A do-or-die Game 5 is on tap tonight in Seattle. For the Mariners, it’s a chance at their first ALCS appearance in nearly a quarter-century. The visiting Tigers have other ideas with their ace, Tarik Skubal, on the mound. In this must-win matchup, which big names will make an impact when it matters most?
Detroit is favored (-131) over Seattle, with the over/under set at six runs on DraftKings Sportsbook. Here are my top player props for Game 5 between the Tigers and the Mariners.
Best Tigers vs. Mariners player props
Tarik Skubal 2+ walks allowed (+131)
Fading Tarik Skubal in any fashion never feels great. After all, the superstar pitcher is a lock to win his second straight AL Cy Young award. Still, the Mariners are a team that has given the southpaw problems recently. Over six career meetings with Seattle, Skubal has recorded a 3.53 ERA. That mark, while solid, is a notch below what we’ve come to expect.
During Skubal’s six games vs. Seattle, he’s walked multiple hitters four different times. In addition, the Mariners have forced the seventh-most walks in baseball this season against left-handed pitching (155). On the road in an intense matchup, that could spell trouble for anyone, even an ace. Considering how unreliable Detroit’s bullpen is, Skubal should toss at least six innings tonight. That’s more than enough time to give up a pair of free passes. At +131, this pick offers plenty of value to bettors.
Jorge Polanco 2+ hits + runs + RBIs (+151)
Skubal’s performance in Game 2 would have been perfect if not for the presence of Jorge Polanco. Seattle’s second baseman clobbered two homers off of the lefty, leading to a 3-2 victory. It’s shocking to see anyone smack a dinger off of the sport’s most dominant arm, let alone two. However, this doesn’t come as a total surprise. The former Twins infielder has seen more of Detroit’s ace than almost anyone. In his career, Polanco has gone 9-for-29 at the plate (.310 batting average) with three homers against Skubal.
Even legendary hurlers deal with batters that simply have their number. For Skubal, that appears to be Polanco. Granted, the 32-year-old slugger has gone hitless in each of his previous two games. Regardless, a date with a familiar foe should help him snap out of this funk. To make things more enticing, Polanco owns a stellar .888 OPS this season vs. left-handed pitching. Another extra base hit or two could be in store for Seattle’s secret weapon on Friday night.
