Detroit Tigers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Prediction: Can Mitch Keller Shut Down the Tigers?
Detroit Tigers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Prediction: Can Mitch Keller Shut Down the Tigers?
The Pittsburgh Pirates host the Detroit Tigers tonight as they look to win their third consecutive game. Mitch Keller will take the mound for the Pirates in what will be his third start of the young season. Keller struggled mightily in his first two starts and currently holds a 6.55 ERA.
Tigers vs. Pirates DATE, TIME, AND WHERE TO WATCH
- Date: April 8, 2024
- Start Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
- Where to Watch: MLB Extra Innings
Detroit Tigers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Prediction
The 28-year old has a tremendous opportunity to bounce back, however, against a Tigers offense that ranks bottom-10 in almost every major category. Detroit is 23rd in wRC+ (83), 24th in on-base percentage (.286), and are below league average in pitches seen per plate appearance.
The player prop I'm looking to target is Keller's over 17.5 pitching outs, a number he exceeded in 11 of his 14 starts at home in 2023. This offseason, the Pirates gave Keller a five-year contract extension worth $77-million and his first two starts haven't been ideal to say the least.
Tonight will be Keller's first home start of the year, and he will be looking to bounce back with a solid performance in front of his home crowd. He has a great opportunity to give his ballclub an extended outing against this lackluster Tigers' offense and that is why I'm taking him to go over his 17.5 pitching outs prop.
Detroit Tigers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Pick
Mitch Keller O17.5 Pitching Outs (-120) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds