Detroit, September 18, 2025
News Summary
The Cleveland Guardians take on the Detroit Tigers in a pivotal American League Central matchup, trailing the Tigers by 5.5 games. Both teams feature strong pitching, with Tanner Bibee for the Guardians and Tarik Skubal for the Tigers showcasing contrasting statistics. Despite recent struggles, the Tigers hold a favorable postseason possibility, while the Guardians push for playoff contention. This series finale could significantly impact both teams’ postseason aspirations.
Detroit – The Cleveland Guardians face off against the Detroit Tigers in a critical American League Central matchup on September 18, 2025. This game is the finale of a three-game series in Detroit and is critical as the Guardians trail the Tigers by 5.5 games in the standings. The pitching matchup features Tanner Bibee for the Guardians and Tarik Skubal for the Tigers, with both pitchers showcasing contrasting statistics this season.
Tanner Bibee has recorded a 4.44 earned run average (ERA) and a 4.52 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) through 170.1 innings pitched this season. Bibee has a strikeout rate of 20.9% and a walk rate of 7%, allowing 27 home runs, 19 of which were on the road. Notably, his average exit velocity allowed is 88.6 mph, with a barrel rate of 8.3% and a hard-hit rate of 37%. Recently, Bibee achieved a complete-game shutout against the White Sox, striking out 10 batters while allowing only two base hits. In 29 starts this season, he has allowed more than three earned runs 13 times and completed at least six innings on 14 occasions. Earlier this season, he faced the Tigers once, pitching seven innings with one walk and eight strikeouts while not allowing any earned runs.
In contrast, Tarik Skubal has excelled on the mound this season, boasting an impressive 2.26 ERA and a 2.45 FIP through 183.1 innings. Skubal averages a fastball speed of 97.6 mph, and has a swinging strike rate of 16.5%, alongside a notable strikeout rate of 32.1%. His low walk rate of 4% complements his ability to control the game, and he has surrendered 17 home runs this season, primarily to right-handed batters. Across 29 starts, Skubal has allowed more than three earned runs only six times and has pitched at least six innings in 21 starts. This season, he has thrown against the Guardians twice, achieving a complete-game shutout in one match, where he only allowed two hits and struck out 13 batters. In another encounter, he struck out 10 with three hits allowed, similarly yielding no earned runs.
Despite their current struggles, the Tigers still rank third in MLB for strikeout rate against right-handed pitching. However, they are 18th in weighted On-Base Average (wOBA), indicating room for improvement in offensive production. The Guardians, on the other hand, possess the 11th-highest strikeout rate against left-handed pitchers while ranking 27th in wOBA. Additionally, Cleveland’s bullpen is performing strongly, ranking first in FIP, while Detroit’s bullpen lags at 26th since August 1.
Given the current trends, predictions for the game favor Skubal and suggest an “under” for total runs scored. Analysts recommend betting options including Tigers -1.5 and Under 7 runs at odds of +345 for those interested in wagering on the game.
The Guardians achieved a win against the Tigers in the series opener on September 16, taking the game 7-5. However, the Tigers have had a subpar record of 7-13 in their last 20 games, despite currently holding a 99.1% chance of a postseason berth. Nevertheless, their chances of securing a top-two seed to avoid the wild-card series stand at only 62.9%. Previously, the Tigers led the AL Central by a significant 14 games on July 8 but have since seen their performance decline. On the other hand, the Guardians are pushing hard for a playoff spot while looking to close the gap in the standings.
The outcome of this game could significantly impact both teams’ postseason aspirations as they finalize their rosters for the playoff race.
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HERE Resources
Detroit Tigers Face Off Against Cleveland Guardians
Additional Resources
- Cleveland.com: Guardians Do It Again to Tigers
- Google Search: Guardians vs Tigers September 2025
- Freep: Detroit Tigers No Pressure vs Guardians
- Google Scholar: MLB Guardians Tigers 2025
- Sportsbook Wire: Guardians at Tigers Odds
- Encyclopedia Britannica: MLB
- CBS News: Detroit Tigers Shut Out by Guardians
- Google News: MLB Guardians Tigers 2025
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
