Astros stand in path of Tigers’ fifth straight W
Justin Verlander may or may not have stepped into a time machine. Either way, Detroit loves the vintage form it’s seeing from the venerable righty.
The organization’s six-time All-Star hopes to put the finishing touches on a banner month tonight. Brad Ausmus’ bunch hosts Houston at 7:08 p.m. ET, with handicappers leaning toward Comerica Park’s finest. The Tigers enter as 1.5-run favorites, while the Astros symbolize +130 underdogs. As for the over/under run total, that rests at 8.5.
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In July, Verlander holds a 3-0 record with a 1.60 ERA. The velocity doesn’t reach triple digits anymore, but this stretch brings to mind the hurler who captured 2011 American League MVP honors. He’s totally capable of dispatching the Stros, too, who can’t seem to catch a break at the moment.
A.J. Hinch’s gang is missing Carlos Gomez (hamstring), Luis Valbuena, Doug Fister (paternity leave) and Marwin Gonzalez (hand). Even though power-hitting prospect Tyler White has been recalled from Triple-A Fresno, Mike Fiers must realize that he’s operating with a diminished support staff in several hours. The veteran carries a 1-0 mark with a 3.24 ERA in three career outings vs. Detroit.
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In part because of the somewhat tenuous state of the Tigers’ rotation as a whole, Verlander’s likely to venture uncommonly deep into the middle match. Then again, Houston’s desperately in need of a boffo performance. The visiting crew was embarrassed in the opener, 14-6, and won’t suffer through a second straight rout.
SATURDAY MLB FREE PICK: ASTROS +1.5