Cleveland sports lackluster season splits vs. left-handed pitchers (.230 BA/.293 OBP/.357 SLG/.650 OPS) and didn't fare well against Skubal last season. The Tigers starter has only surrendered one long ball in 32.1 innings this season and has held four of his seven opponents to zero runs. The Guardians, who are hitting .223/.285/.333/.617 this month, look like the next casualty.

Detroit was down 4-0 early on Wednesday but stormed back with seven runs. It led 7-4 at the time this article was published. I expect that performance to carry over into Thursday's game, giving Skubal the run insurance necessary to hold Cleveland in check.

Bet on the Tigers, who are 21-14 straight-up against AL Central opponents, to win game one of the four-game series.