Minnesota Twins vs. Detroit Tigers Pick & Prediction JULY 27th 2024

Preview and Prediction

There has been much speculation surrounding Tarik Skubal in recent weeks, but it is expected that the Detroit Tigers will not trade their top pitcher unless they receive an irresistible offer.

Regardless, all eyes will be on Skubal in his last start before the trade deadline. The left-hander is set to take the mound in the second game of a three-game series against the Minnesota Twins on Saturday.

The All-Star southpaw secured another win in his first start since the Midsummer Classic, holding the Cleveland Guardians to just one run in seven innings on Monday. Despite giving up a career-high 10 hits, Skubal was able to limit the damage and lead his team to an 8-2 victory.

"They don't strike out a lot," Skubal noted of the Guardians. "They put the ball in play and they make things happen when they get guys in scoring position. It was my responsibility to try and get them to hit it at our guys, and I think I did a good job of that."

In a crucial moment in the game, with the Guardians trailing 4-1 and the bases loaded, Skubal induced an inning-ending popout from Steven Kwan. This was a pivotal point in his performance.

"I got myself in trouble, and for him to pop out, I felt like I gained a little momentum from that point on and was able to limit them to one run," Skubal said. "But it was exhausting. Ten hits. I felt like every inning I was working out of the stretch. But that's where the most important pitches are made, out of the stretch."

In his last five starts, Skubal has recorded three wins and two no-decisions. He has given up just seven runs while walking four and striking out an impressive 41 batters in 33 innings.

Skubal has faced the Twins 11 times in his career, with a record of 3-3 and an ERA of 3.63. This season, he holds a 1-0 record and a 2.45 ERA in two starts against them.

Unfortunately for the Tigers, their other All-Star player, outfielder Riley Greene, has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a mild strain in his right hamstring. An MRI revealed the injury.

Greene explained, "I didn't have a moment where it grabbed, like your typical hamstring injury would. On Monday I felt it and didn't think anything of it. And now it's this."

In contrast, the Twins have activated one of their top hitters, third baseman Royce Lewis, before the series opener on Friday. Lewis had been sidelined since July 3 with an adductor strain.

He went 1-for-5 against the Tigers, but his team didn't need much from him as they cruised to a 9-3 victory with four home runs from his teammates.

Lewis is expected to get some starts as designated hitter in order to keep him in the lineup. He has only played 25 games this season due to two lengthy stints on the injured list.

Manager Rocco Baldelli stated, "We want him to stay strong, we want him to be able to play every day. And the best way to do that is at DH."

Twins infielder Jose Miranda, who boasts an impressive .325 batting average, may also be activated on Saturday. He has been dealing with lower back tightness.

Skubal will face off against right-hander Joe Ryan (6-6, 3.65 ERA) on Saturday. In his three starts in July, Ryan has struggled, recording a 1-1 record with a 6.35 ERA.

In his most recent outing, Ryan allowed four runs and seven hits in six innings in an 8-7 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. However, he showed strong control, not issuing any walks while striking out six batters in a no-decision.

Ryan has faced the Tigers twice before this season, recording two no-decisions. In one of those starts, he struck out a career-high 12 batters. In eight career starts against Detroit, he holds a 4-1 record with a 3.47 ERA.

PREDICTION

Minnesota Twins

4

3

Detroit Tigers

Minnesota Twins vs. Detroit Tigers Recap JUL 27TH 2024