Prediction Details

MLB Prediction: Cleveland Guardians vs Detroit Tigers (Thursday, September 18 at 01:10 PM ET)

Introduction

Updated

CLE @ DETCLE +176DET -217O/U 7.0
Market / Trend CLE DET
Moneyline +176 -217
Total (O/U) 7.0
Run Line +1.5 (-118) -1.5 (-102)
Last 5 RPG 4.2 2.6
Record 80–71 85–67
Lines: BetMGM, BetOnline.ag, BetRivers, BetUS +7 more

More MLB picks: Cleveland Guardians · Detroit Tigers

Cleveland rides into this matchup on a five-game winning streak, making this an MLB prediction driven by form and rhythm more than perception. Their offense has averaged 4.2 runs per game over that stretch, while Detroit has stumbled to just 2.6, signaling a sharp contrast in scoring efficiency. With Cleveland Guardians’ surge colliding against Detroit Tigers’ slump, the value lies squarely with the road side and a lower-scoring outcome.

Game Time

Kicks off soon! Starts in 102m

Coverage starts at Thursday, September 18 at 01:10 PM ET inside Comerica Park, pitchers get support from the park size.

Odds & Spread Line

  • Cleveland Guardians: +176
  • Detroit Tigers: -217

Total: 7

  • Run Line — Cleveland Guardians: +1.5 (-118)
  • Run Line — Detroit Tigers: -1.5 (-102)

Latest Team Records

Cleveland Guardians: 80-71 (Win %: 0.53)
Detroit Tigers: 85-67 (Win %: 0.559)

Injury Report

Both teams are currently healthy with no major injury concerns.

Key Player Stats

Cleveland Guardians

  • Jose Ramirez: 0.281 AVG, 28 HR, 78 RBI
  • Kyle Manzardo: 0.241 AVG, 26 HR, 67 RBI
  • Steven Kwan: 0.275 AVG, 10 HR, 49 RBI

Detroit Tigers

  • Riley Greene: 0.263 AVG, 34 HR, 108 RBI
  • Spencer Torkelson: 0.24 AVG, 29 HR, 74 RBI
  • Kerry Carpenter: 0.259 AVG, 26 HR, 62 RBI

Team Analysis

Cleveland Guardians

The Guardians’ 5-0 mark across their last five games emphasizes a team hitting stride at the right time, with 4.2 runs per game fueling their surge. Jose Ramirez has been central to this upswing, consistently producing in run-scoring spots to stabilize the lineup’s output. Cleveland Guardians’ 39-37 road record shows they’ve been competitive away from home, and that balance adds confidence in their ability to carry momentum into Detroit.

Beyond Ramirez, Kyle Manzardo’s power presence gives the Guardians a secondary run-producing threat, while Steven Kwan’s ability to keep innings alive adds depth. Their pitching staff’s 3.77 ERA provides a solid foundation, complementing the offense’s timely production. With nine wins in their last 10, Cleveland is positioned as a confident moneyline side.

  • Batting Average: 0.225
  • Total Runs Scored: 591
  • Home Runs: 155
  • OBP: 0.296
  • SLG: 0.371
  • OPS: 0.667
  • ERA: 3.77
  • WHIP: 1.28

Away Record: 39-37 • Home Record: 41-34
Last 5 Games: 5-0 (4.2 RPG)
Last 10 Games: 9-1 (4.1 RPG)


Detroit Tigers

The Tigers have dropped four of their last five, averaging just 2.6 runs per game in that stretch, which signals a clear offensive slump. Despite Riley Greene’s season-long production, Detroit has lacked consistency in converting opportunities during this recent skid. Their 46-31 home record highlights strength at Comerica Park, but the current downturn tempers that advantage.

Spencer Torkelson and Kerry Carpenter have both provided long-ball potential this season, yet the recent 1-4 stretch shows how unreliable the lineup has been when both are quiet. The team ERA of 3.92 has kept games within reach, but the lack of scoring support has left them vulnerable. With only four wins in their last 10, Detroit enters this game without the same momentum as Cleveland.

  • Batting Average: 0.248
  • Total Runs Scored: 734
  • Home Runs: 190
  • OBP: 0.318
  • SLG: 0.419
  • OPS: 0.736
  • ERA: 3.92
  • WHIP: 1.24

Away Record: 39-36 • Home Record: 46-31
Last 5 Games: 1-4 (2.6 RPG)
Last 10 Games: 4-6 (4.9 RPG)


Head-to-Head History

Tied 4–4 (Last 8 games)

  • September 17, 2025: CLE 4 @ DET 0
  • September 16, 2025: CLE 7 @ DET 5
  • July 06, 2025: DET 7 @ CLE 2
  • July 05, 2025: DET 1 @ CLE 0
  • July 04, 2025: DET 2 @ CLE 1
  • May 25, 2025: CLE 0 @ DET 5
  • May 24, 2025: CLE 7 @ DET 5
  • May 23, 2025: CLE 3 @ DET 1

Over/Under Trends

Cleveland Guardians’ last 10 games have averaged 5.8 total runs, with 2 games that would have cleared today’s total of 7.

Detroit Tigers’ last 10 games have averaged 9.2 combined runs, with 7 games clearing the same number of 7.

Moneyline Betting Prediction

Cleveland Guardians’ five-game winning streak paired with a 9-1 run over their last 10 establishes them as the form side, especially with Jose Ramirez and Kyle Manzardo driving timely production. Detroit Tigers’ 1-4 stretch and offensive stagnation at 2.6 RPG give Cleveland the clear edge, and recent head-to-head wins reinforce the Guardians’ advantage.

We rate the Cleveland Guardians at +176 as the right side at current form.

Over/Under Prediction

Last five form shows the Detroit Tigers at 2.6 RPG and the Cleveland Guardians at 4.2, giving context for the number.

These teams are combining for 6.8 runs per game recently — right around the posted total of 7.0. That points toward the Under 7.0.

Bookmakers

Available at: FanDuel, MyBookie.ag, LowVig.ag, BetOnline.ag, Fanatics, Caesars, DraftKings, BetMGM, BetUS, BetRivers, Bovada.

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MLB Predictions FAQ

How should I size my bets?

Use a consistent unit (about 1–2% of bankroll). Singles should be most of your volume. We like parlays—smart ones. Keep legs tight (2–3), cap risk to 0.25–0.5u, and pass when the price isn’t there.

What’s a good price range for today’s pick (Sep 18, 2025)?

We list a target price in the post. If the market moves past that number, reduce stake size or pass instead of chasing worse odds.

John Tamburino

John TamburinoVerified

Lead Analyst — data-first, former college baseball.

John Tamburino grew up on travel baseball and three years of varsity basketball, then played college baseball before shifting to analytics. He still watches everything—from weekday tennis to all major league sports—and will never forget the Diamondbacks’ World Series run. At Parlamaz, John blends trusted data feeds with matchup context to find real value—no fluff, no paywalls.