MLB Picks: Boston Red Sox vs. Detroit Tigers

The Boston Red Sox (45-32) and Detroit Tigers (41-32) will close out a four-game American League series Sunday afternoon at Comerica Park, with the first pitch scheduled for 1:08 p.m. ET.

Boston Red Sox vs. Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers are 23-4 in Justin Verlander's L27 Sunday starts — The Detroit Tigers are 23-4 in Justin Verlander’s L27 Sunday starts

Boston has dropped two of the first three games in this series, including a 10-3 setback as +159 road underdogs Saturday, while going OVER the total for a second consecutive contest. “The four runs given back in the first inning kind of set the tone for the evening,” stated Red Sox manager John Farrell. The Red Sox are 31-21 when facing right-handed starters, which is important to consider when making your MLB picks Sunday. Boston is 15-7 in day games, with the UNDER going 13-8-1 in that situation.

Red Sox starting pitcher Felix Doubront (4-3, 4.38 ERA) didn’t earn a decision in a 3-1 home victory over the Tampa Bay Rays last time out, as he allowed three hits over eight shutout innings. The left-hander is 2-2 with a 4.84 ERA in seven road outings, with opposing hitters batting .322 against him. Doubront picked up a 7-4 home win in his only career start against the Tigers on May 28, allowing two runs and four hits over six frames.

Detroit has alternated wins and losses over its last four games, while it has won 58 of its last 82 games at this ballpark since July 4, 2012. The Tigers got some major contributions from players in the lineup outside of Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder last night, with Austin Jackson, Torii Hunter and Andy Dirks combining for nine of the team’s 15 hits. Detroit is 33-8 as home favorites of -175 to -200, with the UNDER going 23-17-1 in those 41 opportunities.

Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander (8-5, 3.72 ERA) has watched the club drop his last two efforts, including a 5-2 home defeat to the Baltimore Orioles last time out, as he allowed five runs and seven hits over five frames. The right-hander is 3-3 with a 3.77 ERA in seven home appearances, issuing 18 walks and striking out 47 batters in 45.1 combined innings. In 10 career games versus the Red Sox, Verlander has compiled a losing 3-4 record and 3.38 ERA.