Tigers, Astros Prepare to Take Flight in Space City
The Houston Astros used a little late-inning magic to defeat the Detroit Tigers on Thursday. Now, for Friday’s rematch, the Astros will go for a season-high fifth win in a row, while the Tigers will look to bounce back from their prolonged cold spell.
Let’s check the latest MLB picks, stats, injury reports, and MLB odds for Tigers vs Astros, along with our MLB predictions.
Toothless Tigers in Need of Some Wins
Even though the Detroit Tigers won just 77 games in 2021, they managed to exceed expectations and inspire hope in ‘22., however, since future Hall of Famer Miguel Cabrera earned his 3,000th career hit on April 23, Detroit is 2-9 in its last 11 contests. Six of those nine losses have also come on the road, an important MLB betting note.
The Tigers have lacked offensive punch, entering Friday next-to-last with 74 total runs. A big reason why is a stunning lack of power, as they have just 11 home runs in 24 games. For context, the three-win Cincinnati Reds have managed to hit 18 dingers. However, Detroit boasts a 3.48 team ERA, tied with the San Francisco Giants for ninth in MLB.
Detroit’s youth movement on the mound continues with rookie Beau Brieske starting on Friday. The 24-year-old has gone five innings in each of his first two starts, allowing four earned runs with an impressive 1.00 WHIP.
Astros Soaring Back Into Contention
Contrary to popular belief, the Houston Astros haven’t been playing at a high level all season. On the same day, Cabrera delivered hit No. 3,000, the reigning American League champs fell to a season-worst 6-8. However, the ‘Stros have climbed back up the standings with nine wins in their last 12 games, making them a favorite while stringing together MLB picks.
Despite returning the majority of its World Series lineup, Houston is hitting .220 as a team, the fifth-lowest average in baseball. It is, however, hitting the long ball, mashing 31 homers in 26 games. And while the offense has been hit or miss, the pitching has been exceptional. Astros pitchers enter Friday ranked fifth in ERA (3.18) and WHIP (1.13).
The Astros plan to match Brieske with Luis Garcia. Now in his third MLB season, the 25-year-old Garcia has thrown six innings in each of his last two starts and carries a 4.15 ERA and 0.97 WHIP.
Tigers vs Astros Head-to-Head
In Thursday’s series opener, both the Detroit Tigers and Houston Astros received quality starts from Tarik Skubal and Jose Urquidy, respectively. However, after Detroit tied the game with two runs in the ninth, Kyle Tucker’s walk-off single gave Houston a 3-2 victory.
Surprisingly, the Tigers have won five of their last eight matchups against the Astros dating back to last season.
Tigers vs Astros Game Information
- Game: Tigers (8-16) vs Astros (15-11)
- Location: Minute Maid Park
- Day/Time: Friday, May 6, 8:10 p.m. ET
- Tigers vs Astros Streaming: MLB.tv
Tigers vs Astros Betting Lines
| Team | Handicap | Moneyline | Total | Team Total |
| Detroit Tigers B.
Brieske -R |
+1½ -120 | +170 | 8 -120o | 3½+105o / 3½-135u |
| Houston Astros
L. Garcia -R |
-1½ Ev | -200 | 8 Evu | 4½-115o / 4½-115u |
To no surprise, the Houston Astros are significant favorites according to the latest MLB lines. The second-place Astros are -200 to win Friday’s home contest against the Detroit Tigers, who sit at a whopping +170.
With moneyline odds that are staggering, it’s best to look elsewhere. Should you bet online for this game, you’ll see that Houston is even money to cover its 1 ½-run spread. Another option is to bet on the ‘Stros to go Over 4 ½ runs, currently placed at -115.
The most tantalizing bet on the sportsbook is Detroit’s Under 3.5. The Tigers have eclipsed three runs exactly twice in their last 11 games, with five being their highest total. Simply put, the entire lineup is struggling to score. Now, they’ll face a solid starter in Garcia and one of MLB’s best bullpens.
At -135 odds, look for the Tigers’ bats to stay cold for another night. Bet the Under 3.5 runs and don’t look back.
