The Detroit Tigers are set to clash with the San Diego Padres, as both teams eye strong endings to their seasons in the playoff race. Currently, the Tigers hold a record of 70-69, riding a wave of momentum with seven victories in their last ten games, placing them just a few games outside of the American League wild card spot. Meanwhile, the Padres boast a 79-61 record and sit firmly in second place in the National League West Division. As they prepare for the upcoming matchup, the Tigers will rely on Casey Mize as their starting pitcher, who has impressively allowed only six runs over his last three outings. On the opposing side, the Padres will send Martin Perez to the mound, who has given up eight runs in his last three starts.
Tigers Aim for Late-Season Surge with Mize
The Detroit Tigers are determined to finish the season on a high note, hoping to secure a wild card spot. Casey Mize takes the mound, looking to overcome a challenging season where he has surrendered 46 runs across 84.2 innings pitched. His statistics reveal a .283 expected opponent batting average, a 16.8% strikeout rate, and a 4.41 expected ERA, indicating that hitters have been able to make solid contact against him.
Despite Mize’s struggles, the Tigers’ offense has kept them in the hunt, averaging 4.19 runs per game. Riley Greene has provided a spark, hitting .258 with 20 home runs and 203 total bases, while Matt Vierling contributes with a .261 batting average and 15 home runs. However, the rest of the lineup has not performed as well, with only two players achieving an OPS+ above 100, making it easier for opposing pitchers to contain the team’s offense.
Padres Rely on Strong Offense to Support Perez
The San Diego Padres are enjoying a successful season and are focused on closing the gap with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the division lead. Martin Perez will be on the hill, aiming to bounce back from a season where he has allowed 63 runs over 114.2 innings. His metrics include a .284 expected opponent batting average, a .491 expected opponent slugging percentage, and a 5.61 expected ERA, suggesting that hitters have capitalized on his mistakes.
Despite Perez’s challenges, the Padres’ lineup is among the league’s most formidable, averaging 4.76 runs per game. Jurickson Profar leads the charge with a .280 batting average, 21 home runs, and 223 total bases. Fernando Tatis Jr. also adds to the offensive firepower with a .276 batting average and 14 home runs. Emerging talent Jackson Merrill is hitting .291 with 21 home runs, while veterans Manny Machado and Jake Cronenworth contribute an impressive 39 home runs and 439 total bases combined, making the Padres a tough opponent.
Betting Insights for Tigers vs. Padres Showdown
The Tigers are looking to pull off an upset against a strong Padres team, but the odds seem to favor San Diego. With players like Jurickson Profar and Fernando Tatis Jr. consistently making contact, the Padres are expected to score frequently. Martin Perez’s ability to limit the Tigers, who average only 4.19 runs per game, will be crucial. If Perez can deliver a solid performance, the Padres should secure a win at home, further solidifying their position in the playoff race.
