| MATCHUP | Detroit Tigers | San Diego Padres |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Spread | -1.5 129 | +1.5 -156 |
| Moneyline | -131 | +109 |
| Total | Over 7 (-108) | Under 7 (-112) |
| Where | Petco Park, San Diego, California | |
| When | Thursday, March 26, 2026 | |
| Time | 04:10 PM EDT | |
| TV | MLB.TV | |
Detroit Tigers Betting Preview
The Detroit Tigers are coming off back-to-back playoff appearances and are a legit AL contender. Tarik Skubal is arguably the best arm in baseball and the addition of Framber Valdez gives a legit 1-2 punch. Justin Verlander returns and despite his age, there’s still something left in the tank. The offense was hit or miss last year, but there’s a youthful core to be excited about led by guys such as Riley Greene, Kerry Carpenter, and Colt Keith. Skubal’s future is worth keeping an eye on and will be key to the franchise moving forward, but the Tigers should push for an AL Central crown and a third straight playoff trip for the first time since 2014.
Tarik Skubal gets the ball for the Detroit Tigers, and he was 13-6 with a 2.21 ERA and 241 strikeouts last season. This will be Skubal’s second career game against the San Diego Padres.
San Diego Padres Betting Preview
The San Diego Padres have made the playoffs in 4 of the last 6 seasons but are hoping to finally take that next step. The lineup is led by all-star-caliber players in Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and Jackson Merrill, while the rotation has respectable arms in Nick Pivetta, Michael King, and Randy Vasquez. Adding German Marquez and Walker Buehler at the end gives the rotation needed depth. the stars are there, the offense is as good as it gets, and the bullpen looks like it could be a strength this season. The pieces are there; it’s just about getting it done. Compete with the Dodgers and do more than clinch a playoff berth. With some names getting up there in age, it feels like it’s now or never for the Padres.
Nick Pivetta gets the ball for the San Diego Padres, and he was 13-5 with a 2.87 ERA and 190 strikeouts last season. Pivetta is 2-2 with a 2.33 ERA and 34 strikeouts in his career against the Detroit Tigers.
Why the San Diego Padres will win
- The underdogs have won five of the Tigers’ last six games.
- The Tigers have lost five of their last six games as favorites against National League opponents.
- The Tigers have failed to cover the run line in 13 of their last 14 games as favorites.
- The Padres have covered the run line in seven of their last eight home games.
- The Tigers have trailed after 5 innings in each of their last three games as favorites against National League opponents.
- The Tigers have trailed after 3 innings in each of their last three games.
Why the Detroit Tigers will win
- The Tigers have won each of their last seven day games after going to extra innings.
- The Padres have lost each of their last three home games against American League opponents.
- The Tigers have covered the run line in nine of their last 10 games against NL West opponents.
- The Padres have failed to cover the run line in six of their last seven games against American League opponents.
- The Padres have trailed after 3 innings in four of their last five games against AL Central opponents.
- The Padres have trailed after 5 innings in 10 of their last 12 games against American League opponents.
Total Runs Facts
- Seven of the Tigers’ last eight road games against NL West opponents have gone OVER the total runs line.
- Four of the Padres’ last five games have gone UNDER the total runs line.
- The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in nine of the Padres’ last 10 day games against American League opponents.
- The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Tigers’ last four road games.
San Diego Padres Player Prop Facts
- Fernando Tatis Jr. has hit a home run in two of the Padres’ last three games at Petco Park.
- Jackson Merrill has recorded at least one Double in three of the Padres’ last four games.
- Nick Pivetta has recorded seven or more strikeouts in three of his last four appearances at Petco Park.
- Nick Castellanos has recorded at least one hit in each of his last nine appearances in season openers.
Detroit Tigers Player Prop Facts
- Spencer Torkelson has recorded a Double in four of the Tigers’ last five road games against NL West opponents.
- Kerry Carpenter has hit a home run in two of the Tigers’ last three road games.
- Tarik Skubal has recorded eight or more strikeouts in each of his last five appearances with the Tigers as favorites.
- Tarik Skubal has recorded a win in three of his last four appearances in day games.
- Matt Vierling has recorded at least one hit in each of his last eight appearances with his team as a road favorite against NL West opponents.
Detroit Tigers vs San Diego Padres Prediction
The Padres have the offense to get to any pitcher when theyre on and Pivetta is an above-average pitcher. You can argue the plus money is worth a look with the home team. However, Skubal is arguably the best pitcher in baseball and you don’t get cheap prices with him often. I say take advantage of it while you still can because Skubal is going to be pushing in the -180 / -200 range a lot of nights. The Padres also may have the talent but they’ve underachieved for the most part and have many games where it feels like they’re just coasting. You’re giving me a cheap price with an elite pitcher. I have to take it. Give me the Tigers.