Chicago White Sox vs Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers have established themselves as the team to beat in the AL, winning yesterday to improve to 41-22 on the season. The Tigers are 8-2 in their last 10 games, and they have taken two of three from the Chicago White Sox as they close out their four-game series this afternoon. The Tigers' pitching has been superb all season, and even better lately. Detroit's pitching has held opponents to one or fewer runs in six of their last 10 games. The White Sox (19-43) had the worst season of any team in the modern era last year, and while they have improved, they are still on pace for 112 losses. Detroit is 23-9 vs. the White Sox in their last 32 meetings, and has won five of the last six. Make the play on Detroit.

At 40-22, the Detroit Tigers are establishing themselves as the best team in the AL and maybe in baseball. The Chicago White Sox have improved from last year's historically poor season to simply being dreadful. The Sox are 19-42 on the season and still carry the baggage of having the worst record in the AL. There is a 148-run difference between these teams, as they Tigers' run differential is +91, while the White Sox sit at -57. That puts the Tigers at almost 3 runs per game better, and given Chicago's record vs. AL Central foes (3-15), and right-handed pitchers (13-33), I like Detroit in this one. Take the Tigers. 

First-place Detroit just took two of three at Kansas City, part of a 29-13 run. The offense is fourth in runs scored, ninth in on-base percentage, and eighth in slugging. The relief pitching is fourth in the majors in ERA (3.19). Chicago's offense is 27th in runs scored, 27th in on-base percentage, and 29th in slugging. The team is 2-9 in the 11 starts made by Shane Smith. Last-place Chicago is on a 4-12 run. Play Detroit.  

Detroit comes off back-to-back 1-0 games at Kansas City, part of an 11-4 run UNDER the total. They've also won six of seven. The offense can't manufacture runs, ranked last in steals. Starter Jack Flaherty (3.94 ERA) is holding batters to a .215 average and has 72 strikeouts in 59+ innings. He comes off a 3-1 win over San Francisco, allowing two hits in six innings and no runs. The bullpen is third in the majors in ERA (3.24) while the defense is tied for first in fielding percentage (.989). Chicago's offense is terrible, 27th in runs scored, 27th in on-base percentage, and 29th in slugging. Starter Jonathan Cannon has been a bright spot with a 1.17 ERA at home, and the White Sox are on a 15-9-1 run UNDER the total. Last-place Chicago is on a 1-6 run, so back the visitors in a low-scoring affair. Play Detroit + the UNDER.