965 Detroit at Tampa Bay

Two starters that have looked really good thus far, face off in this one. Tarik Skubal has picked up where he left off last year in his breakout season. In fact, I just read an article regarding starting pitchers in dynasty leagues in fantasy baseball, and they feel Skubal is the top starting pitcher for the next five years. His average exit velocity allowed is 4.2 mph lower than a year ago. His hard hit rate allowed is only 26.7, over 14% better than league average. The bullpen is fresh, as no reliever has pitched more than once in the last three games. 

Zach Littell came out of nowhere last year to give the Rays 90 very good innings. His xERA the last four years is less than 4.00. The closer Pete Fairbanks is on the IL, but the Rays always have a strong bullpen. 

Neither team has knocked the cover off the ball this season. So we expect a low scoring affair, which is why this game is lined at 7 1/2. 

We can see many ways to play this one. Tigers first five, first five under, Tigers full game and Tampa Bay team total under. We’ve seen enough out of this Detroit bullpen to trust them to stay even with the Rays relievers. Not often we can get an elite starter in this price range.

PLAY DETROIT

Good to -118