Houston Astros vs Detroit Tigers Picks and Predictions June 16th 2024

Astros to delve into pitching depth in series finale vs. Tigers

The Houston Astros are gearing up to face the Detroit Tigers in the deciding game of their three-game series this Sunday. With their rotation plagued by injuries, including the recent withdrawal of veteran right-hander Justin Verlander due to neck discomfort, the Astros must lean heavily on their pitching depth. The Tigers, on the other hand, will counter with Kenta Maeda, who is looking to bounce back after some recent struggles.

Astros’ Pitching Challenges

Injury Woes

The Astros have been dealt a rough hand with injuries this season, especially among their starting pitchers. Cristian Javier and Jose Urquidy are out for the season due to elbow surgeries, and now, Justin Verlander has been scratched from his scheduled start because of neck discomfort. Manager Joe Espada is taking a cautious, day-by-day approach with Verlander’s condition.

Manager’s Insight

“It’s tough because of the starters who have gone down for us and how every game means more for us right now because of the position that we are in,” Espada remarked. The Astros are in a tight race, and losing another key starter could be disastrous.

Potential Starter: Ronel Blanco

Recent Performance

Ronel Blanco (6-2, 2.67 ERA) is likely to step up for the Astros. Blanco recently ended a two-start losing streak with a strong showing against the San Francisco Giants, where he allowed just one run on three hits over six innings. Prior to his skid, Blanco was on fire with a 1.99 ERA and a 5-0 record.

Career Against Tigers

Blanco has limited experience against the Tigers, having made two relief appearances without allowing a run. He has struck out three batters over three scoreless innings.

Tigers’ Pitching Situation

Kenta Maeda’s Comeback

Kenta Maeda (2-2, 5.89 ERA) is set to start for the Tigers. Maeda has been struggling with consistency and injuries, most recently dealing with right-side abdominal discomfort. In his last start, he allowed one run on one hit over four innings but struggled with control, walking four batters.

Manager’s Perspective

“The biggest thing the last start was to get his endurance up,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. Hinch emphasized the need for Maeda to build up his endurance and execute better in his outings.

Career Against Astros

Maeda has a mixed track record against the Astros, with a 6.97 ERA in two career starts. His last start against them was in 2021, where he allowed three runs over five innings.

Team Dynamics

Astros’ Need for Depth

With their rotation depleted, the Astros must rely on their depth. Espada remains optimistic about their bullpen’s ability to step up but acknowledges the difficulty of the situation.

Tigers’ Focus on Maeda

The Tigers aim to get Maeda back to form after a choppy few weeks. His performance will be crucial for the Tigers as they look to secure the series win.

Conclusion

The series finale between the Astros and Tigers is set to be a challenging game for both teams, with each dealing with their own pitching issues. The Astros must rely on their depth to overcome their injury woes, while the Tigers need Kenta Maeda to find his form. The performances of Ronel Blanco and Kenta Maeda will be pivotal in determining the outcome of this closely contested game.