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Pittsburgh Pirates vs Detroit Tigers July 23rd 2025
The Detroit Tigers will play against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. This afternoon game is set for Wednesday, July 23, 2025, with a start time of 12:35 PM. The weather forecast predicts a mild day with clear skies, making it a good day for baseball.
The Tigers come into this game with a record of 60-42, while the Pirates have a record of 41-61. Troy Melton will be starting for the Tigers, and Bailey Falter will take the mound for the Pirates. Fans can catch the game on FDSDE.
Tigers vs Pirates Key Information
- Sport: Baseball
- Teams: Detroit Tigers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
- Venue: PNC Park in Pittsburgh, PA
- Date: Wednesday, July 23, 2025
- Betting Odds: Tigers Moneyline -152, Pirates Moneyline +128
The Tigers Can Win If…
The Detroit Tigers are looking to bounce back after their recent loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates. In that game, the Tigers had a solid offensive showing with 10 hits and 2 home runs. Spencer Torkelson stood out with a 3-for-4 performance, while Jake Rogers and Jahmai Jones each hit a home run, driving in three and two runs, respectively.
The Tigers’ offense has been a strong point this season. They rank 7th in the league with a .321 on-base percentage and a .418 slugging percentage. With 127 home runs, they are in the top 10, showing their ability to score runs quickly.
On the mound, the Tigers will start Troy Melton, who is set to make an impact. The team has a solid pitching staff, with a 3.73 ERA ranking 9th in the league. Their ability to limit home runs, ranking 8th in fewest allowed, could be key in securing a win.
The Pirates Can Win If…
The Pittsburgh Pirates are coming off a strong 8-5 win against the Detroit Tigers. In that game, Spencer Horwitz, Tommy Pham, and Bryan Reynolds each had three hits. Mitch Keller pitched six innings, allowing three runs and striking out five batters.
The Pirates have shown they can win with solid pitching and timely hitting. Their team ERA of 3.87 ranks 14th in the league, and they have 41 quality starts, placing them 6th. The Pirates’ ability to keep opponents’ batting averages low, ranking 6th at .236, gives them an edge on the mound.
Offensively, the Pirates have some key players who can make a difference. Bryan Reynolds leads the team with 10 home runs, while Oneil Cruz has 16. Spencer Horwitz has been consistent at the plate, with a batting average of .249 and 19 RBIs, contributing to their recent success.
The Lean
The Tigers are favored with a moneyline of -152 against the Pirates at +128. The Tigers have a stronger batting average and on-base percentage, ranking 9th and 7th respectively, compared to the Pirates’ 19th and 20th. My model projects the Tigers to win with a score of 5-3. Based on these factors, the recommendation is to pick the Tigers to win straight up.
The total for the game is set at 8.5 runs, with the over at -115 and the under at -105. The Tigers’ pitching ranks 9th in ERA, while the Pirates’ ranks 14th. Given the Tigers’ solid pitching and the Pirates’ lower-ranked hitting, my model projects a total of 8 runs. Therefore, the recommendation is to take the under 8.5 runs.
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Tigers Turn to Top Prospect Troy Melton for Spark in Finale vs. Pirates
The first-place Detroit Tigers are in a deep slump, and they are turning to their farm system for a much-needed spark. Top pitching prospect Troy Melton will make his major league debut on Wednesday afternoon as the slumping Detroit Tigers try to avoid a three-game series sweep against the host Pittsburgh Pirates.
A Much-Needed Spark
The Tigers, who still hold a comfortable lead in the AL Central, have lost eight of their last nine games. In a search for any kind of positive momentum, they are calling up Melton, their No. 10-ranked prospect. The 24-year-old right-hander has been excellent in the minors this season, with a combined 2.72 ERA and 56 strikeouts in 36 1/3 innings at Triple-A.
“We’ve been monitoring him the last few starts,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “His stuff has gotten better. His fastball command has gotten better. The punchouts have been there.”
Falter’s Funk
While the Tigers are turning to a hot prospect, the Pirates will counter with a veteran who has been in a deep slump. Lefty Bailey Falter (6-5, 4.00 ERA) was spectacular in May but has struggled mightily since, posting a 5.60 ERA in his last eight starts. He has been particularly vulnerable to the home run ball, giving up seven long balls in his three July starts.
“He needs to continue to be committed to his fastball,” Pirates manager Don Kelly said. “Finding ways to attack the strike zone, getting ahead.”
The Pitching Matchup
Wednesday’s game features a fascinating duel between a hyped rookie making his debut and a struggling veteran trying to find his form. The pitching matchup will be a key focus on the scores and odds board.
| Pitcher | W-L (2025) | ERA (2025) | Career vs. Opponent |
| Troy Melton (DET) | — | — | No Appearances |
| Bailey Falter (PIT) | 6-5 | 4.00 | 0-0, 6.75 ERA |
Key Matchup to Watch
One hitter who will be happy to see Falter on the mound is Tigers shortstop Javier Baez. In his career, Baez is 2-for-3 against Falter, and both hits were home runs. This individual matchup is a key factor, a topic often discussed in our expert betting guide. For two MLB teams looking to end a series on a high note, this finale is crucial. To see who our experts think will win, check out our daily MLB picks.
