Detroit Tigers vs Cleveland Guardians Prediction: AL Central Showdown on Sept. 24

Season Context and Stakes

The AL Central has turned into a nail‑biter. After years of predictable hierarchies, Detroit and Cleveland now share identical 85‑72 records. Cleveland’s surge began in early September when the club clawed back a 10.5‑game deficit, winning 17 of its last 22 contests. That hot streak included a decisive victory over Detroit on Tuesday, giving the Guardians the season‑series tiebreaker and the edge needed to sit atop the division for the first time since April 22.

Detroit, on the other hand, is fighting a steep slide. The Tigers have gone 1‑10 in their last eleven games, including a six‑game road road trip without a win. Their home record remains solid at 46‑35, but the current series forces them into hostile territory where they have gone 39‑37 overall on the road. A win in Cleveland would keep Detroit alive in the division race and force the Guardians to win out to retain first place.

• Both teams: 85‑72 overall
• Guardians: 17‑5 in last 22 games, -6 run differential season‑wide
• Tigers: 1‑10 in last 11, 46‑35 at home

Key Matchup Details

The pitching duel pits veteran right‑hander Detroit Tigers vs Cleveland Guardians prediction Jack Flaherty against Cleveland’s left‑hander Tanner Bibee. Flaherty carries an 8‑14 record and a 4.60 ERA this season, but his career numbers against the Guardians are far more encouraging – a 2‑4 ledger with a 2.21 ERA and 48 strikeouts. That suggests he can elevate his game in high‑pressure moments.

Bibee, meanwhile, has been a workhorse for Cleveland, delivering a strong ERA and depth in the bullpen. His ability to locate pitches on the edges of the strike zone makes him a tough opponent for a Tigers lineup that has struggled to generate offense, posting a .247 batting average, .316 OBP, and .416 SLG.

Offensively, Detroit leans heavily on Riley Greene, who has amassed 153 hits and 110 RBIs. Gleyber Torres and Spencer Torkelson combine for 265 hits and 152 RBIs, providing a core of power and contact. Cleveland’s lineup, though not detailed here, has been riding the momentum of the team’s hot run, adding pressure to an already tight game.

Oddsmakers list Cleveland as -149 favorites, with Detroit at +126. The run line favors the Guardians at -1.5 (+148), and the over/under sits at 7.5 runs. First pitch is set for 6:40 p.m. ET, and with only a few weeks left in the regular season, the outcome will shape the final push for the AL Central crown.