Updated
Updated · Fox News · Aug 12
Analyst Backs Guardians Over Tigers as Foster Griffin Brings 12-4, 3.31 ERA Edge
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Aug 12

Analyst Backs Guardians Over Tigers as Foster Griffin Brings 12-4, 3.31 ERA Edge

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 12

Summary

  • Cleveland gets the analyst’s pick in its AL Central matchup with Detroit, with the call hinging on deadline addition Foster Griffin starting for the Guardians.
  • Griffin has gone 12-4 with a 3.31 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 122 strikeouts this season, though he was hit for five runs and two homers in his Cleveland debut.
  • Detroit’s path against the left-hander would likely be the long ball, but the Tigers’ power has been less effective versus left-handed pitching despite ranking 12th in home runs overall.
  • Framber Valdez starts for Detroit at 7-7 with a 4.17 ERA; he has rebounded from a poor July by allowing two earned runs over 14 innings in his first two August outings.
  • The matchup comes with both clubs carrying mixed profiles: Cleveland is 58-62 and still searching for more offense, while Detroit has played at a .582 clip outside its 6-22 May collapse.

Insights

Can Detroit's power hitters defy their season-long weakness against lefties to exploit Foster Griffin's glaring home run vulnerability?
Will a looming weather delay at Comerica Park neutralize Cleveland's pitching advantage and expose their road offensive struggles?