The Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers are set to kick off a three-game series on Monday night, but these two teams are trending in very different directions. The Red Sox (13-21) have stumbled through a rough patch, losing five of their last six games while averaging just 1.6 runs per game during that slump. Meanwhile, the Tigers (18-17) are heating up, having won four of their last five contests, thanks in large part to a pitching staff that has held opponents to one or two runs in three of those four victories.

Monday's matchup at Comerica Park features a compelling duel of left-handed starters. The Red Sox will send Payton Tolle (0-1, 3.38 ERA) to the mound, while the Tigers counter with two-time defending AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal (3-2, 2.70 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET in Detroit.

When it comes to the betting lines, the Tigers enter as heavy favorites at -204 on the money line, meaning you'd need to risk $204 to win $100. The Red Sox are listed as +169 underdogs. The over/under for total runs is set at 7.

For those looking to make informed picks, SportsLine's proven computer model has simulated this game 10,000 times and is leaning toward the Over on the 7-run total. That's an interesting call given that the Over has hit just once in the Tigers' last six games. The model has been on a hot streak recently, going 5-0 on top-rated MLB picks and returning nearly 30 units of profit on home run prop picks in 2025.

Whether you're a die-hard fan or just looking to add some excitement to the game, this series opener offers plenty of storylines—from Boston's offensive struggles to Skubal's dominance on the mound. Grab your favorite team gear and settle in for what promises to be an intriguing night of baseball.