The Tigers and Reds play the first game of their three-game series on Friday, April 24.
Detroit is a -136 moneyline favorite, while Cincinnati is +113 on DraftKings Sportsbook. The game total is set at over/under 8.5 runs.
Let’s get into a pick and prediction for this Tigers vs. Reds game.
Tigers vs. Reds prediction, preview
After starting the season 4-9, the Tigers lead the AL Central with a 14-12 record. They’re 10-3 in this stretch with three series wins and one series tie. Now they hit the road for an interleague series against the Reds. These teams faced off last season with Cincinnati winning two of three.
Detroit won’t get Tarik Skubal this series, but it will kick things off with Framber Valdez on the mound. The former Astros’ ace is playing well in his first season with the Tigers. He has a 3.30 ERA but most of his struggles came in one outing against the Twins (eight earned runs and 10 hits across 5.0 innings). Remove this one game, and Valdez has only allowed three earned runs this season.
Andrew Abbott gets the nod for Cincinnati. Unlike Valdez, his 5.84 ERA isn’t attributed to one bad start. He’s struggled to limit hits and earned runs, which has forced him to leave games early. Even when he pitched six scoreless frames against the Red Sox in March, he allowed seven hits while striking out four batters.
Abbott’s struggles will likely be amplified in this matchup as Detroit ranks 16th in runs per game. It’s a mediocre mark, but the offense will look more potent against a below-average pitcher.
Meanwhile, the Reds’ offense will likely look even worse than it already is. Cincinnati averages the sixth fewest runs per game. Against Valdez, a shutout wouldn’t be shocking.
Tigers vs. Reds Pick, Best Bet
Although the Tigers are on the road, I’m very confident they start this series with a victory. Valdez will piece together another gem, while Abbott struggles to contain the surging Tigers.
Detroit -1.5 is listed at +123, which is also a great option for those looking for more juice.
