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Guardians vs Tigers Picks and Predictions — September 18, 2025
The Cleveland Guardians visit the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park for the finale of their three‑game series. Detroit holds a narrow lead in the AL Central but Cleveland is surging—riding a six‑game winning streak and desperate to close ground. The Tigers dropped the first two games of the set, part of a stretch where they’ve gone 4‑6 over their last 10, as reflected in the recent MLB scoreboards. Now Detroit turns to ace Tarik Skubal, who returns after a brief injury scare, to stop the bleeding and restore control.
See What the Pros Are Betting
Trust the data
Opening odds:
- Moneyline: Tigers −210, Guardians +177
- Runline: Tigers −1.5 (+107), Guardians +1.5 (−127)
- Total: Over 7.0 (−124) / Under 7.0 (+103)
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Guardians Can Win If…
- Tanner Bibee carries over momentum from his latest outing—the shutout. If he can spot his fastball, limit walks, and roll through Detroit’s lineup early, Cleveland stays in striking distance.
- The Guardians’ offense wakes up early. Detroit has struggled to score in recent games, but pressure on Skubal early could force him into a groove.
- Cleveland’s bullpen holds firm. With Skubal’s recent injury concern, any drop‑off late gives Guardians an opportunity to capitalize.
“Tanner is our guy … it was a huge night for him and a huge night for us,” manager Stephen Vogt said after Bibee’s shutout.
Tigers Can Win If…
- Tarik Skubal is sharp. His season stats are elite: leads the Tigers’ rotation with a 2.26 ERA and a WHIP around 0.86.
- Detroit’s bats come alive early. If they can pressure Bibee, jump on fastballs, and avoid prolonged scoring droughts, it forces Cleveland to make defensive or bullpen adjustments.
- Tigers stay healthy and clean in execution—limiting errors, handling the pitch count, and trusting their offense even if Skubal shows signs of wear.
Key MLB Betting Trends
| Category | Cleveland Guardians | Detroit Tigers |
|---|---|---|
| Recent Form | 6‑game winning streak, surging | Leading AL Central, but 4‑6 in last 10 |
| Starter vs Team | Bibee coming off shutout | Skubal has 3‑2 record vs Guardians; lifetime ~3.46 ERA over 8 starts vs them |
| ERA / WHIP | Bibee has shown recent dominance | Skubal 2.26 ERA, WHIP ~0.86 |
| Home Advantage | — | Tigers at home, wanting to close out series |
| Offensive Trends | Guardians bats quiet lately | Tigers need to reignite offense early |
The Lean
Pick: Detroit Tigers Moneyline
Alternate Play: Tigers −1.5 if odds tighten
Projected Final Score: Tigers 5, Guardians 3
Reasoning: Skubal’s health seems stable, and his recent dominance vs Cleveland gives Detroit the edge. The Guardians are rolling, but Bibee has spotty consistency, and Detroit’s offense is capable of staging early bursts. Totals lean Over 7.0, given both starters can dominate but also give up enough to let the game open up late.
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Best Bet Box
| Best Bet Category | Selection |
|---|---|
| Best Bet | Tigers Moneyline |
| Confidence Rating | ★★★★☆ |
| Projected Final Score | Tigers 5, Guardians 3 |
| Total Lean | Over 7.0 |
