Cleveland Guardians vs Detroit Tigers Picks and Predictions July 22nd 2024

Tigers ace Tarik Skubal takes aim at slumping Guardians

Facing Detroit Cy Young Award contender Tarik Skubal might not be the ideal way for the scuffling Cleveland Guardians to get back on track. Aiming for his 11th victory, Skubal looks to help the Tigers send the Guardians to a season-high third straight home loss on Monday night. Cleveland leads the American League Central but is mired in an 8-13 rut.

Tarik Skubal: Detroit’s Ace

Skubal’s Stellar Season

Tarik Skubal is having a career year, with a record of 10-3 and a 2.41 ERA. His impressive performance has made him one of the standout pitchers in the majors this season. Skubal’s ability to dominate on the mound has been a key factor in the Tigers’ competitiveness.

All-Star Performance

Skubal’s talents were showcased on a national stage when he made his first All-Star team this season. During the All-Star game, he pitched a scoreless second inning, further cementing his reputation as one of the league’s best pitchers.

Recent Form

Skubal’s recent form has been exceptional. In his last four starts before the All-Star break, he posted a 2-0 record with a 2.08 ERA. His most recent outing against the Los Angeles Dodgers saw him give up just two runs on two hits over six innings, with eight strikeouts. This consistency has been vital for the Tigers.

Facing the Guardians

The Guardians will face Skubal for the first time this season. Cleveland has struggled offensively in recent games, batting .174 over their last eight contests. With Skubal’s dominance, the Guardians will need to find a way to break through and generate some offense.

Cleveland Guardians’ Struggles

Recent Performance

The Guardians are currently in a tough spot, with an 8-13 record in their last 21 games. Despite leading the AL Central, they are experiencing significant challenges, particularly on offense. After a strong performance against the Padres, the Guardians managed just one run and three hits in the final two games of the series.

Offensive Woes

Cleveland’s offensive struggles are evident in their recent statistics. Over their last eight games, they have managed just 17 runs and have struck out 58 times. This lack of production has been a major factor in their current slump.

Home Record

Despite their recent struggles, the Guardians have been strong at home, boasting a 31-13 record. However, they have now lost two consecutive series at home, adding to their current woes. Manager Stephen Vogt remains optimistic, emphasizing the importance of responding to adversity.

Head-to-Head Matchup

Previous Encounters

Earlier this season, the Guardians took two of three games from the Tigers at home. However, they were outscored 24-14 in a four-game series at Detroit earlier this month. This mixed record adds an interesting dynamic to the upcoming game.

Scheduled Pitchers

The Tigers will face Carlos Carrasco, who has struggled this season with a 3-7 record and a 5.02 ERA. Carrasco has been inconsistent, recording just four quality starts in 17 outings. However, he has shown some improvement recently, with a 3.33 ERA over his last five games.

Carrasco vs. Tigers

Carrasco has a long history against the Tigers, with a 12-9 record and a 3.56 ERA in 31 career appearances. His experience will be crucial as he tries to contain the Tigers’ lineup. Riley Greene, Detroit’s other All-Star, has been in excellent form, hitting safely in eight straight games.

Player Matchups

Riley Greene

Riley Greene has been a key player for the Tigers, and his recent performance has been outstanding. He has not faced Carrasco before, but his form suggests he will be a significant threat. Greene went 5-for-8 in Detroit’s two most recent games against Cleveland, showcasing his ability to perform in crucial matchups.

Jose Ramirez

For the Guardians, Jose Ramirez has been a standout performer. He has a solid track record against Skubal, going 7-for-17 with two doubles and a triple. Ramirez’s ability to produce against top pitchers will be vital for the Guardians as they seek to overcome their current slump.

Conclusion

The upcoming matchup between the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians is set to be a pivotal game for both teams. Tarik Skubal’s form and the Guardians’ struggles create a compelling narrative. As Skubal aims for his 11th victory, the Guardians will need to find a way to break out of their offensive slump. This game will be a critical test of resilience and skill for both teams as they navigate the challenges of the season.

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