The Detroit Tigers are gearing up to face the San Francisco Giants in a three-game series at Comerica Park, with the first game set for Monday, May 26. Fans can expect to see Tigers slugger Kerry Carpenter leading off against Giants right-handed pitcher Hayden Birdsong, who has shown vulnerabilities against left-handed hitters this season.
Kerry Carpenter has been on a hot streak lately, particularly excelling against right-handed pitching. With a notable .454 expected weighted on-base average (xWOBA) against righties, Carpenter is predicted to produce significant offensive numbers in today’s matchup. He has successfully recorded two or more total bases in three of his last five games, and there’s strong anticipation that he will continue this performance against Birdsong.
Birdsong, who began the season in the Giants’ bullpen, boasts an impressive strikeout rate but struggles with command, allowing over three walks per nine innings. His performance against left-handed hitters has been particularly poor, with a batting line of .275/.350/.549 against them. This sets the stage for Carpenter to take advantage of Birdsong’s inconsistent pitching.
In conjunction with Carpenter’s expected success, the Tigers’ overall strikeout rate against right-handed pitchers has climbed to 26%. This factor, combined with Birdsong’s ability to generate strikeouts, presents an intriguing dynamic for the game.
Additionally, Mike Yastrzemski, another key player for the Giants, has found himself in favorable form, looking to continue his momentum after breaking a slump with a strong performance in his last game.
As the Tigers look to turn around their fortunes after a shaky start to their homestand, they have a balanced opportunity against the Giants. Betting analysts suggest taking a closer look at Carpenter’s performance and overall trends in today’s game. While odds are still subject to change, the matchup presents excitement for fans and bettors alike.
The game will be broadcast on NBC Sports Bay Area and FanDuel Sports Network, with the first pitch scheduled for 1:10 p.m. ET.