Detroit Tigers vs Texas Rangers Picks and Predictions May 9th 2025

Detroit Reloads Ace Skubal to Open Rangers Series

A rainout in Colorado and a reshuffled rotation have left Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal with six full days of rest ahead of Friday night’s series opener against the Texas Rangers.

Rather than using Skubal during Thursday’s doubleheader against the Colorado Rockies, Detroit manager A.J. Hinch strategically held back the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner for a more impactful start—against a struggling AL West foe.

Skubal (3-2, 2.21 ERA) has been nearly untouchable lately. Over his last five starts, he’s allowed just three runs in 30 innings (0.90 ERA) while striking out 38 batters and walking only one.

He’s made a habit of dominating early and efficiently.

“I want teams to swing early and often,” Skubal said. “They don’t get a chance to see what my stuff does. So swing all you want first pitch. I like it.”

Check Skubal’s strikeout props and game odds on the MLB Odds and Scores Page.

Tigers Riding Four-Game Winning Streak Into Opener

Detroit is surging, winning seven of their last eight games, including a three-game sweep of the Rockies. Thursday’s twin bill turned into a run-scoring showcase as the Tigers posted 10-2 and 11-1 wins.

Everything is clicking for the Tigers right now:

• The rotation is rested and dominant.
• The offense has tallied 32 runs in its last four games.
• The bullpen has stabilized.

Skubal’s efficiency has been a major reason why. He tossed just 73 pitches over six innings in his last outing—an 8-2 win at the Los Angeles Angels—allowing a leadoff home run and little else.

Manager A.J. Hinch is making it clear: “We’re going to stay really disciplined to how we handle our pitching. It’s one of our strengths and something we’re really focused on.”

Texas Turns to Corbin Amid Offensive Struggles

The Rangers will counter with veteran Patrick Corbin (2-1, 3.28 ERA), who’s found early-season success in his first year with Texas after a rocky run in Washington.

Corbin’s last outing was his best of the year—5 2/3 innings, one run allowed against the Seattle Mariners. Still, the lefty hasn’t worked into the seventh inning yet and has had a tendency to fade late.

In two career starts against Detroit, Corbin is 1-0 with a 2.38 ERA, but he’ll face a vastly different Tigers team now—one that’s punishing pitchers who leave balls up in the zone.

Rangers’ Offense Is Ice Cold

Texas has lost 11 of their last 15 games, including back-to-back losses at Fenway Park to close out a three-game set against the Boston Red Sox.

In those two losses:

• They went 0-for-17 with runners in scoring position
• Were shut out for the fifth time this season
• And failed to capitalize on multiple scoring opportunities

“You don’t win games unless you get those hits,” said manager Bruce Bochy. “We had the right guys up. Just couldn’t get that hit to keep it going.”

Texas shortstop Corey Seager got a scheduled rest day Thursday as he continues recovering from a hamstring issue, and his availability for the Detroit series remains day-to-day.

Explore daily lineup changes and fantasy implications on the MLB Team Page.

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Matchup Breakdown: Skubal vs. Rangers’ Slump

Skubal owns a 1-1 record with a 3.47 ERA in four career starts against Texas, but this version of Skubal is better than ever.

Texas hitters like Marcus Semien and Adolis Garcia have gone cold. Garcia is hitting just .220 over his last 15 games, while Nathaniel Lowe has yet to homer in 2025.

Expect Skubal to attack the zone early and force Texas into uncomfortable early swings.

Key Trends and Betting Angles

• Tigers are 7-1 in their last 8 games
• Detroit is averaging 8 runs per game in that stretch
• Rangers are 4-11 in their last 15 games
• Under is 5-1 in the last 6 Rangers games
• Skubal has allowed 2 earned runs or fewer in 6 of 7 starts this season

Find betting line movement, over/unders, and first 5 inning trends on the MLB Picks Page.

Series Outlook: Tigers in Control

With a fully rested ace, a confident lineup, and home-field momentum, the Tigers hold the clear edge heading into the weekend.

Projected Matchups:

• Friday: Skubal vs. Corbin
• Saturday: Casey Mize vs. Andrew Heaney (TBD)
• Sunday: Jack Flaherty vs. Jon Gray (TBD)

If the Tigers can continue to get on base early, they’ll test a Texas bullpen that has struggled under pressure.

FAQs

Who’s starting for Detroit and Texas on Friday?
Tarik Skubal (Tigers) vs. Patrick Corbin (Rangers).

Why was Skubal pushed back in the rotation?
A rainout in Colorado led manager A.J. Hinch to skip his start and give him six full days of rest.

How has Skubal pitched recently?
He’s allowed just three runs in his last 30 innings, striking out 38 with a 0.90 ERA.

Why is Texas struggling?
The Rangers have lost 11 of 15 and are hitting poorly with runners in scoring position—0-for-17 in their last two games.

Is Corey Seager playing?
Seager sat Thursday with a hamstring issue. His status is day-to-day for the Detroit series.

Where can I find more betting analysis for this game?
Head to the MLB Expert Betting Guide and Free Plays section for daily updates.