A terrific season for the Yankees (46-31) has hit a bit of a speed bump. New York comes into Tuesday having lost three of its last four games. That includes a 5-3 defeat against the Tigers (34-44) last night. Detroit, despite its lackluster record, has won five of its previous seven matchups. Will that success continue tonight at home against the Pinstripes?
The Yankees are favorites (-114) over the Tigers, with the over/under set at eight runs. Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Tuesday’s showdown between New York and Detroit on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Yankees vs. Tigers pick, best bet
- Yankees ML (-114): Rodon and Mize are evenly matched pitchers taking the mound. However, even in their injury-depleted current state, the Yankees are far more potent hitting against left-handers.
Yankees vs. Tigers prediction, preview
In this battle between southpaws, Carlos Rodon will get the nod for New York. After missing all of April due to injury, the three-time All-Star has impressed. Through seven starts (36.0 IP), he’s notched a 3.50 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 41 strikeouts (10.3 K/9). In each of those outings, the 33-year-old has yet to surrender more than three earned runs. Rodon’s greatest enemy might be himself; mediocre command (5.0 BB/9) has driven up his pitch count. In comparison, the lefty has a terrific .206 expected batting average against. If he’s able to find the strike zone, the veteran becomes one of the American League’s top hurlers.
Despite their recent success, the Tigers leave much to be desired at the dish. This season, the team is averaging the sixth-fewest runs per game in baseball (4.09). In addition, they’re 24th in batting average (.235) and 20th in exit velocity (88.6 MPH). Against left-handed pitchers, Detroit has a below-average .693 OPS as well. With that being said, Rodon can’t afford to get complacent. The trio of Dillon Dingler (138 wRC+), Kevin McGonigle (134 wRC+) and Riley Green (134 wRC+) could make things difficult tonight. Detroit is averaging 3.65 walks per game, tenth-most in the majors.
As for the Tigers, they’ll counter with a left-hander of their own in Casey Mize. Much like Rodon, he’s battled injury issues in 2026. However, the former All-Star has been terrific when healthy. Through ten starts (52.1 IP), he’s recorded a 2.58 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 52 strikeouts (8.9 K/9). With that being said, he’s only made four appearances since suffering right adductor inflammation in late April. During his last two starts, Mize has failed to pitch more than five innings. New York loves working the count, averaging the third-most walks per game in baseball (4.21).
Mize’s two most used pitches are the four-seam fastball (33%) and the slider (26%). Against those two offerings, Yankees batters are slashing .262/.346/.488 at the plate this season. Granted, the visitors have hit a bit of a snag recently. They’ve scored 12 runs over their previous five games, tied for the worst mark in baseball during that stretch. Still, New York has put up an American League-best .786 OPS against left-handed pitching. Expect first baseman Paul Goldschmidt to play an important role tonight. He’s batting .397 with six homers against southpaws this season.
Best Bet: Yankees ML (-114)
It’s fair to be a bit down on the Bronx Bombers given their play over the weekend. However, there’s no denying that New York comes into this one with the superior lineup and a knack for hitting lefties. If Rodon avoids giving out free passes, the Yankees shouldn’t have much difficulty shutting down Detroit’s lineup as well.
