Detroit Tigers vs
Houston AstrosPredictions & Preview

Detroit Tigers to Face Houston Astros in Pitching Duel at Daikin Park - 2025 MLB Season Opener

The Detroit Tigers will face off against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park in Texas on Monday, April 28, in their first meeting of the 2025 Major League Baseball season. The Tigers are slight favorites with a -112 moneyline, while the Astros sit at -106 with a total of 8.0 runs expected. Jackson Jobe will start on the mound for the Tigers, with Ronel Blanco starting for the Astros. The game is set to start at 8:10 PM ET. Stay tuned for updates and analysis on this matchup.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Tigers -108 | Astros -105
• Spread: Tigers -1.5 (+147) | Astros +1.5 (-179)
• Total: Over/Under 8 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Detroit will win straight-up is 52%.

Detroit vs Houston Stats

Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers hosted the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday in hopes of completing a three-game sweep. The Tigers, currently leading the American League, rely heavily on their strong pitching staff, boasting impressive ERA and WHIP numbers. At the plate, they average 4.52 runs per game. Jack Flaherty was set to start on Monday with a 2.63 ERA this season. Despite recent losses, Flaherty has a solid history against Houston. Overall, Detroit ranks 11th in offense, 3rd in defense, and holds a 17-10 record this season.

Houston Astros Analysis

The Houston Astros visited the Kansas City Royals in hopes of avoiding a sweep after suffering two 2-0 defeats. Houston has struggled offensively, averaging just 3.54 runs per game and slashing .230/.302/.338. However, they boast a strong pitching staff with a 3.19 ERA and 1.06 WHIP, including a bullpen with a 2.53 ERA and 1.04 WHIP. Ronel Blanco is expected to start, with a 2-2 record, 5.01 ERA, and 1.37 WHIP in five starts this season. Blanco has had success against the Royals in the past, including a strong outing in his last start. The Astros have a power ranking of 9 and rank #24 for offense, scoring an average of 3.68 runs per game. They have a strong defense, giving up an average of 3.32 points per game, and hold a 13-13 record overall. Detroit has struggled against Houston, going 1-2 in their last three matchups.

Ronel Blanco Continues Dominance Against Tigers as Astros Prepare for Pitching Duel

Ronel Blanco had an exceptional performance in 2024, boasting a 13-6 record with a 2.80 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in 29 starts and one relief appearance totaling 167.1 innings pitched. Despite facing challenges in the early stages of the 2025 season, Blanco has maintained dominance over the current Tigers lineup who have only managed a 1-for-17 record against him. In his recent start, Blanco exhibited strong pitching skills and is determined to continue his success against the Tigers. The Astros, on the other hand, have displayed favorable statistics against Jack Flaherty, holding a 15-for-71 record with a double and triple. Anticipated to be a closely contested game, both teams have reliable bullpens and have shown strong performances against right-handed pitchers in recent matchups. With both teams showcasing solid offensive capabilities, this game has the potential for a competitive pitching duel.

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