Detroit Tigers (34-44) vs. Cleveland Indians (41-33)
June 29, 2021 7:10 pm EDT
The Line: Cleveland Indians -165 / Detroit Tigers +152; Over/Under: -9.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Indians meet Tuesday in MLB action from Progressive Field. This will be the second installment in a three-game set between these teams this week. In the Monday opener, the Indians secured an eight-run victory. Check back all season long for free MLB picks at Sports Chat Place.
Detroit played four games versus the Astros over the weekend, winning two of them for a split. In the Monday opener versus Cleveland, the Tigers posted seven team hits in a 13-5 blowout loss. Matt Manning gave up nine earned on nine hits in 3.2 innings.
For the starting pitcher role in the Tuesday game, the Tigers will send out Jose Urena. In his 69.0 innings this year, Urena has 82 hits, 51 runs (46 earned), seven homers allowed, 32 walks, 42 Ks and a 6.00 ERA overall.
Over on the Indians’ side, they played the Twins over the weekend. Cleveland won Thursday but dropped the other two games. In the Monday matchup, the Indians scored five runs in the first two innings during the win. Eli Morgan managed 5.0 innings with six hits and four earned runs.
For the starter job in the Tuesday game, the Indians are sending out JC Mejia. Over his 23.2 innings so far this year, Mejia has a 4.94 ERA, 21 hits, 13 earned runs, two homers, seven walks and 22 Ks in eight games (five starts).
The Tigers are 13-3 in their last 16 Tuesday games and 37-76 in their last 113 in game two of a series. Detroit is 36-78 in their last 114 road games and 59-140 in their last 199 games versus a right-handed starter.
Meanwhile, the Indians are 36-16 in their last 52 Tuesday games and 39-18 in their last 57 home games versus a right-handed starter. Cleveland is 7-17 in their last 24 with the total at 6.5 or lower and the over is 5-1-1 in their last seven in game two of a series.
PICK: I’m going to take a stab on the Indians, but probably staying away. Urena has had some issues over his last three starts, posting 18 earned on 20 hits in 9.2 innings of work. He hasn’t made it through 6.0 innings in any of his last five outings. If Mejia can keep things manageable the Indians should have some offensive opportunities on the other side.
