The Motor City gets to host MLB action for the first time in 2023, with the Boston Red Sox (2-4) in town to take on the Detroit Tigers (2-4).
Boston followed up winning their opening series by getting swept by the Pittsburgh Pirates in Fenway. Their offense, which came out blazing through the first four games, lost its punch on Tuesday and Wednesday, only mustering one run in both games. Now they get to embark upon their first road trip of the season.
Meanwhile, the Detroit Tigers responded to a sweep in their opening series by taking two of three on the road against the defending champs, the Houston Astros. They couldn’t secure the sweep yesterday, but winning a series like that should provide a massive confidence boost. Especially since they’re finally getting a home game now.
Red Sox vs. Tigers was lopsided in 2022, with Boston winning five of six. Let’s see if that will change in 2023.
Match Details
Fixture: Boston Red Sox @ Detroit Tigers
Date and Time: Thursday, April 6, 1:10 p.m. EST
Venue: Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan
Red Sox vs. Tigers: Betting Odds
| Team | Run Line | Total | Money Line |
| Red Sox | -1.5 (+120) | Over 8.0 (-110) | -140 |
| Tigers | +1.5 (-140) | Under 8.0 (-110) | +120 |
Red Sox vs. Tigers: Starting Pitchers
Chris Sale is taking the mound for the visitors, and the seven-time All-Star had a brutal first start in 2023. He allowed seven runs in 3.0 innings, including three home runs. Sale, who owns the highest career K/9 rate in MLB history, has a 2.96 ERA in his 173.1-lifetime innings against the Detroit Tigers.
Spencer Turnbull will open up the game for the Tigers, and his first start this season was also ugly. Turnbull also gave up seven runs but only lasted 2.1 innings in Tampa. In two career starts, he has a 2.25 ERA against Boston.
Key Stats
Boston’s offense may have had a pair of bad games against Pittsburgh, but the reason they are 2-4 is pitching. The Red Sox’s staff is 25th in BB/9 and is tied for the most home runs allowed this season. Only two teams have coughed up more runs so far this year.
However, Detroit’s pitching staff can’t brag because they’ve allowed just as many runs as the Red Sox in fewer innings pitched. Looking at the Tigers’ team statistics, most are already bottom ten in MLB. Miguel Cabrera has excellent numbers against Chris Sale in his career, going 15-55 with four home runs and a .955 OPS.
Red Sox vs. Tigers: Betting Prediction
This game will pit two early contenders for the worst pitching staff in 2023 against each other. Considering the many walks both sides have issued already, much of the damage is self-inflicted. Detroit’s offense has also struggled, but they picked it up in the last series. Boston’s offense faltered in their previous two, but they still won four games this season, putting up more than five runs. Comerica Park also moved in the center field fence this season, along with lowering the walls along the outfield, which may provide more offense. Expect early afternoon fireworks and take the over in this one.
