Tigers vs. Guardians: ALDS game 4 predictions, odds and picks — Oct 10, MLB 2024

The Detroit Tigers have the Guardians' back against the wall. On Thursday, the two teams will battle it out for Game 4 of the ALDS. With a victory, Detroit can punch their ticket to the ALCS for the first time in 11 seasons.

Game 3 on Wednesday featured some excellent defense and pitching from Detroit. RBIs from Matt Vierling, Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson supplied the offense while six different bullpen arms preserved the 3-0 win.

"The @Tigers shut out the @Guardians and can clinch a trip to the #ALCS tomorrow!" - MLB

Guardians vs Tigers recent form and records

With a regular season record of 92-69, Cleveland won the AL Central with a 6.5-game lead over the Kansas City Royals. Propelled by AL-best 50 wins at home, Cleveland has not made it past the ALDS since their 2016 run to the World Series.

The Detroit Tigers battled hard in the dying days of the season and were able to qualify as a Wild Card spot. After upsetting the Houston Astros in the AL Wild Card Series, Detroit continues to be supported by a young and dynamic core.

Players to Watch

Starting Pitchers

CLE: Tanner Bibee (12-8, 3.47 ERA) vs DET: TBD

Bibee has a 1.117 WHIP, 2.3 BB/9 and 187 K in 173.2 IP.

Last Start: ND, 4.2 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 6 K vs CLE

Career vs CLE: 1-3 5.28 ERA (30.2 IP, 18 ER) 3 HR in 6 games

Must-Watch Hitters

Cleveland

Third baseman Jose Ramirez has been 0-for-6 over the past two games, but that does not mean that the Dominican slugger will not wake up. In addition to slamming 39 homers this season, Ramirez touts a .304 career average against the Tigers, with 122 RBIs in 155 career games.

The 1.083 OPS registered by left fielder Steven Kwan this postseason leads his team. Having registered three hits in Game 3, Kwan is now a career .341/.400/.463 hitter in the postseason.

"STEVEN KWAN CAUGHT THAT!!! #ALDS" - MLB

The Guardians acquired center fielder Lane Thomas in a deal with the Washington Nationals at the trade deadline, and the move has paid dividends. Thomas hit 7 home runs and 23 RBIs in 53 games with Cleveland, and the 29-year-old will seek to add to the three-run homer he hit in Game 1.

Detroit

Matt Vierling's jumping catch at third base in the seventh inning of Game 4 certainly saved Detroit some runs allowed. However, Vierling has also been getting it done in the box. 4-for-18 so far this October, Vierling has a pair of RBIs, a double, and four walks.

"Matt Vierling gets up to make an incredible grab and strand two" - MLB

Catcher Jake Rogers is not usually known for his defensive play. However, the Texas-born backstop has now hit .333 this postseason, giving him the highest average on the club. Rogers has also walked in each of his past three games.

Guardians vs Tigers baseball betting odds

Thursday 10/10	Money Line	Run Spread	Total Runs
Cleveland Guardians	- 115	- 1.5 +155	O 6.5 -120
Detroit Tigers	- 105	+ 1.5 -190	U 6.5 +100

Guardians vs Tigers expert picks and game prediction

Although the Cleveland Guardians bullpen posted the best relief ERA in MLB during the regular season, it is Detroit's secondary arms that have stolen the show this series.

In the postseason, the Tigers bullpen is 3-0 with a 1.86 ERA on account of allowing just six earned runs in 29 innings. At the same time, Cleveland's top relievers have faltered. For instance, Emmanuel Clase has an ERA of 13.50 in the 2024 ALDS. During the regular season, Clase went 4-2 with a 0.61 ERA.

Detroit is not the same kind of team as Cleveland. The team hit 162 homers in the regular season, compared to the Guardians' 185. Cleveland also touted a better regular season slugging percentage.

However, that reality has not hindered Detroit's will, or capability of winning. Manager AJ Hinch's club has shown their willingness to play small ball, and it may work once more on Thursday.

Run Line: -1.5 +155

Total Runs: U 6.5 +100

Prediction: Detroit W, 3-2