Reds vs Tigers Series Preview: Cincinnati Needs Victories

The Cincinnati Reds visit the Detroit Tigers for a three-game series beginning Tuesday. The Reds are 2.0 games out of the final wild card berth and need to win two of the three. A sweep would be even better for Cincinnati. The Tigers haven’t rolled over yet. Detroit is 7-3 in its last 10 games despite being all but out of the playoff chase. The Reds are 5-5 in their last 10 games. The Reds vs Tigers series preview shows a lot of uncertainty regarding the starting pitchers in the series.

Neither team has officially named a starter for any of the three games. On Tuesday, it’s Brandon Williamson’s turn in the rotation for the Reds. Joey Wentz should be up for the Tigers, making it a battle of left-handers. The Reds are -115 on the road and the total is 9.

The Reds are 7.0 games out in the MLB Central standings in the National League. So it’s pretty much come down to a wild card spot for Cincinnati. The Tigers aren’t out of it, at least mathematically, but are 8.5 games back with 19 games remaining. Detroit’s biggest culprit this season has been its play at home. The Tigers are a respectable 35-36 on the road, but just 31-41 at home. The Reds are 38-32 on the road and just 36-39 at home.

Poor play at home isn’t the only problem the Reds have this season. Pitching is a huge issue once again for Cincinnati. The Reds are No. 24 in team ERA. The set-up men and closers have been decent, with the Reds converting 47 of 69 opportunities. The Reds are No. 15 in team batting and No. 11 in runs scored. So the offense isn’t doing bad.

Offense has been a huge problem for the Tigers, who are No. 29 in team batting and runs scored. Detroit is No. 18 in team ERA and has converted 36 of 55 save opportunities.

Tuesday’s Game

Williamson has pitched decent for the Reds. He’s 4-4 on the season with a 4.20 ERA and the Reds are 10-9 when he starts. Wentz has been pretty bad for Detroit, going 1-10 with a 7.17 ERA. Detroit is 5-12 when he starts. The Reds are 20-22 against left-handed starters, but do score .2 more runs per game. Cincinnati has gotten some poor pitching efforts against southpaws, which helps explain their poor record. The Tigers are 13-19 against left-handers, but have won their last four. Detroit is scoring 4.5 runs per game, which is better than the 3.78 runs they score against right-handers.

As bad as Wentz’ numbers look, he’s coming off one of his better starts of the year, pitching five scoreless innings against Cleveland. In his last 15 starts, he’s allowed two runs or less six times. He’s also allowed five runs or more seven times. The Reds look like the logical play. But have to lean to the Tigers at plus money here. It’s not one of the best MLB bets today. But the Tigers offer decent value as an underdog.

Wednesday’s Game

The Reds vs Tigers series preview shows another game where you have to look at the rotations to figure out who the likely starters are. The Reds should give the ball to Connor Phillips. For Detroit, Eduardo Rodriguez should be due up in the rotation. Phillips was roughed up in his MLB debut last start, allowing five runs in 4 2/3 innings against Seattle. Rodriguez is having a strong season, going 11-7 with a 3.18 ERA. The Tigers are 12-10 when he starts. Detroit will be mid-sized favorites here and it’s hard not to like the Tigers to get the Game 2 win.

Thursday’s Game

The Reds vs Tigers series preview is more of the same for Thursday. Unlike the first two games, guessing the Cincinnati starter here isn’t so easy. The Reds are likely waiting to see when Ben Lively returns from the COVID-19 list. Andrew Abbott is a possibility if Lively can’t go. The Reds are trying to take it easy with him, although he might be needed here.

But the Reds are having to juggle their pitchers when the baseball scores count the most. That’s never a good sign. The Tigers should send Reese Olson to the mound. He’s thrown pretty well considering it’s his rookie season. He’s 3-7 with a 4.50 ERA and the Tigers are 7-8 in the games he’s started this season. The Tigers could worth a look if the price is reasonable.

For MLB betting news, Reds vs Tigers odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

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