Detroit Tigers vs Boston Red Sox Picks and Predictions August 30th 2024

Casey Mize Poised to Return as Tigers Start Series vs. Red Sox

The Detroit Tigers are set to welcome back right-hander Casey Mize as they open a three-game weekend series against the Boston Red Sox on Friday. Mize, who has been sidelined for two months due to a strained left hamstring, is eager to rejoin his team and contribute to their recent success.

Mize’s Return to the Mound

Mize (2-6, 4.23 ERA) has been watching from the sidelines as his young teammates have energized the Tigers, who had a six-game winning streak snapped with a 3-0 loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday. Now, with his return, Mize hopes to help the team continue its winning ways as they push toward the end of the season.

“I’m hoping to help a team that’s been winning to continue to win,” Mize said. “That’s the most important thing because it’s a fun group right now and I look forward to helping out there. From a personal standpoint, just finishing strong and finishing the season healthy would be a super positive note.”

In his last major league outing on June 30, Mize tossed 5 1/3 scoreless innings against the Angels. He faced the Red Sox earlier this season, giving up three runs (two earned) over four innings. In three career starts against Boston, Mize has yet to secure a win, holding a 0-1 record with a 4.20 ERA.

Mize has made four rehab starts with Triple-A Toledo during his recovery, posting a 2.63 ERA. After a successful bullpen session on Tuesday, he was deemed ready to return to the big-league rotation.

“I felt pretty good throughout the rehab outings,” Mize said. “I feel like I could have done more in each one, so I feel like we’re in a good spot.”

Tigers’ Offense Looks to Rebound

While Mize has been preparing for his return, the Tigers’ offense faltered on Thursday, going 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position and leaving 10 runners on base. Despite the loss, Detroit remains hopeful that they can recapture the form that fueled their recent winning streak.

“On the scoreboard, it looked like we had a lot of opportunities,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said, “but we really didn’t string at-bats together like we have in recent days.”

Red Sox Turn to Tanner Houck

Opposing Mize on Friday will be Boston’s right-hander Tanner Houck (8-9, 3.23 ERA). Houck is coming off a shaky outing against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday, where he allowed six runs over six innings. Despite a strong start, Houck struggled with command as the game progressed, giving up seven hits and issuing four walks, which led to a 7-5 loss after the Red Sox squandered a four-run lead.

“The command got worse,” Houck admitted. “Early on, I felt like I was pounding the zone, going right after guys. A little bit later on, was just off the (plate), out of the zone too much with everything.”

Houck, however, has had success against the Tigers this season. On May 31, he held Detroit to just one run on three hits and two walks while striking out six over seven innings. In three career outings (two starts) against the Tigers, Houck is 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA.

Red Sox Seek Offensive Spark

The Red Sox are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2-0 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday, where they managed just two hits. Boston has struggled since the All-Star break, going 16-22, and will need to find consistency if they hope to finish the season strong.

A key factor in the Red Sox’s recent offensive struggles has been the absence of slugger Rafael Devers, who missed the past three games due to a shoulder injury. However, manager Alex Cora expects Devers to return to the lineup on Friday.

“We saw good pitching against us,” Cora said after Thursday’s game. “We’ll be ready (for the Detroit series). The big boy didn’t play for three days, so we’ll get him (Friday) and we’ll get going.”

The Red Sox will begin a six-game road trip with this series against the Tigers, which will be followed by a stop in New York to face the Mets.

Series Outlook

As the Tigers welcome Casey Mize back to the mound, they’ll be looking to regain the offensive momentum that fueled their recent success. Meanwhile, the Red Sox aim to snap out of their post-All-Star break slump, bolstered by the anticipated return of Rafael Devers. With both teams seeking to finish the season on a positive note, this series promises to be a crucial test for both clubs.