Free MLB Picks Today: Detroit Tigers vs Baltimore Orioles 4/28/23

Eduardo Rodriguez, one of this season’s toughest pitchers, leads the way for the Detroit Tigers (9-15) as they face off against the Baltimore Orioles (17-8) at Comerica Park on Friday. The Orioles took Thursday’s series opener 7-4, their fifth straight head-to-head victory, including all four games this season.

Bryan Baker threw 1.2 scoreless innings of relief to get the win, and Felix Bautista struck out the side in the ninth to pick up his sixth save. Anthony Santander was 1 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs in the win. Eric Haase went 2 for 3 with one run and two RBIs for the Tigers. Kerry Carpenter added a double and one run.

ON THE MOUND

Grayson Rodriguez (0-0, 5.12 ERA) is in line to get the start for Baltimore. The RHP is facing the Tigers for the second consecutive start. On Sunday, he threw five scoreless innings, a 2-1 road win. He scattered five hits while striking out six and walking three in the no-decision.

For Detroit, southpaw E. Rodriguez (1-2, 2.32 ERA) gets the start. His only prior start against the Orioles this season was his last outing, when Rodriguez held opposing hitters scoreless over seven innings in a 2-1 road defeat on Sunday. He gave up one hit while striking out six in the no-decision.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Baltimore has averaged 5.2 runs a game, equal to their season average. Against southpaws like Rodriguez this season, the O’s have a .793 OPS. Ryan Mountcastle has been the team’s biggest slugger against left-handers with a .649 SLG in 26 at-bats.

Detroit is averaging only 3.0 runs per game in the last five, consistent with their season average. The Tigers have a .603 OPS against right-handers in 2023, second lowest in the league. With a .702 OPS over 66 at-bats, Carpenter has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Baltimore is on a four-game winning streak in road games, bringing their record to 8-4 in 2023. The O’s have scored 5.5 runs per game away from home, while allowing 4.3 runs.

Detroit has gone 4-5 in front of their home fans this season, averaging 3.8 runs per game while surrendering 5.3. In the last 10 meetings at Comerica Park, Detroit is 6-4 with an average scoreline of 4.0-3.3.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Orioles are second in the AL East, three games behind the division-leading Rays. The Tigers are third in the AL Central, five games behind the Twins.