Postseason contenders are set to clash tonight in Motown. The Mets enter Tuesday with a four-game lead for the National League’s final wildcard spot. New York, while comfortable, needs to play well to end the regular season. On the other side, it’ll be the AL Central-leading Tigers taking the field. If Detroit hopes to secure home-field advantage in the playoffs, a dominant September would go a long way. Which of these two clubs will come out on top during this inter-league matchup? Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Tuesday’s showdown between the Mets and Tigers.
The Mets are favorites (-131) over the Tigers, with the over/under set at 8.5 runs. Let’s break down which side has the edge on DraftKings Sportsbook entering tonight’s contest.
Mets vs. Tigers prediction, preview
August was a terrific month at the plate for New York. The team has averaged 6.32 runs per game, the best mark in baseball. However, the Mets only managed to put up an 11-17 record during that time. Pitching, once seen as a strength, has held this club back recently. Last month, the Amazins surrendered 156 runs to opponents, fourth-worst in the league. Injury issues for Kodai Senga have only exacerbated New York’s pitching problems. Inconsistency from David Peterson and Sean Manaea has made things more difficult as well.
If there’s any glimmer of hope on the mound, it’s Nolan McLean. The top prospect has made three starts since getting called up from Triple-A Syracuse on August 16th. During that stretch, he’s tossed 20.1 combined innings while allowing just two earned runs (0.89 ERA). In addition, the righty has racked up 21 strikeouts to just four walks. It’s a small sample size, but the Mets might have an ace blossoming before our very eyes. That could make things tough on the Tigers tonight. Since July 1st, Detroit owns baseball’s eighth-lowest OPS against right-handed pitching (.709).
If McLean is rolling once again, the Tigers will also need a solid pitching performance. It’ll be Sawyer Gipson-Long on the hill tonight, making just his third start. It’s been a long road back for the 27-year-old, who suffered a season-ending Tommy John surgery in 2024. The right-hander was brought back up from Triple-A Toledo for Tuesday’s game. During his brief 25 innings of work, Gipson-Long has posted a 4.32 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 20 strikeouts. Worth noting: New York hitters have the second-highest OPS against righties this season (.779).
Mets vs. Tigers pick, best bet
Best Bet: Mets -1.5 (+124)
Following Monday’s 10-8 victory, New York enters tonight’s matchup with some confidence. It helps that the team was able to make Detroit’s relievers work hard last night. Gipson-Long’s effectiveness, along with his pitch count, appears uncertain. Expect a comfortable win for McLean and the Mets on Tuesday.
