Detroit Tigers vs San Diego Padres Picks and Predictions for Thursday, March 26, 2026

By: Cameron Ross Published 03/26/2026, 12:30 AM ET

Tigers vs Padres Game Information

The Detroit Tigers opened the 2026 season Thursday afternoon with a 4:10 PM match-up inside Petco Park in San Diego, CA against the San Diego Padres. Detroit will look to build on last year's success after finishing the season 87-75 overall, leaving Detroit to the postseason, where they fell in round two in five games to the Seattle Mariners. San Diego comes into 2026 after finishing last year with 90 wins and 72 losses before losing in 3 games to the Chicago Cubs in round 1 of the playoffs. Stay in the news with our MLB Picks.

Tigers Preview

The Tigers offense carried the team last season as they finished in the middle of the league with a .247 team batting average on the year. As a unit, Detroit scored 758 total runs and compiled 1346 hits as a team. Zach McKinstry is back this season for Detroit after leading the team with a .259 batting average. Riley Greene returns this season as well after leading the team with 36 home runs and 111 RBIs through 157 games played last season.

Padres Preview

The San Diego offense was top ten last year, finishing the season with a .252 team batting average. San Diego scored 700 and two runs on 1369 total hits last season. The San Diego power was resounding as well, as they finished with 152 total home runs and a point 390 team slugging percentage. Manny Machado was the team leader for San Diego last year, finishing the season with a .275 batting average and leading the way with 27 home runs and 95 RBI's. Fernando Tatis Jr. posted a .268 batting average, along with 25 home runs and 71 RBIs, a year ago.

Tigers vs Padres Pitching Matchup

Both teams have solid enough offense that's coming into this matchup, as each will look to start the year on the right foot. Detroit, however, has the better pitcher on the mound as they have one of the best arms in baseball. Look for Detroit to ride their starter Thursday to a win against a good San Diego team. Take the tigers to start the season undefeated on Thursday as they get the road victory out West in San Diego.

Subscribe Now

I authorize Picks And Parlays to send me promotional emails

I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time. I have read and accepted the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. I consent that Picks And Parlays may use third-party services to process my data.

Terms & Conditions

Pick: Detroit Tigers
Secondary: Under
Lean: Riley Greene Over 1.5 Bases

Final Score Prediction: Detroit Tigers win 4-2.

Never Tried Picks and Parlays? Now Is Your Chance

Get your first daily picks package for ONLY $1 using coupon code BUCK
If the pick loses, we credit your account with 3 Flex Picks
If the pick wins, we still give you 1 Flex Pick on the house
Win or lose, you walk away ahead. One dollar. No catch.

Min. Deposit $5

Cashable No

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

Requirement New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days. (Up to $1,000 Bet Reset Tokens)

Cashable No

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelplineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, IA, KY, WV) only. New users only or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Casino, First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Min $5 wager required for 5 consecutive days. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable Bet Reset tokens. Refund from token issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bet that expire 7 days after receipt. Max refund $200 per day. Restrictions apply, including token expiration. See full terms at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA).

Min. Deposit $5

Odds Requirements -500

Cashable No

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 7/19/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.