Young Philadelphia Phillies ace Aaron Nola was a Cy Young candidate last year and got a nice big extension this offseason. Perhaps Nola is putting too much pressure on himself as he has been rather inconsistent thus far. He’s heavily favored on Wednesday, though, on the MLB betting lines in an interleague matchup against the Detroit Tigers.
How to Bet Tigers vs Phillies MLB Odds & Game Info
- When: Wednesday, 7:05 PM ET
- Where: Citizens Bank Park
- Probable pitchers (away/home): Daniel Norris/Aaron Nola
- TV: MLB Extra Innings
- Live Stream: MLB.tv
- Radio: SiriusXM
- Opening MLB Lines: Philadelphia Phillies -235 (Total 8)
Why Bet on Detroit?
Entering this series, the Tigers had an 11-7 advantage in the all-time series vs. the Phillies, including a 4-2 record at Citizens Bank Park. The two teams last met in 2016 at Comerica Park, when Detroit won two-of-three games. The marks the Tigers’ first trip to Philadelphia since June 15-17, 2007. Detroit is 0-2 in Interleague play this season and has an all-time record of 212-193 (.523) vs. National League opponents.
Detroit was set to get back starting shortstop Jordy Mercer from the injured list Tuesday. Mercer spent the weekend playing in minor league rehab games with the Tigers’ High-A Lakeland affiliate, going 0-for-14 with two walks and three strikeouts. The veteran shortstop had been sidelined since April 13 because of a right quad injury. He might have to share playing time now with Ronny Rodriguez and Gordon Beckham, who have both been hitting well to open the 2019 regular season.
Outfielder Christin Stewart (quad) is heading to Lakeland for a rehab assignment. Stewart has been on the injured list with a right quad strain since April 18. He should be back with the Tigers by the middle of May if there are no setbacks.
The Tigers made a change for this game on the mound when Tyson Ross was placed on the paternity list on Tuesday. Ross can be away from the team for one to three days. Spencer Turnbull is now slated to start Tuesday’s game against the Phillies and lefty Daniel Norris will start Wednesday.
Norris was hit hard in Friday’s no-decision against the White Sox, allowing four runs on 10 hits over his five frames. Norris struck out five on the night while issuing a pair of free passes. After being staked to an early 8-1 lead, Norris seemed to be on cruise control, but he gave up way too much hard contact and allowed the White Sox to get back in the ballgame. He’ll carry a 3.93 ERA and not-good 1.58 WHIP into this matchup.
Team Stats
Offense- Runs: 3.48
- Hits: 7.63
- Walks: 3.33
- Strike Outs: 10.19
Defense
- Runs: 4.26
- Hits: 7.93
- Walks: 3.41
- Strike Outs: 8.63
Why Bet on Philadelphia?
The Phils are without outfielder Roman Quinn due to a groin injury, and manager Gabe Kapler said that Quinn will be out for “at least several weeks.” An MRI has revealed his groin injury to be of the Grade 2 variety, which is quite severe. Fellow OF Odubel Herrera (hamstring) is also currently on the injured list.
Rhys Hoskins recently became the second-fastest Phillie ever to reach the 60-homer plateau behind Ryan Howard (209 G) and the fifth-fastest in major league history, trailing only Aaron Judge (197 G), Gary Sanchez (201 G), Howard and Ryan Braun (212 G). Since debuting on 8/10/17, Hoskins leads all National League players in home runs and he ranks 3rd among all players in MLB, trailing only Oakland’s Khris Davis and Boston’s J.D. Martinez. Since Hoskins’ debut date, there are only two players in MLB with at least 50 home runs and 140 walks: Hoskins and Mike Trout.
Most of the Phillies don’t have much of a history against the Tigers. One exception is former American Leaguer Jean Segura who has played 11 against them in his career. Those games have largely been successful, with a .367 batting average and two home runs.
Ace Aaron Nola is on the mound. Nola allowed one earned run on seven hits and a walk while striking out four Thursday against the Marlins. He did not factor in the decision. Nola took advantage of his matchup against the Marlins, turning in his longest start of the season and first quality start in his last three chances. He wasn’t overly impressive outside of the ability to prevent runs, racking up only eight swinging strikes across 103 total pitches. Still, it was a step in the right direction for Nola, who now has a 5.68 ERA and 1.58 WHIP across six starts and 31.2 innings.
Has Nola turned a corner after a slow start? The Phillies hope so. He has a 2.92 ERA in his last two starts after posting a 7.45 ERA in his first four. Better command is the key to Nola’s success. He has walked just two in his last 12 1/3 innings.
Team Stats
Offense- Runs: 5.03
- Hits: 8.28
- Walks: 4.41
- Strike Outs: 9.10
Defense
- Runs: 4.62
- Hits: 9.52
- Walks: 3.21
- Strike Outs: 8.69
Tigers vs Phillies MLB Betting Trends
- Tigers are 3-9 in their last 12 Wednesday games
- Tigers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
- The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit’s last 6 games against an opponent in the National League conference
- Phillies are 9-2 in Nola’s last 11 home starts vs. a team with a losing record
- Phillies are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia’s last 6 games at home
Expert Final Score Prediction for Tigers vs Phillies
Detroit Tigers 2 – Philadelphia Phillies 6
