September 18th MLB Picks: Tigers vs. Royals Betting Preview & Other Props

After a close extra innings win for the Tigers in game two of this crucial series against the Royals, they have their ace on the mound in Tarik Skubal for tonight. For Kansas City it’s certainly not time to panic as they still hold a game and a half lead over the Twins in the Wildcard and the Tigers don’t threaten their spot in the division. However, this game is big for Detroit, as a win could possibly bring them closer to that final American League Wildcard spot. 

Detroit Tigers at Kansas City Royals

Tarik Skubal (16-4) vs. Alec Marsh (8-8)

Three-Leg SGP (+260): Tarik Skubal o17.5 Outs, Salvador Perez Over 0.5 Hits, Colt Keith Over 0.5 Hits

There’s arguably no better hitter in the Royals roster against Skubal than Salvador Perez. Against the future 2024 American League Cy Young winner, Perez has a .370 batting average with a 1.259 OPS. Perez has been solid at the plate lately, and is currently on a three game hit streak, looking to keep it going against the left handed Skubal.

On the Tigers side, Colt Keith has been looking solid lately at the plate through the final stretch of the season. He’s coming into this game with a four game hit streak, with seven hits in the last three games. Against Alec Marsh in three at bats, Keith has two hits making the over half a hit line another addition to today’s same game parlay. 

Tarik Skubal has gone from looking to solidify his AL Cy Young campaign, to looking to help the Tigers make a postseason push. Against an AL Central rival this might just be Skubal’s most important start all season and going at least six innings this time out is crucial to the postseason hopes of the Tigers.

Arizona Diamondbacks at Colorado Rockies

Eduardo Rodriguez (2-3) vs. Austin Gomber (5-10)

Eduardo Rodriguez Over 5.5 Hits Allowed

When Rodriguez is on the mound, he typically gives up hits. In the 2024 season, Rodriguez consistently hovers around giving up four to seven hits every outing. When he deals and goes deep into games he usually still gives up near the 5.5 hit mark, and when he’s off he obviously clears this line. At the most notoriously difficult ballpark for pitchers to play at in Coors Field, Rodriguez could be due to give up a bunch of hits this afternoon. 

Toronto Blue Jays at Texas Rangers

Bowden Francis (8-4) vs. Cody Bradford (5-3)

Bowden Francis Under 5.5 Hits Allowed

Bowden Francis has been one of the most talked about pitchers in baseball recently after taking two recent no hitters into the ninth inning before ultimately being ended. He’s been incredibly solid for Toronto this season, and besides an outlier start where he gave up six hits against the Phillies, has limited the hits. Against a Rangers lineup that historically hits .118 against Francis, he should be able to limit the hits today.