The Boston Red Sox (2-4) and the Detroit Tigers (2-4) open a 3-game series Thursday. First pitch at Comerica Park is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Red Sox vs. Tigers odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: First meeting of 2023. Red Sox won the series 5-1 in 2022.
The Red Sox opened this season taking 2 of 3 games at home against the Baltimore Orioles but suffered a 3-game sweep at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates from Monday-Wednesday. Boston scored just 8 runs over the Pittsburgh series — including a pair of 4-1 defeats on Tuesday and Wednesday — after scoring 9 runs in each of its first 3 games.
The Tigers were swept in a 3-game series on the road against the Tampa Bay Rays to open the season, but Detroit surprised the defending World Series champion Houston Astros on the road to kick off the week, winning 2 of 3 outings. The Over cashed in each of the 3 games in Houston, and 4 of the past 5 games overall.
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Red Sox at Tigers projected starters
LHP Chris Sale vs. RHP Spencer Turnbull
Sale (0-0, 21.00 ERA) makes his 2nd start of the season. He was hammered for 7 ER on 7 H (including 3 HR) and 2 BB with 6 K across 3 IP in a no-decision against the Orioles Saturday.
- Has made just 12 starts during the regular season since undergoing Tommy John surgery prior to the 2020 season.
- Hasn’t faced the Tigers since April 23, 2019.
- Last faced the Tigers at Comerica Park on July 22, 2018, twirling 6 scoreless IP with 2 H, 0 BB and 9 K in a win.
Turnbull (0-1, 27.00 ERA) makes his 2nd start of the season. He allowed 7 ER on 8 H and 3 BB with 3 K across 2 1/3 IP in a 63-pitch appearance and loss Saturday at Tampa Bay.
- Had Tommy John surgery in July 2021, and Saturday’s start was his first since June 4, 2021.
- Makes his first home start since a win over the New York Yankees on May 29, 2021.
- Last faced the Red Sox on May 6, 2021, allowing 4 R (2 ER) with 7 H and 0 BB with 3 K in 3 IP in a no-decision at Fenway Park.
Red Sox at Tigers odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:39 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Red Sox -150 (bet $150 to win $100) | Tigers +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Red Sox -1.5 (+110) | Tigers +1.5 (-135)
- Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)
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Red Sox at Tigers picks and predictions
Prediction
Red Sox 7, Tigers 6
Moneyline
The RED SOX (-150) ended up winning against the O’s in Sale’s first outing despite his shaky start. The Tigers managed 2 wins in 3 outings in Houston, but the home opener will be spoiled by a Boston lineup due for a breakout after scoring just 2 runs in its last 2 games.
Run line/Against the spread
The TIGERS +1.5 (-135) aren’t priced out of line if you want a little insurance on the run line.
Detroit should be able to pile up some offense in this battle of pitchers just making their way back from long-term injuries. Expect a wild home opener in the Motor City, most likely decided by bullpens. Boston has managed a 3.77 bullpen ERA so far, while Detroit has a 5.55 bullpen ERA. That will be the difference.
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Over/Under
OVER 7.5 (-120) is the best play on the board.
The Tigers have allowed 4 or more runs in 5 of 6 games so far, and the Detroit pitching staff ranks 29th with a 6.23 ERA to date.
The Red Sox have allowed 4 or more runs in each contest, and Boston is just ahead of Detroit’s staff with a 6.00 ERA (28th).
Expect a beer-league softball game with plenty of runs to break out at Comerica. The winds will also be blowing out from right field to left field at a 14-17 mph clip, helping the offense.
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