The Detroit Tigers will look to end a six-game losing streak when they take on the Texas Rangers during Sunday Night Baseball, with first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on ESPN. The Tigers will rely on reigning AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal (10-3, 2.23 ERA) to lead their rotation in the effort to avoid being swept by the Rangers. Texas will start Jacob Latz (1-0, 3.00 ERA) after Nathan Eovaldi was scratched due to back tightness. Latz impressed in his last outing with 3 1/3 innings pitched against the Angels, allowing only one run and earning a hold.

Odds and Betting Insights for Tigers versus Rangers Rematch

Oddsmakers currently have the Tigers as -189 favorites, meaning bettors need to wager $189 to win $100, while the Rangers are listed as +155 home underdogs, offering $155 for a $100 bet. The total runs line is set at 7. SportsLine provides updated projections and expert picks for this game, highlighting betting strategies informed by recent performances and player matchups.

Expert’s Same-Game Parlay Highlights Skubal’s Crucial Role

Angelo Magliocca, known as Amags, a regular MLB handicapper contributing to The Early Edge and CBS Sports HQ, has developed a same-game parlay with +385 odds that includes backing the Tigers on the money line, Spencer Torkelson achieving two or more hits, runs and RBIs, and Tarik Skubal recording more than 18.5 outs. Amags, who has seen significant success over the past three MLB seasons, emphasizes Skubal’s importance in the Tigers’ chances tonight, calling this potentially the last opportunity to back Skubal at an attractive price for the AL Cy Young award.

Tarik Skubal’s Performance and AL Cy Young Outlook

Despite a disappointing recent outing against the Mariners, which marked Skubal’s fourth game this season allowing four or more earned runs, he maintains an impressive 2.23 ERA overall. His rebound potential is strong as that rough game is viewed as a temporary setback rather than a sign of decline. Skubal’s consistent performances this season have positioned him as a near-lock contender for the AL Cy Young Award. With fellow contenders like Max Fried and Hunter Brown dealing with injuries and inconsistent starts, and others like Garrett Crochet and Jacob deGrom facing inning limits, Skubal’s chances have only improved. He continues to attract value even with current odds around -230.

Matchup Dynamics: Rangers’ Struggles Against Left-Handed Pitching

The Texas Rangers have struggled offensively against left-handed pitchers this season, which increases Skubal’s chances of success. Though his last start left room for improvement, facing Texas’ lineup again puts him in a favorable spot. The Tigers’ offense, silenced at times by opponents like Kumar Rocker, is expected to respond tonight behind Skubal’s pitching. Therefore, Detroit has a strong incentive to secure a win before their upcoming road trip to Pittsburgh.

Impact of Nathan Eovaldi’s Scratch and Jacob Latz’s Role

Nathan Eovaldi’s unexpected scratch changed the dynamics of the pitching matchup, placing Jacob Latz on the mound instead. Though the absence of Eovaldi reduces the excitement for some fans, Latz has demonstrated solid relief ability and potential as a starter. His strikeout capability and recent effectiveness provide a decent challenge for the Tigers, especially considering he allowed just one run over 3 1/3 innings in his last outing.

Spencer Torkelson’s Expected Contribution Against Lefty Jacob Latz

Spencer Torkelson has performed notably better against left-handed pitchers in 2023, batting .272 with an OPS over 1.000, compared to his .221 average and .742 OPS against right-handers. His ability to produce early in the game will be vital, especially facing a lefty pitcher like Latz. Torkelson has accumulated 22 RBIs in 116 plate appearances versus lefties this year, compared to 37 RBIs in 275 plate appearances against righties. These splits make him a promising candidate for climbing the score sheet in tonight’s game, with a parlay bet including his 2+ hits, runs, and RBIs proving appealing.

Betting on Tarik Skubal’s Total Outs Rather Than Strikeouts

Given the high odds on Skubal’s strikeouts, some bettors might find better value in wagering on his total outs, expecting him to pitch deep into the game. Odds at +135 suggest Skubal can extend into the seventh inning or beyond. Alfonso Marquez, the home plate umpire, is known for a strike zone that may limit strikeouts, causing hitters to attempt putting the ball in play more often. Early in the season, Skubal struck out 12 Rangers in seven innings, so tonight’s batters might adopt a more contact-oriented approach instead. Refreshed after throwing five innings on July 11 and pitching 19 pitches during the All-Star Game, Skubal appears prepared to respond confidently after recent challenges.

Significance of Skubal’s Start for the Tigers’ Playoff Hopes

The Tigers face pressure to stop their losing streak and avoid a sweep as they aim to maintain momentum before traveling to Pittsburgh. Tarik Skubal’s start is crucial to these efforts, given his status as the team’s ace and his recent performances. Manager AJ Hinch is likely to allow Skubal to pitch deep into the game if he maintains effectiveness, underscoring the importance of a strong outing. Success tonight could help reinvigorate Detroit’s roster and stabilize their pitching staff during a critical juncture of the season.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. What nationality is Tarik Skubal from?

A. Tarik Daniel Skubal, born on November 20, 1996, is a pitcher for the Detroit Tigers in Major League Baseball (MLB). He is from the United States.