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Cleveland (78-71) at Detroit (85-65)
- When: Sep 16 2025, 6:40 PM
- Where: Comerica Park, Detroit
- Where to watch: CLEG
Guardians vs. Tigers – Game Betting Preview & Prediction
Moneyline: Detroit -149
Spread: Detroit -1.5 (+141)
Total: 8.0
Cleveland Guardians Betting Outlook
The Guardians (78–71) have caught fire down the stretch, winning nine of their last 10 to climb back into contention in both the division and wild-card races. They now sit just 6.5 games behind Detroit in the AL Central and 2.5 games out of the last playoff spot.
Joey Cantillo (5–3, 3.36 ERA) gets the ball in the opener, coming off the best outing of his young career. He blanked Kansas City over eight innings, scattering four hits with no walks and five strikeouts. Since being moved into the rotation midseason, Cantillo has allowed one run or fewer in four straight starts. Though he has limited experience against Detroit, he did toss a pair of scoreless innings against them last year in relief.
For Cleveland, this series is everything. If they can win the majority of these six games against Detroit over the next two weeks, they’ll have a legitimate chance at erasing what once seemed like an insurmountable gap.
Detroit Tigers Betting Outlook
The Tigers (85–65) looked like runaway division champs for much of the season, but Cleveland’s late push has added real drama. Detroit snapped a three-game skid with a 2–0 win over Miami on Sunday, giving them a little momentum heading into this critical homestand.
Casey Mize (14–5, 3.83 ERA) will start for Detroit and has been steady, winning five of his last seven decisions. In his latest outing, he held the Yankees to two solo shots over six innings while fanning eight without a walk. Mize has handled Cleveland well in his career, including seven shutout innings against them earlier this year.
Detroit knows the stakes. A strong showing here can slam the door on Cleveland’s faint division hopes while cementing their own playoff position. Comerica Park should have a postseason atmosphere all series long.
MLB Prediction & Betting Angle
The Tigers are the moneyline favorite at -149, with the total set at 8.0 runs. This opener features two starters in excellent form, suggesting a tight, low-scoring battle.
Detroit’s edge lies in experience, home-field advantage, and Mize’s strong track record against Cleveland hitters. The Guardians are red hot, but Cantillo’s lack of exposure to Detroit’s lineup could be a hurdle under pressure.
Score Prediction: Tigers 4, Guardians 2
Pick: Detroit -1.5 (+141)
Total: Under 8.0 (-104)
- MLB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
