MLB Lines: ALDS Game 2 Picks

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MLB LINES: AMERICAN LEAGUE DIVISION SERIES GAME 2

Let’s analyze the matchups between the Detroit Tigers, Cleveland Guardians, Kansas City Royals, and New York Yankees, including the MLB Lines and key factors to watch in each game.

Detroit Tigers vs Cleveland Guardians Game 2

On Monday, the Detroit Tigers take on the Cleveland Guardians in Game Two of the ALDS. After a lopsided 7-0 loss in Game One, the Tigers will look to bounce back with left-hander Tarik Skubal on the mound. First pitch is scheduled for 4:08 p.m. ET at Progressive Field in Cleveland.

Tigers Looking to Even the Series

Detroit’s playoff journey has been an underdog story. The Tigers entered the ALDS with momentum after sweeping the Houston Astros in the Wild Card round with all the MLB lines against them. However, that magic appeared to fizzle out quickly in Game One, as the Guardians jumped to an early lead, scoring five runs in the first inning. The Tigers never recovered, going 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position.

Despite the tough loss, there are reasons for Detroit fans to remain optimistic. Tarik Skubal is set to start Game Two, and the lefty has been dominant this season. Skubal posted a 2.39 ERA across 31 starts in 2024, striking out 228 batters while walking just 35. He comes into this game in excellent form, having shut down the Houston Astros with six strikeouts over six scoreless innings in his last start.

Skubal’s track record against Cleveland is promising. He is 2-2 with a 3.46 ERA in eight career appearances (41.2 innings) against the Guardians. His recent outing against them was a gem, as he allowed just one run while striking out 10 batters over seven innings. If the Tigers hope to avoid falling into a 2-0 hole, they’ll need another stellar performance from Skubal.

Detroit’s offense will need to bounce back after being shut out in Game One. The Tigers must get timely hits with runners in scoring position if they want to avoid an early exit from the postseason. Matthew Boyd’s solid numbers this season suggest the Tigers will face another challenging task at the plate.

Guardians Ready to Build on Game One Momentum

Cleveland confidently entered the postseason, earning a first-round bye after finishing the regular season with a 92-69 record and promising MLB lines, winning the AL Central by 6.5 games. They continued that momentum in Game One of the ALDS, jumping all over the Tigers early and cruising to a 7-0 victory.

The Guardians showed why they won the regular season series against Detroit, taking seven of 13 matchups. In Game One, they put the Tigers on the ropes from the start, taking advantage of early scoring opportunities and not allowing Detroit to recover. Cleveland will look to bring the same energy into Game Two.

On the mound for the Guardians is veteran southpaw Matthew Boyd, who has been solid in limited action this season. Boyd went 2-2 with a 2.72 ERA over eight appearances (39.2 innings), showing excellent control with a 1.13 WHIP. 

In his most recent start against the St. Louis Cardinals, Boyd allowed two runs over four innings, striking out six. While he hasn’t faced Detroit since the 2022 season, his familiarity with his former club could work to his advantage.

Cleveland will aim to replicate its Game One performance by jumping on Detroit early and providing Boyd enough run support to get through the middle innings.

The Guardians have struggled against Skubal in recent matchups, managing just four extra-base hits and striking out 15 times in 62 combined at-bats. Cleveland will need to figure out how to crack Skubal’s code if they hope to take a commanding 2-0 series lead.

Prediction

With Tarik Skubal on the mound, the Tigers have an excellent chance to even the series. Skubal has been one of the top pitchers in baseball this season and has had success against Cleveland in the past. The Tigers’ lineup, led by players like Spencer Torkelson and Kerry Carpenter, will need to step up to support their ace.

Cleveland, meanwhile, will rely on Matthew Boyd to replicate his solid 2024 season performance. The Guardians’ offense will need to take advantage of any early scoring opportunities against Skubal, just as they did in Game One. But with Skubal’s track record against them, it’s unlikely the Guardians will find the same success they did in the series opener.

In a must-win game for Detroit, expect the Tigers to show more fight, led by Skubal’s strong performance on the mound. Take Detroit on the money line as they look to bounce back and send the series to Game Three.

Prediction: Tigers Money Line

Kansas City Royals vs. New York Yankees Game 2 

The Kansas City Royals and New York Yankees will play Game Two of their best-of-five series on Monday night. After a close Game One, which the Yankees won 6-5, both teams will look to take control of the series.

Royals Lean on Ragans

The Royals had multiple leads in Game One but could not hold on, as the Yankees scored single runs in the sixth and seventh innings to seal the victory. Kansas City will turn to lefty ace Cole Ragans in Game Two, hoping for a bounce-back performance.

Ragans has been exceptional since being acquired from the Texas Rangers in 2023. He finished the 2024 season with an 11-9 record, a 3.14 ERA, and 223 strikeouts in 186.1 innings.

Ragans has been solid on the road, posting a 2.87 ERA in 15 starts. He faced the Yankees once this season, allowing two runs over six innings while striking out seven.

Yankees Rely on Rodon

The Yankees didn’t miss a beat in Game One despite a six-day layoff after the regular season. They battled back each time the Royals took the lead, and outfielder Alex Verdugo, who had been struggling, came up with the go-ahead RBI in the seventh inning.

Carlos Rodon takes the mound for New York in Game Two. Rodon enjoyed a bounce-back 2024 season, finishing 16-9 with a 3.96 ERA and 91 strikeouts at home. He has faced the Royals twice this year, allowing just two runs over 13 innings.

Prediction

Both teams send strong left-handers to the mound, making this one of the best pitching matchups of the series. While Rodon has been solid, Ragans has shown greater consistency this year. Expect a comeback performance from Kansas City’s offense, led by stars like Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez, as they look to even the series and boost the MLB lines for the upcoming games.

Prediction: Royals Money Line