Houston We Have Playoff Potential

A potential AL playoff preview is on tap tonight with the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers hosting the AL West-leading Houston Astros. Then we head west to Anaheim, where the Los Angeles Angels face the Cincinnati Reds, who are just 1.5 games out of the final Wild Card spot. Both series carry real postseason stakes — and both are on national TV.

📺 Today's TV Games

  • ⚾ Houston Astros @ Detroit Tigers – MLB Network
  • ⚾ Cincinnati Reds @ Los Angeles Angels – FS1

🎯 Pick'em 10 (6:40pm ET/3:40pm PT)

⚾ Houston @ Detroit

The Astros continue easing Spencer Arrighetti back into the rotation after an extended IL stint. His season numbers are rough — strikeouts are down, walks are up, and his ERA still sits above 6.00. But recent form has shown improvement, with his ERA dipping below 4.00 in his latest starts. Tonight is a big test, facing a hot Detroit squad (7-3 in their last 10) in a tough home park.

Jack Flaherty takes the mound for the Tigers. His strikeout rate is excellent, but he gives up too many walks and hits. His 4.76 ERA reflects those ups and downs. At home, though, he’s been steadier with a 3.79 ERA. He’ll need that version tonight against Houston’s dangerous lineup.

🔹 Spencer Arrighetti – Over/Under 2.5 Earned Runs Allowed

🔹 José Altuve – Over/Under 1.5 Hits + Runs + RBIs

🔹 Yainer Diaz – Over/Under 0.5 Strikeouts

🔹 Jack Flaherty – Over/Under 1.5 Walks Allowed

🔹 Riley Greene – Over/Under 1.5 Hits + Runs + RBI

🔹 Zach McKinstry – Over/Under 0.5 Hits

⚾ Cincinnati @ LA Angels

This matchup may not feature division leaders, but the Reds should treat it like October baseball. They trail the Mets for the final Wild Card spot and are hungry for their first postseason berth since 2020. New skipper Terry Francona (yes, that Tito Francona) is already making an impact.

Brady Singer gets the start after blanking the Phillies over six innings in his last outing. His season ERA is 4.31, but he’s trending better. The problem? The road. Away from home, Singer’s ERA jumps to 6.02 with an .828 opponent OPS.

For the Angels, rookie Victor Mederos makes his second MLB start after a solid, if unspectacular, debut against the Dodgers (4 IP, 3 ER, 3 BB, 3 K). His AAA numbers were excellent, and this call-up is part of Anaheim’s effort to evaluate their young arms for 2025. Their bullpen bailed him out last time, and they’ll likely be needed again tonight.

🔹 Brady Singer – Over/Under 5.5 Earned Runs Allowed

🔹 Elly De La Cruz – Over/Under 0.5 Runs

🔹 Victor Mederos – Over/Under 2.5 Earned Runs Allowed

🔹 Mike Trout – Over/Under 0.5 Walks

🏆 Pick’em 5 Margin (9:38pm ET/6:38pm PT)

⚾ Cincinnati @ LA Angels

(See full game breakdown above)

🔸 Brady Singer – Strikeouts

🔸 Victor Mederos – Strikeouts

🔸 Elly De La Cru – Hits + Runs + RBIs

🔸 TJ Friedl – Hits + Runs + RBIs

🔸 Mike Trout – Hits + Runs + RBIs