Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Guardians: Match Preview and Prediction (September 17, 2025)
The Cleveland Guardians (79–71) travel to Comerica Park to take on the Detroit Tigers (85–66) in an important late-season matchup. This is the eighth meeting between the two AL Central rivals this year, with playoff implications on the line.
Detroit Tigers: Form and Outlook
Since June 1, Detroit has struggled to maintain consistency, raising concerns about their postseason hopes. Despite this, their offense remains reliable. The Tigers are averaging 4.86 runs per game, ranking 8th in MLB, with 729 total runs, 187 home runs, and 232 doubles on the year.
Pitching has been solid, with a team ERA of 3.91 and WHIP of 1.238. Starter Casey Mize takes the mound for his 26th start of the season, holding a 14–5 record, 3.83 ERA, and 1.27 WHIP. Mize has been strong at home with an 8–1 record and 3.47 ERA this year. Against Cleveland, he owns a career 2.30 ERA in three starts.
Offensively, Riley Greene leads the lineup with 34 home runs, 108 RBIs, and a .265 average, while Spencer Torkelson adds power with 28 home runs. Zach McKinstry provides balance with 21 doubles, 11 triples, and 11 homers.
Cleveland Guardians: Form and Outlook
Cleveland has been one of the hottest teams in baseball since snapping a 10-game losing streak. They are currently riding a five-game winning streak and are in the thick of the AL Wild Card race, tied with Texas for the final spot.
The Guardians have excelled in tight contests, going 11–6 in extra innings, the best record in MLB. Their recent 3–2 win over the White Sox completed a sweep and highlighted their resilience. Bo Naylor stood out in that game, going 2-for-3 with a double, home run, and three RBIs.
Jose Ramirez continues to lead the offense with 28 home runs, 77 RBIs, and a .281 average, while Steven Kwan contributes consistency with 273 hits and 52 walks. On the mound, Joey Cantillo starts, bringing a 5–3 record with a 3.36 ERA. He’s been particularly sharp lately, with a 2.52 ERA over his last seven starts, including eight scoreless innings against Kansas City.
Prediction
While Detroit has home-field advantage and Casey Mize on the mound, Cleveland enters with momentum and a hot streak. The Guardians’ recent form and resilience in close games give them the edge in this matchup.
Prediction: Cleveland Guardians to win.
Final Tip: Expect a competitive game with scoring potential leaning slightly over the set total of eight runs.
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