Detroit Tigers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks: Preview, Predictions and Picks for May 17, 2024

Published on:
May 17, 2024 6:26 AM
This Friday, the Arizona Diamondbacks, sitting at 21-23 overall and 11-11 at home, will host the Detroit Tigers, who are 21-22 overall and 11-9 on the road, at Chase Field. The Tigers will look to capitalize on their strong away record, while the Diamondbacks aim to improve their .500 home record in this exciting matchup.
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Detroit Tigers
Arizona Diamondbacks

Tigers vs Diamondbacks starting pitchers

  • Ryne Nelson for Arizona Diamondbacks
  • Tarik Skubal for Detroit Tigers

Tigers vs Diamondbacks game preview

In the upcoming MLB clash between the Detroit Tigers and Arizona Diamondbacks, the pitching matchup features Tarik Skubal for the Tigers against Ryne Nelson for the Diamondbacks. Skubal has been outstanding this season, boasting a 2.02 ERA and a WHIP of 0.86 through 49 innings, holding an undefeated record with five wins. Across the field, Nelson, with a far less impressive 5.33 ERA and a 1.70 WHIP over 25.1 innings, will look to stabilize after a rocky start to the season. This contrast in pitcher performance sets the stage for a game that could heavily depend on the effectiveness of the starting pitchers.

Turning our focus to the Detroit Tigers, they are struggling offensively this season, ranking low in the major league batting statistics, with a .225 average putting them 23rd in the rankings. Key players like Mark Canha and Riley Greene have shown some sparks, with Canha hitting .241 and Greene blasting 9 homers. Despite these efforts, the team’s position reflects the need for more consistent on-base success and run production. However, with Skubal’s pitching form, the Tigers might capitalize if their hitters can leverage any scoring opportunities and support their pitcher by putting early runs on the board.

On the other side, the Arizona Diamondbacks have fared better with the bat. Ranked 5th in runs scored and 9th in total hits, the team's offensive lineup appears more robust compared to the Tigers. Leading figures such as Ketel Marte, boasting a .289 batting average alongside 9 home runs, and Christian Walker who has 28 RBIs, have propelled the team's offense. Though Nelson has had a lackluster performance so far, the Diamondbacks have shown they can support their pitchers by putting runs on the board. Their strategy against the Tigers, who have a stronger pitcher starting, would involve exploiting any lapses in Detroit’s defense and playing aggressively on base.

Arizona Diamondbacks injuries

  • Jose Castillo (RP): Day-To-Day
  • Jorge Barrosa (LF): Day-To-Day
  • Luis Frias (RP): 15-Day-IL
  • Alek Thomas (CF): 10-Day-IL
  • Miguel Castro (RP): 15-Day-IL

Detroit Tigers injuries

  • Jace Jung (2B): Day-To-Day
  • Luis Santana (3B): Day-To-Day
  • Garrett Hill (RP): Day-To-Day
  • Daniel Cabrera (RF): Out
  • Eddys Leonard (SS): Day-To-Day

Tigers vs Diamondbacks predictions

Here we go, the Tigers are heading to Chase Field to take on the Diamondbacks, and I've got some thoughts on how this one's gonna play out. First, let's talk about the Tigers' squad. I think Javier Baez is due for a big game, and I'm projecting him to go 2-for-4 with a homer and a couple of RBIs. Mark Canha's been on a tear lately, and I see him continuing that streak with a 3-for-5 night, including a double and a run scored. And don't count out Riley Greene, the rookie's got some pop in his bat and I think he'll come through with a big hit, maybe even a homer, in a crucial situation.

On the other side, the Diamondbacks have some serious firepower in their lineup. Ketel Marte's been a beast all season, and I think he'll come through with a 3-for-4 night, including a double and a run scored. Christian Walker's been crushing the ball lately, and I see him going deep against the Tigers' pitching staff. And let's not sleep on Corbin Carroll, the kid's got some serious wheels and I think he'll come through with a couple of hits and a stolen base.

So, who's gonna come out on top? I think the Tigers' pitching staff is in for a long night against the Diamondbacks' lineup. Tarik Skubal's been solid, but I think the D-Backs will manage to tag him for a few runs early on. Meanwhile, Ryne Nelson's got the stuff to keep the Tigers' bats quiet, and I think he'll come out on top in this one. My prediction: Diamondbacks take it 6-4.

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