Free MLB Picks Today: Detroit Tigers vs Texas Rangers 8/27/22

A pair of hot hitters are set to face off when the Detroit Tigers (48-78) take on the Texas Rangers (58-67) at Globe Life Field on Saturday, as Adolis Garcia and his 22-game hitting streak host Victor Reyes and his 10-game streak. The Rangers took Friday’s series opener 7-6, their third head-to-head victory in five games this season. Starter Glenn Otto went five innings to get the win, giving up four runs on five hits, and Jose Leclerc struck out the side in the ninth to pick up his second save. Mark Mathias went 3 for 4 with a home run, two runs, and two RBIs in the win. Nathaniel Lowe added a solo home run. Riley Greene was 3 for 5 with a home run and a triple for the Tigers. He scored three runs and had four RBIs.

ON THE MOUND

Eduardo Rodriguez (2-3, 3.89 ERA) is in line to get the start for Detroit. The left-hander threw five scoreless innings in his last start, a 4-0 road win over the Angels on Sunday. He got the win, scattering four hits while striking out five and walking three. Rodriguez is making his first appearance against the Rangers this season. Over two starts against the Rangers in 2021, Rodriguez was 0-1 with a 9.35 ERA over 8.2 innings. He had eight strikeouts and two walks. Left-hander Dallas Keuchel (2-7, 8.53 ERA) will take the mound for Texas. He has made one prior start against the Tigers this season, giving up four runs over 4.1 innings in an 11-7 home win on June 26. He gave up six hits and walked three, while striking out seven in the no-decision. In his last start on July 12, Keuchel took the loss on the road against the Giants. He threw 2.1 innings and gave up eight runs (7 ER) on eight hits, striking out four and walking one in the 13-0 defeat.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Detroit has averaged 4.2 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 3.2. Against lefties like Keuchel this season, the Tigers have a .685 OPS. Javier Baez is the team’s strongest performer against left-handers with a .806 OPS in 99 at-bats. Texas is averaging 7.6 runs per game in the last five, up from 4.6 for the season, with a better slash line (.307/.354/.536). The Rangers have a .763 OPS against left-handers in 2022. With a .984 OPS over 127 at-bats, Lowe has been their best hitter against left-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Detroit is 20-43 away from home in 2022, scoring 2.9 runs per game while allowing 4.4 runs. Texas has gone 28-34 at Globe Life Field this season, averaging 4.2 runs per game while surrendering 4.7. The teams have split their last four meetings head-to-head at Globe Life Field with an average scoreline of 5.8-5.8.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Tigers are fifth in the AL Central, 19 games behind the division-leading Guardians. The Rangers are third in the AL West, 22 games behind the Astros.