate runs quickly when the heart of the order produces.
Casey Mize starts with a 3.83 ERA and a 14-5 record. He has collected wins in five of his last seven starts and previously dominated Cleveland with seven scoreless innings on July 5. Detroit’s pitching staff also ranks 8th in opponent batting average at .240, giving them the edge in limiting Cleveland’s surging offense.
The Lean
According to the latest MLB odds, the Tigers are -152 favorites, with the Guardians at +129. Detroit’s combination of a top-10 batting average and a reliable ace in Mize makes them the recommended side. My model projects a 5-3 Tigers win, keeping them firmly in control of the AL Central.
The total is set at 8.0 runs, with the over at -115 and under at -105. My model projects 8 runs exactly, but with Mize pitching at home and Cantillo in strong form, the under carries more value. Bettors can also review MLB Picks and the Expert MLB Betting Guide for further insights.
Key Betting Trends
Team | Last 10 Games | Moneyline Record | Over/Under Record |
---|---|---|---|
Cleveland Guardians | 9-1 | 8-2 | 5-5 |
Detroit Tigers | 5-5 | 5-5 | 4-6 |
The Guardians have been one of MLB’s hottest teams in September, while the Tigers have been more inconsistent. Recent trends favor Cleveland, but Detroit’s strong track record at home combined with Mize’s dominance makes this a balanced matchup.
Players to Watch
Player | Team | Stat Highlight |
---|---|---|
José Ramírez | Guardians | 28 HR, .281 AVG, leader at the plate |
Bo Naylor | Guardians | Drove in all 3 runs in last game |
Joey Cantillo | Guardians | 3.36 ERA, 8 scoreless innings vs Royals |
Spencer Torkelson | Tigers | 28 HR, key power bat |
Riley Greene | Tigers | 34 HR, .265 AVG |
Casey Mize | Tigers | 14-5 record, 3.83 ERA, strong home stats |
Ramírez and Naylor provide Cleveland’s offensive punch, while Cantillo’s recent form makes him their key weapon on the mound. Detroit relies on Torkelson and Greene for power, with Mize anchoring the rotation in one of the most important starts of their season.
Game Preview Recap
The Cleveland Guardians and Detroit Tigers enter this series with postseason stakes rising. Cleveland has cut Detroit’s division lead to 6.5 games after winning nine of ten, while Detroit continues to hold the upper hand with the AL Central crown in sight.
Cantillo has emerged as a steady rotation piece after transitioning from the bullpen, posting four straight starts allowing one run or less. His ability to challenge hitters with strikes has drawn praise from manager Stephen Vogt. Mize counters with elite control and effectiveness, striking out eight in his last start without a walk.
Detroit’s lineup remains dangerous with Torkelson and Greene in the heart of the order, while Cleveland leans on Ramírez and Naylor to continue their hot streaks. The Guardians need to take at least five of the six head-to-head games with Detroit in back-to-back weeks to have a real chance at stealing the division.
Fans can track every update through MLB Scores & Odds and use the Expert MLB Betting Guide for expanded wagering strategies as this pivotal series unfolds.