Tigers vs Yankees Odds – Reality check begins now for Tigers
Keep a close eye on the Tigers vs Yankees odds - it’s time to start assessing who the true contenders are in MLB betting. We know what the Yankees bring to the table, but the Tigers have been a major surprise, especially in the pitching department. Now, they have a chance to prove their legitimacy in the big, bad Bronx.
Tigers vs Yankees odds: Yankee Stadium a tough place for Tigers to start second half
- Rookie pitcher French should get a rude awakening in the Bronx
- Verlander’s road struggles may come into play on Saturday
- Tigers could pull off the upset on Sunday
Friday, July 17, 7:05 p.m. ET
Luke French (1-0, 1.93) vs A.J. Burnett (8-4, 3.77)
It would be fun to kick off the Tigers vs Yankees odds with a bigtime upset pick, but color me skeptical re: Luke French. He’s opened his major-league career nicely, holding his own against the Twins and Royals in his two starts. But pitching at Yankee Stadium is a different story, and he’s already allowed a couple of homers. Righties like Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter will give him trouble, as will the switch-hitting Mark Teixeira and Jorge Posada.
A.J. Burnett has struggled historically against the Tigers (8.04 ERA), but the sample is small enough that it’s not a major concern. He’s been strong at home this season (3-1) and he’s rounding into form, posting sub-3.00 ERAs in June and July. Brandon Inge (.444 against him) may get to Burnett, but that won’t be enough for Detroit’s Tigers vs Yankees odds.
MLB betting pick: Yankees
Saturday, July 18, 1:05 p.m. ET
Justin Verlander (10-4, 3.38) vs C.C. Sabathia (8-6, 3.86)
This is what baseball sportsbook betting is all about – watching two aces duke it out in a Saturday Matinee between division-leading clubs. The first-half performance edge definitely goes to Justin Verlander, but he has a few red flags entering the Tigers vs Yankees odds. For one, Verlander has an exaggerated home/road split this season: 6-0, 1.34 at home versus 4-4, 4.98 on the road. He hasn’t experienced new Yankee Stadium and the dangerous lefty hitters (Johnny Damon, Robinson Cano, among others) will try to pull his pitches toward the right-field wind tunnel.
C.C. is just OK against the Tigers in his career, but the man who does most of the damage off him, Magglio Ordonez, is a shell of his former self. Righty bats like Miguel Cabrera (.667, 1 HR, 6 RBI off Sabathia) should get to him, but he’ll receive the run support he needs.
MLB betting pick: Yankees
Sunday, July 19, 1:05 p.m. ET
Edwin Jackson (7-4, 2.52) vs Joba Chamberlain (4-2, 4.25)
Whatever happens to Edwin Jackson in Tigers vs Yankees odds, he’s been a sight to behold for sportsbook betting fans this season. The former top prospect has finally realized his potential by allowing very few hits (.212 opponents average). Is he primed for a second-half drop-off? Maybe, but it may not start Sunday. He’s been just as stingy on the road as he has at home this season, so he could hold his own against the Yanks if he throws enough strikes.
On paper, Joba Chamberlain should be the Tigers vs Yankees odds favorite, as he’s dominated the Tigers in his career. However, he’s only had one actual start against the Tigers and he’s really struggled in July, posting a 7.88 ERA and .429 opponents’ average in two starts. Go with the upset and force Joba to prove he’s back on track.
MLB betting pick: Tigers
For more Tigers vs Yankees odds and other sports betting tips, read the Betting Edge at betonline.com.
Before his arm flamed out, Dale “Skip” Lalonde was famous for his high-90s heat and power at the plate. He retired young but never turned his back on baseball, earning the nickname “Skip” for his high-school coaching prowess. A true student of the game, he loves crunching the numbers when he handicaps baseball.
