Houston Astros vs Detroit Tigers Picks and Predictions April 29th 2025

Rookie Righty Faces Reese Olson as Bullpen Stays Hot

The Houston Astros will rely on rookie Ryan Gusto to help secure a series victory over the visiting Detroit Tigers on Tuesday night, as they continue to lean heavily on their elite bullpen to navigate an up-and-down start to the 2025 season.

Monday’s 8-5 win featured another standout performance from Houston’s relievers, who aside from a two-run homer allowed by Kaleb Ort, combined for three scoreless innings with five strikeouts. Closer Josh Hader locked down the save, and manager Joe Espada praised the staff’s rhythm and evolving chemistry.

“When the starter can take you deep in the game, either with a lead or down one, it makes it easier for you to hand the ball to the next person,” Espada said. “Now that roles are defined and everyone is healthy, it’s clicking.”

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Gusto Eyes Third Straight Win

Ryan Gusto (3-1, 2.78 ERA) has become a stabilizing force in Houston’s rotation. The rookie is coming off back-to-back wins, including a sharp 5 2/3-inning outing against Toronto where he allowed just one run on three hits and struck out six. He has now worked at least 22 innings this season while issuing only four total walks — one of the lowest in the AL for qualified starters.

Gusto will face the Tigers for the first time in his young career.

Olson in Groove for Detroit

Detroit will counter with right-hander Reese Olson (3-1, 3.29 ERA), who enters Tuesday riding a streak of two scoreless starts. Olson was dominant against the Padres in his last outing, holding them to two hits and striking out seven over 7 1/3 innings. The Tigers have won his last four starts, and his ability to limit hard contact has been a catalyst for their recent momentum.

Tuesday marks Olson’s first career appearance against Houston.

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Defensive Alignment Adjustments

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch shuffled his outfield alignment at Houston’s Daikin Park on Monday, starting Kerry Carpenter in left field and Riley Greene in right for the first time this season. With smaller left-field dimensions in Houston, Hinch said the setup made sense, and plans to reverse the roles during the team’s upcoming trip to Anaheim.

Carpenter is expected to return to the DH role at other ballparks, while Greene’s versatility remains key for Detroit’s evolving defensive schemes.