Cleveland Indians at Detroit Tigers 9/18/20 - MLB Picks & Predictions

On Friday, the Cleveland Indians play the second game of a four-game series on the road against the American League Central rival the Detroit Tigers. The losses keep mounting for Cleveland as the Indians fell to 26-23 following their 3-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs. The Indians have lost eight straight and have been swept in each of the last two series. Cleveland is at risk of falling out of contention for a postseason berth.

Right fielder Franmil Reyes is batting .284 to lead Cleveland. Third baseman Jose Ramirez is leading in home runs with 11 and RBIs with 28, while shortstop Francisco Lindor has a team-high 55 hits and first baseman Carlos Santana a team-high .360 on-base percentage. On Friday Cleveland will send Zach Plesac to the mound. The right-hander is 3-2 with an ERA of 2.20, 39 Ks and 3 BBs. 

Detroit dropped to 21-27 following a 4-0 loss on Wednesday to the Kansas City Royals. The Tigers are in fourth place in the AL Central 10 ½ games behind the first-place Chicago White Sox and have lost three of their last four. The Tigers were able to get just two hits over six Innings off of Royals starter Brady Singer in the loss and have been shut out twice in the last four games.

Third baseman Jeimer Candalario is batting .333 to lead Detroit and has team-highs in RBIs with 28, hits with 54 and on-base percentage at .390. Second baseman Jonathan Schoop is leading Detroit in home runs with eight. On Friday, Detroit will send Michael Fulmer to the mound. The right-hander is 0-2 with an ERA of 9.27, 18 Ks and 11 BBs.