Detroit Tigers vs Minnesota Twins Picks and Predictions July 28th 2024

Twins’ Bailey Ober Aims to Extend Quality-Start Streak Against Tigers

Bailey Ober of the Minnesota Twins is enjoying one of the best stretches of his career and aims to keep the momentum going in the final game of a three-game road series against the Detroit Tigers on Sunday.

Bailey Ober’s Dominant Stretch

Bailey Ober (9-5, 4.04 ERA): Ober has been a standout for the Twins, delivering six consecutive quality starts with a 2.23 ERA during this streak. His control has been impressive, allowing just seven walks while striking out 45 batters. In his last outing, Ober held the Philadelphia Phillies to two runs over seven innings, demonstrating his focus and execution on the mound.

Ober has a decent track record against the Tigers, with a 3.91 ERA in ten career starts, including a win earlier this season where he struck out eight over six innings.

Tigers’ Pitching Strategy and Injuries

Alex Faedo (5-1, 3.47 ERA): The Tigers are turning to right-hander Alex Faedo in what will essentially be a bullpen game, due to a depleted rotation. Faedo, usually a reliever, is making his second start of the season. The Tigers are dealing with injuries to key starters like Reese Olson and Casey Mize, and Kenta Maeda has recently been moved to the bullpen due to inconsistent performance.

Lineup Challenges: The Tigers are also facing injuries in their lineup, notably All-Star outfielder Riley Greene, who is on the 10-day injured list with a hamstring strain. Manager A.J. Hinch stressed the importance of Greene’s health, hoping that a short break will aid his recovery.

Despite these setbacks, the Tigers have seen offensive contributions from players like Colt Keith and Javier Baez. Baez has been particularly hot, hitting home runs in three consecutive games.

Recent Developments and Game Implications

For the Twins, the return of Royce Lewis and Jose Miranda from injuries has added depth to their lineup. Lewis homered in just his second game back, while Miranda also contributed offensively in Saturday’s game.

The Tigers are seeking consistency from players like Baez and Keith to fill the void left by injured teammates. After dropping the series opener 9-3, the Tigers bounced back with a 7-2 victory on Saturday.

What to Watch For

As Bailey Ober looks to extend his quality-start streak, the Twins will be counting on his strong performance to clinch the series win. The Tigers, led by Faedo, are hoping to overcome their injury challenges and find some stability in both their pitching and lineup.

This game is crucial for both teams, offering a chance for younger players to step up and make an impact in a season full of challenges and opportunities.