Cleveland Guardians vs Detroit Tigers Picks and Prediction for Thursday, August 13, 2026

The Cleveland Guardians visit the Detroit Tigers on Thursday at 1:10 PM ET at Comerica Park. Cleveland is 58-62, fourth in the AL Central and four games behind Chicago after losing Tuesday’s series opener 6-4. The Guardians have dropped three straight and four of five. Detroit is 59-60, second in the AL Central and 2.5 games behind Chicago. The Tigers have won three straight and four of five. Detroit leads the series 1-0 entering Wednesday. Be a winner with our free MLB picks.

Cleveland Guardians Looking to Stop Three-Game Slide

Cleveland ranks 27th in MLB with a .233 batting average and has scored 477 runs with 116 home runs, a .313 on-base percentage, and a .369 slugging percentage. The Guardians have scored 24 runs over their last five games but have lost four of them. Chase DeLauter leads Cleveland with a .281 average, 108 hits and 57 RBIs while adding 13 home runs. Steven Kwan is batting .268 with a team-high .366 on-base percentage, while Jose Ramirez has 10 homers, 37 RBIs and 29 stolen bases.

The Guardians rank ninth in MLB pitching with a 3.84 ERA and 1.28 WHIP while holding opponents to a .239 batting average. Cleveland has recorded 1,106 strikeouts, 34 saves and 41 quality starts. The staff has allowed 32 runs across the last five games, including 13 against the Mets and six in Tuesday’s loss to Detroit. Cleveland is 30-31 on the road and 22-22 in day games.

Injuries: Slade Cecconi (15-Day IL), Shawn Armstrong (60-Day IL).

Detroit Tigers Carry Three-Game Winning Streak

Detroit ranks 16th in MLB with a .244 batting average and has scored 539 runs with 144 home runs, a .320 on-base percentage and .409 slugging percentage. The Tigers have produced 30 runs over their last five games, winning four. Kevin McGonigle leads Detroit with a .288 average, 127 hits and .391 on-base percentage. Dillon Dingler supplies the power with 26 home runs and 80 RBIs while batting .270, and Riley Greene is hitting .273 with 16 homers and 54 RBIs but is listed day-to-day.

Detroit ranks third in MLB pitching with a 3.49 ERA and 1.20 WHIP while opponents are batting .229. The Tigers have 984 strikeouts, 23 saves, 13 shutouts and 47 quality starts. Detroit has allowed only 12 runs across its last five games, including consecutive shutouts against Seattle and San Francisco. The Tigers are 31-27 at Comerica Park and 23-21 in day games, providing solid numbers in both settings.

Injuries: Riley Greene (Day-To-Day), Kerry Carpenter (10-Day IL), Brant Hurter (60-Day IL), Enmanuel De Jesus (Day-To-Day), Parker Meadows (60-Day IL).

Pitching Matchup

Cleveland Guardians – Parker Messick

Messick brings excellent numbers into Thursday with a 9-6 record, 2.57 ERA, and 1.04 WHIP across 136.2 innings. The left-hander has allowed 104 hits and 38 walks while striking out 136 and surrendering 13 home runs. His ability to limit baserunners gives Cleveland an important advantage against a Detroit lineup batting .244.

Detroit Tigers – Keider Montero

Montero is 8-7 with a 3.38 ERA and 1.01 WHIP through 122.1 innings. The right-hander has allowed only 96 hits and 28 walks with 86 strikeouts and 13 home runs allowed. Montero has the slightly better WHIP, although Messick owns the lower ERA and a considerable strikeout advantage.

Cleveland Guardians vs Detroit Tigers Game Pick

• Detroit Tigers

Detroit is the pick because its recent form and stronger overall numbers outweigh Cleveland’s advantage with Messick on the mound. The Tigers have won four of five while allowing only 12 runs, and their 3.49 team ERA ranks third in MLB. Cleveland has dropped four of five and ranks 27th in batting average with only 116 home runs. Montero’s 1.01 WHIP should also help limit opportunities. With Detroit playing better baseball and holding the stronger lineup, the Tigers are the play Thursday.

Cleveland Guardians vs Detroit Tigers Over/Under Pick

• Under

The under is the preferred play with two starters who have been difficult to reach consistently. Messick owns a 2.57 ERA and 1.04 WHIP across 136.2 innings, while Montero has a 3.38 ERA and an even lower 1.01 WHIP. Detroit also ranks third in MLB with a 3.49 team ERA and has allowed just 12 runs over its last five games. Cleveland’s offense ranks 27th in batting average and has only 116 homers, creating another strong reason to expect limited scoring Thursday, with the total cashing under the closing line.