MLB picks: Indians vs. Tigers, Cardinals vs. White Sox

It’s a terrific Tuesday MLB slate, and we’re highlighting our two favorite wagers for the evening.

First we’ll take a look at an AL Central matchup between the Cleveland Indians and the Detroit Tigers. Then we’ll preview an interleague showdown between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago White Sox.

Cleveland Indians (25-20) at Detroit Tigers (18-29), 7:10 p.m. ET

The Indians should be able to tame the Tigers at Comerica Park on Tuesday night.

Cleveland’s Aaron Civale and Detroit’s Tarik Skubal have already met twice in 2021, with the latter coming up on the losing end each time. Skubal was tagged for eight runs in 9 1/3 innings of work against Cleveland earlier this year, striking out seven but walking five.

He’ll have to beware of Cesar Hernandez, who’s taken him deep twice in only seven career at-bats against him.

The Tigers’ bullpen has been a weak spot all season, as they’re last in ERA on the year at 5.78.

Civale was able to limit the Tigers to four runs over a combined 14 2/3 innings on April 4 and April 10, registering 12 strikeouts compared to only three walks. Miguel Cabrera and Jonathan Schoop are a combined 2-for-20 all-time against Civale.

The Indians boast a bullpen that sports a 2.68 ERA on the season, second in the major leagues.

MLB pick: Indians -139

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St. Louis Cardinals (26-21) at Chicago White Sox (27-19), 8:10 p.m. ET

The Cardinals dropped Game 1 of this intriguing interleague series with the White Sox, but they should get even on Tuesday night with ultimate slump-buster – Jack Flaherty – on the mound.

St. Louis is a perfect 10-0 behind Flaherty this season, with their ace tallying nine straight winning decisions. In four starts this month (25 innings), Flaherty sports a 1.80 ERA and 1.040 WHIP.

It’s hard to see the White Sox offense – which has generated just 2.67 runs per game over their last six efforts – breaking through for much against him.

Giolito is looking like he’s figuring things out after a rough start to the campaign, as he owns a 2.96 ERA through four starts in May. However, the Cardinals have been a better offensive team on the road than at home in 2021, as they boast an average of 4.55 runs per game in away contests as opposed to a 4.00 mark at home.

It’s also worth noting that Nolan Arenado has managed a hit in all three prior meetings against Giolito, one of which was a home run.

MLB pick: Cardinals +123