The Texas Rangers (33-19) take their MLB-best lineup on the road to face the Detroit Tigers (25-26) at Comerica Park on Monday for the first of a three-game series.
The Rangers are kicking off the final series of their nine-game road trip. They won two out of three in their last series against the Orioles, dropping the finale 3-2 on Sunday at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Robbie Grossman was 2 for 3 with one run.
The Tigers are in the midst of a seven-game homestand. They won three of four against the White Sox in their last series, taking the finale 6-5 on Sunday at Comerica Park. Akil Baddoo went 1 for 4 with a home run and four RBIs.
The teams are meeting for the first time this season. Last season, the Tigers won four of the seven games between the teams, including two out of three in their most recent meeting at Globe Life Field in August.
ON THE MOUND
Nathan Eovaldi (6-2, 2.60 ERA) is slated to get the start for Texas. The right-hander is tied for fourth in the AL in wins. Eovaldi went the distance in his last start in a 6-1 road victory over the Pirates on Tuesday. He gave up one run on six hits en route to the win.
Eovaldi made one start against the Tigers in 2022, a 9-7 road victory for the Red Sox on April 13. He surrendered two runs on four hits over five innings, striking out six and walking one. For Detroit, lefty Matthew Boyd (3-3, 5.74 ERA) will toe the rubber.
Boyd made one appearance against the Rangers in 2022, throwing 0.1 innings for the Mariners in a 5-0 home defeat on September 27. He didn’t give up a hit while walking one.
In his last start on Wednesday, Boyd took a no-decision on the road against the Royals. He threw 4.2 innings and gave up one run on three hits, striking out six and walking two in the 6-4 win.
AT THE PLATE
The Texas offense is averaging 6.3 runs per game for the season, best in MLB, with a slash line of .271/.340/.453. Four Rangers hitters have an OPS of .800 or better, led by Marcus Semien (.858). The shortstop is slashing .299/.370/.488 with eight home runs, 43 RBIs, and 46 runs over 52 games.
Against left-handed pitchers like Boyd this season, the Rangers have an .826 OPS, third highest in the league. Josh Jung is the team’s best hitter against left-handers with a 1.040 OPS in 47 at-bats. Detroit is slashing .231/.306/.357 for the season and averaging 3.8 runs per game, fourth lowest in MLB.
Riley Greene leads the team with a .791 OPS. The center fielder has five home runs, 18 RBIs, and 29 runs scored with a slash line of .292/.355/.436.
Detroit is averaging 5.8 runs per game in the last five with an improved slash line (.241/.373/.428). The Tigers have a .658 OPS against righties in 2023, fourth lowest in the league. With a .846 OPS over 115 at-bats, Zach McKinstry has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Texas is 17-11 away from home in 2023, scoring 5.9 runs per game while allowing 3.6 runs. Detroit has gone 13-11 at home this season, averaging 4.1 runs per game while surrendering 4.8. In the last 10 meetings at Comerica Park, Detroit is 6-4 with an average scoreline of 5.3-3.5.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Rangers lead the AL West by three games over the Astros. The Tigers are second in the AL Central, two games behind the Twins.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Texas Rangers (-165)
Want up to a $1K risk free bet for this pick?
Claim with 
today!
If you need more news, information and predictions, head over to our MLB hub page for all your baseball needs!
*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
