Sunday Night Baseball – Tigers vs. Phillies Betting Tips

Sunday night’s primetime game on ESPN features two of the top teams in the league but the Phillies have been playing better than the Tigers of late and they will be favored in this game at Citizens Bank Park on Sunday night. Rookie Troy Melton is expected to make the start for Detroit, while the Phillies counter with left-hander Cristopher Sanchez, who’s enjoying a breakout year in the Philadelphia rotation. It is potentially a World Series preview, as the Tigers and Phillies have two of the top records in the league. The Tigers are second in World Series futures odds, behind the Dodgers, while the Phillies are third.

Tigers vs. Phillies Game Preview

Troy Melton makes just his second career MLB start after showing promise in Triple-A with a 3.27 ERA and solid strikeout-to-walk numbers. Detroit is hoping the 23-year-old can limit damage early and keep the game close. Cristopher Sanchez has been outstanding for the Phillies, entering with a 2.65 ERA and elite ground-ball rate. He’s been nearly untouchable at home, and his changeup has become his true out pitch. The Tigers' offense is young and inconsistent, but players like Riley Greene and Kerry Carpenter have flashed power. The Phillies, meanwhile, boast one of the league’s most complete lineups, with Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Alec Bohm all producing at a high level. Philadelphia’s bullpen has quietly been one of the best in the league, and if Sanchez gives them at least six innings, Philly looks like a solid choice in this one.

Tigers vs. Phillies Predictions

The Phillies come in with a huge edge in starting pitching, bullpen depth, and lineup firepower so it is just a matter of what type of baseball betting price you want to lay. Melton has the tools to be effective but facing this Phillies lineup in his first major road start is a tall order. If Harper and Turner get going early, it could be a long night for Detroit. Expect Sanchez to keep the Tigers off balance and rack up 6+ strikeouts through the middle innings. The Tigers might keep it close for a few frames, but once the Phillies start working counts and getting into Detroit’s middle relief, the gap should widen. Look for Bohm or Nick Castellanos to drive in key runs, and Philadelphia’s defense to turn a couple double plays behind Sanchez to keep Detroit from doing much damage.

Tigers vs. Phillies Betting Tips

Moneyline: The Phillies will be solid favorites, but the run line (-1.5) has value with Sanchez on the hill and a potent offense behind him. Detroit’s bats are unpredictable, so the total is tricky, but under 8.5 could be worth a look if you expect Melton to keep it respectable early. Expect the Phillies to continue their dominant form at home and for the game to go under the total. Sanchez’s strikeout prop should be around 5.5 and is worth targeting for the over. Player props like Harper or Bohm to record 2+ total bases may be strong value plays. If you're feeling bold, Riley Greene for a solo home run could offer long odds worth a flyer. Check the latest MLB odds to see the odds and props for Sunday’s game.

Tigers vs. Phillies Head-To-Head and Key Stats

The Phillies have won six of the last 10 at home against the Tigers with six of the 10 going under the total. These teams haven’t met since last season, when the Phillies took two of three in Detroit. Philadelphia has won 12 of their last 15 home games and ranks second in MLB in ERA since the All-Star break. Cristopher Sanchez has allowed two earned runs or fewer in six straight starts and has a 1.88 ERA in night games this season. The Tigers rank 25th in the league in slugging and 27th in runs per game. The under has hit in seven of Detroit’s last 10 road games, and the Phillies have allowed three runs or fewer in nine of their last 11 home outings.