Free MLB Picks Today: Detroit Tigers vs New York Mets 5/4/23

Eduardo Rodriguez, one of this season’s stingiest pitchers, is set to take the mound for the Detroit Tigers (12-17) as they match up against the New York Mets (16-15) at Comerica Park on Thursday with the home team eyeing a sweep of the four-game Interleague series. The Tigers lead the series 2-0 after sweeping Wednesday’s doubleheader.

After taking the opening game 6-5, Detroit followed up with an 8-1 win in the nightcap. Michael Lorenzen went seven innings to get the win, allowing one run on four hits.

Eric Haase went 2 for 4 with a home run and a double in the win. He scored two runs. Andy Ibanez went 3 for 4 with one run and two RBIs. Pete Alonso was 1 for 3 with one run for the Mets.

ON THE MOUND

Justin Verlander is set to get the start for New York, his season debut. Last season, the righty made 28 starts for the Astros and went 18-4 with a 1.75 ERA, best in the league. He had 185 strikeouts and 29 walks over 175.0 innings.

Left-hander Rodriguez (2-2, 2.21 ERA) gets the ball for Detroit. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Mets. In his last start on Saturday, Rodriguez got the win at home against the Orioles. He threw 5.2 innings and gave up one run on four hits, striking out five and walking two in the 7-4 triumph.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, New York has averaged 3.8 runs a game, a small drop compared to their season average of 4.5. Against southpaws like Rodriguez this season, the Mets have a .716 OPS. Alonso is the team’s best performer against left-handers with a 1.130 OPS in 39 at-bats.

Detroit is averaging 5.6 runs per game in the last five, up from 3.5 for the season, with an improved slash line (.276/.317/.459). The Tigers have a .612 OPS against right-handers in 2023, second lowest in the league. With a .837 OPS over 64 at-bats, Matt Vierling has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

New York is on a four-game losing streak on the road, bringing their record to 10-9 in 2023. The Mets have scored 4.7 runs per game away from home, while allowing 4.7 runs.

Detroit has gone 7-7 at their home park this season, averaging 4.4 runs per game while surrendering 4.9. In the last 10 games at Comerica Park between the teams, Detroit is 7-3 with an average scoreline of 6.5-6.3.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Mets are second in the NL East, five games behind the division-leading Braves. The Tigers are third in the AL Central, four games behind the Twins.