Cleveland vs. Detroit (Guardians RL)
(MLB) Cleveland vs. Detroit,
Point Spread: -1.50 | 120.00 Cleveland (Away)
Result: Loss
I'm picking Cleveland to win big on Tuesday in Detroit. The Tigers are 0-4 in their last four games with the total set at 7.0-8.5. The Guardians are 71-27 in the last 98 meetings with the Tigers and 35-16 in the last 51 meetings in Detroit.

The Guardians will win with a solid offensive performance against the left-hander Matthew Boyd. This season, Cleveland is hitting better against lefties than righties, with a .265 BA, .356 OBP, and .757 OPS against southpaws compared to a .230 BA, .328 OBP, and .674 OPS against right-handers. The Guardians are the kings of small ball, leading the league in stolen bases and forcing pitchers into battles with long at-bats. Sure, there's some power in this lineup via Josh Bell, Jose Ramirez, and Josh Naylor, but small ball is Cleveland's game, and it plays it to perfection.

The 25-year-old Hunter Gaddis has never faced Detroit. While his 2023 season isn't off to a hot start, he earned his spot on the big league roster with a strong Spring Training, demonstrating command (17 Ks and three walks) and confidence. In his fourth start, look for the youngster to feel more comfortable with his curveball, which was the key to his longevity in his six-inning outing versus Oakland. The Tigers have struggled against both lefties and righties this season, with a .209 BA, .281 OBP, and .617 OPS against right-handers, plus a 27.5% K-rate. Detroit is averaging 10.1 K/9, the second-most in MLB.