Tigers vs. Astros: AL Wild Card Series Game 2 predictions, odds and picks
The Detroit Tigers took the AL Wild Card Series opener in Houston on Tuesday behind a strong performance from pitcher Tarik Skubal and the lineup, who dominated Astros starter Framber Valdez. A win in Wednesday’s Game 2 will guarantee their trip to the Cleveland Guardians for the ALDS, while the hosts will be looking to level the series.

Tigers vs. Astros ALWS Game 2 recent form and records
The Tigers entered Tuesday’s game after a shock loss at the hands of the Chicago White Sox over the weekend. But that was their first series defeat since they were on the road to San Diego in early September. They won 31 games since Aug. 10 to make the playoffs.

Meanwhile, the Astros started the year poorly but became the first team in the expansion era to make it to the playoffs after going 7-19. They have a ton of postseason experience on their roster, and Game 2 will be the franchise’s 99th postseason matchup since 2017.

Players to Watch
Starting Pitchers
Tyler Holton vs. Hunter Brown
The Tigers named reliever Tyler Holton as a starter. He will most likely open for a few innings before passing the mound to a bulk reliever like Reese Olson.

Last Start: vs. Orioles, 1.0 inning pitched, 2 hits, 2 earned runs, 0 walks, 1 strikeout.

Career vs. Astros: 6.35 ERA, 3 strikeouts, 3 appearances.

On the other hand, Hunter Brown gets his first nod as a postseason starter after appearances out of the bullpen in 2022 and 2023.

Last Start: vs. Mariners, 6.0 innings pitched, 3 hits, 1 earned run, 3 walks, 8 strikeouts.

Career vs. Tigers: 2.93 ERA, 36 strikeouts, 5 appearances.

Must-Watch Hitters
Tigers
All of the starting nine of the Tigers lineup reached base on Tuesday. Riley Greene has 10 hits in his last 10 games and will be an important at-bat in the middle of the lineup.

Astros
Yordan Alvarez and Alex Bregman had two hits each in the opener but failed to convert RBIs. Kyle Tucker, who hit .365 in September, went 0-4.

Tigers vs. Astros ALWS Game 2 odds
Moneyline Runline Total Runs
Tigers (+145) Tigers +1.5 (-150) Tigers O 7.5 (-110)
Astros (-175) Astros -1.5 (+125) Astros U 7.5 (-110)
Tigers vs. Astros ALWS Game 2 expert picks and prediction
The Astros get the nod as favorites to rebound in Game 2. They have had a strong record at home this season, getting 46 out of their 88 wins, and their lineup will be feeling better not having to face Tarik Skubal.

The Tigers’ openers-bulk relievers strategy has been employed with several injuries to their rotation, but its effectiveness will be tested in a postseason game at Minute Maid Park today.

Runline: Under 1.5

Total Runs: Under 7.5

Prediction: Astros 5, Tigers 1