NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Prediction 
Odds 
Last Recap 
Game Picks 
Top Handicapper 
Angels vs Tigers Prediction: Can Skubal Keep Detroit on Track in AL Central Race?
The Detroit Tigers host the Los Angeles Angels at Comerica Park on Friday, August 8, 2025, with first pitch scheduled for 7:10 PM ET on FDSDE.
Detroit (66-50) remains in first place in the AL Central but has seen its once-massive lead shrink to six games after going 7-16 since mid-July. Los Angeles (55-60) sits fourth in the AL West, losers of five of its last seven.
The Tigers are heavy favorites at -328 on the moneyline, while the Angels are at +265. The run line is Tigers -1.5 (-142) / Angels +1.5 (+119). The total is 7.5 runs (O -103 / U -118).
We Watch Every Game — You Just Win
3,000+ reasons to join
Angels Can Win If…
Kyle Hendricks keeps the game close and the power bats connect. Hendricks (6-8, 4.59 ERA) has given up just one run in each of his last two starts, including six innings of two-hit ball vs. Seattle on July 27. He’s also had success against Detroit in his career, going 2-1 with a 2.28 ERA in four starts.
The Angels rank 5th in MLB in home runs (161), with Mike Trout sitting two shy of 400 for his career. Trout hit a three-run blast Wednesday in a loss to Tampa Bay and could reach the milestone this weekend. Taylor Ward and Jo Adell add more long-ball threats to the lineup.
If Hendricks can limit the Tigers’ big innings, Los Angeles has the pop to steal one on the road.
Your Winning Formula Begins With The Expert Betting Guide.
Tigers Can Win If…
Tarik Skubal does what Tarik Skubal does. The lefty ace (11-3, 2.18 ERA, 0.83 WHIP) has delivered quality starts in five of his last six outings and has been the Tigers’ stopper all season — Detroit is 16-6 in his starts.
Skubal has dominated the Angels in his career (1-1, 1.83 ERA in three starts) and comes off six scoreless innings in Philadelphia before allowing three in the seventh last Saturday.
Offensively, Detroit ranks 8th in slugging percentage (.423) and has hit 150 homers, led by Riley Greene (26 HR) and Spencer Torkelson (24 HR). The Tigers’ ability to combine power with elite starting pitching makes them a tough out when Skubal is on the mound.
“We better just worry about ourselves,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “If we don’t play good baseball, we’re going to get tested. So we need to play better.”
Key MLB Betting Trends
| Trend Type | Detroit Tigers | Los Angeles Angels |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline Form | 6-4 in last 10 games | 5-5 in last 10 games |
| Run Line Record | Covered in 4 of last 5 wins | Failed to cover in 4 of last 5 losses |
| Total (O/U) | Over is 3-1 in last 4 home games | Over is 4-2 in last 6 games |
| Head-to-Head | Won 5 of last 7 vs Angels | Lost last 3 at Comerica Park |
The Lean
With Skubal dealing and Detroit’s lineup still producing power despite recent struggles, the Tigers have a clear edge. Hendricks can keep L.A. in it early, but the deeper, more balanced roster belongs to Detroit.
Prediction: Tigers 5, Angels 3
Best Bet: Tigers ML (-328)
Bonus Lean: Over 7.5 (-103)
Stay updated on every score and final from around the league with our complete MLB game results coverage.
MLB Playoff Push = Betting Opportunity
As the postseason race heats up, every edge matters.
See which MLB experts are cashing now →
