Last Updated on August 2, 2025 8:51 am by Anthony Rome
The Detroit Tigers (64–47) visit the Philadelphia Phillies (62–47) in a pivotal mid‑season clash at Citizens Bank Park, first pitch set for 4:05 p.m. ET. Both clubs lead their respective divisions and come in battling for momentum: the Tigers just saw their four-game win streak snapped, while the Phillies claimed the series opener with a dramatic late-inning rally. What’s the best bet in today’s Tigers vs. Phillies matchup?
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
Detroit Tigers at Philadelphia Phillies
4:05 p.m. ET, Saturday, August 2, 2025
Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
Tigers vs. Phillies Betting Odds
According to oddsmakers from online sportsbook Bovada.lv, the Phillies are -111 moneyline favorites to beat the Tigers, who are +103 moneyline underdogs. The total, meanwhile, is sitting at 6.5 runs.
Tigers vs. Phillies Public Betting: Bettors Leaning Philly
As of this writing, our MLB Public Betting Page shows that 51% of the bets are on the Phillies moneyline. That said, this page is updated frequently so make sure that you click on the link provided so that you’re getting the most updated information.
Starting Pitchers
Tarik Skubal (LHP, Tigers) enters with a sterling 10–3 record, a league-leading 2.09 ERA, and 171 strikeouts over 133.2 innings. He’s averaging a gaudy 11.5 K/9, and has yielded just 19 walks, with a WHIP around 0.84. In his lone career outing versus Philadelphia on June 25, 2024, Skubal tossed seven shutout innings, giving up just three hits, seven strikeouts and one walk. He’s also looked sharp since his last loss on July 11, striking out 18 and allowing just one run in his two most recent starts.
Zack Wheeler (RHP, Phillies) counters with a solid 9–4 record, a 2.56 ERA, and 172 strikeouts in an equal 133.2 innings. He boasts a WHIP near 0.89 and has held Detroit batters to a minuscule .137 team batting average in his two prior starts against them, with 16 strikeouts and no losses.
Team Matchups and Recent Form
Detroit’s offense is anchored by Riley Greene, Spencer Torkelson, Gleyber Torres, Dillon Dingler, and Zack McKinstry, all of whom have delivered strong power/speed production—Greene alone leads the team with 26 home runs and 84 RBI. However, the bullpen faltered on Friday, allowing four of Philly’s five runs after Detroit squandered a 3–0 lead.
The Phillies offense features top power producers like Kyle Schwarber (37 HR, 86 RBI), Nick Castellanos, and Bryce Harper, backed by Trea Turner’s speed and consistent contact production.
Detroit has generally played well during day games early in the day, and Wheeler’s home day-game splits have shown some vulnerabilities—particularly in covering the run line—while the Tigers have recently been covering it often against NL clubs.
Tigers vs. Phillies MLB BETTING PREDICTION
This pitching matchup between two legitimate Cy Young contenders makes this one of the marquee matchups of the day. Skubal’s dominance, especially his past performance against the Phillies, gives Detroit a slight edge. Wheeler is elite but has historically limited Detroit bats effectively—though that Tigers lineup is deeper this year than in his previous starts.
Given Skubal’s ability to eat innings and protect the Tigers’ bullpen (already taxed), combined with Detroit’s recent success covering the line and daylight underdog resilience, I lean slightly toward Detroit, especially if offense can materialize early. But Philadelphia’s home-field advantage and late-inning resiliency should not be discounted.
Final score prediction: Tigers 3, Phillies 2 — a tight, low-scoring duel. Edge to Detroit for the one-run win.
Tigers vs. Phillies MLB Playoffs Prediction: DETROIT TIGERS +103