This has been a tough series to size up as the Rangers have pretty much struggled throughout the duration of the young season and Houston has battled since their season-opening series. There are encouraging signs that Houston's offense is beginning to emerge from their slump with Kyle Tucker finally showing signs of life and Jose Altuve working his way back from injury. Houston seemingly always has the advantage with Verlander toeing the rubber and that will certainly be the case in this one. The Astros have had success in Arlington of late going 6-2 in their last eight contests. That continues on Thursday afternoon.
This will be a fun one to watch as it features two compelling young arms in what could be a prominent pitching fixture for years to come in the AL Central. Ober was great his last time out and will build off that success against a limited Tigers lineup that is really struggling at the moment with just 8 runs in their last four games. Look for the Twins bats to battle against Skubal before ultimately breaking through against Detroit's vulnerable bullpen late. The Twins are surging at 6-0 in their last six games making them too difficult to fade at the moment, especially when going up against a reeling Tigers squad that has lost four in a row and seven of nine.