Free MLB Picks Today: Detroit Tigers vs Texas Rangers 8/28/22

A pair of hot hitters are set to face off when the Detroit Tigers (-145) take on the Texas Rangers (+125) at Globe Life Field on Sunday, as Adolis Garcia and his 23-game hitting streak host Victor Reyes and his 11-game streak with the three-game series in the balance. The early total was set at 8.5 runs with the under a -115 favorite. The Tigers (49-78) evened up the series 1-1 after winning 11-2 on Saturday, their third head-to-head victory in six games this season. Starter Eduardo Rodriguez got the win, allowing one run on six hits over six innings. Eric Haase was 2 for 3 with a home run and three RBIs in the win. Jeimer Candelario added a home run and a double. He scored two runs and drove in three. Garcia went 2 for 4 with a solo home run for the Rangers (58-68).

ON THE MOUND

Drew Hutchison (1-7, 4.06 ERA) is slated to start for Detroit. The righty allowed one run over five innings in his last start, a 3-1 road defeat against the Giants on Tuesday. He was charged with the loss, scattering four hits while striking out three and walking two. Hutchison has made one previous start against the Rangers this season, a 7-3 home victory on June 19. He surrendered three runs on four hits over 4.2 innings, striking out one and walking two. Right-hander Kohei Arihara (1-1, 2.31 ERA) will toe the rubber for Texas. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Tigers. In his last start on August 21, Arihara got the win on the road against the Twins. He threw six scoreless innings and gave up four hits, striking out three, in the 7-0 triumph.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Detroit has averaged 5.6 runs a game, up from their season average of 3.3, while slashing better across the board (.276/.335/.441). Against righties like Arihara this season, the Tigers have a .593 OPS, the lowest in MLB. Javier Baez is the team’s strongest hitter against right-handers with a .576 OPS in 326 at-bats. Texas is averaging 6.6 runs per game in the last five, up from 4.5 for the season, with a better slash line (.301/.349/.517). The Rangers have a .684 OPS against right-handers in 2022. With a .792 OPS over 331 at-bats, Corey Seager has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Detroit is 21-43 away from Comerica Park in 2022, scoring 3.0 runs per game while allowing 4.4 runs. Texas has gone 28-35 in front of their home fans this season, averaging 4.2 runs per game while surrendering 4.8. Detroit is 3-2 in five meetings at Globe Life Field with an average scoreline of 6.8-5.0.

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.