Aug.10 MLB Detroit Tigers vs. Los Angeles Angels Game Preview

August 10, 2025 – Detroit Tigers vs. Los Angeles Angels Game Preview

Game Overview

The Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Angels will close out their weekend series on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at Comerica Park in Detroit. First pitch is scheduled for 1:40 PM ET. Both teams come into this game with very different seasonal narratives: Detroit is fighting to maintain its lead in the AL Central, while the Angels are struggling to stay relevant in the Wild Card race.

This matchup features two starting pitchers at opposite ends of the performance spectrum in 2025 — Detroit’s Casey Mize, who has been one of the most reliable arms in the Tigers’ rotation, and LA’s Jack Kochanowicz, who has struggled mightily throughout the season.

Starting Pitching Matchup

Detroit Tigers – Casey Mize (10-4, 3.50 ERA, 1.29 WHIP)

Mize has been the definition of stability for Detroit this year. He’s kept his ERA in the mid-3s and consistently given his team quality starts. While he doesn’t overpower hitters with strikeouts, his command and ability to induce weak contact have been key to his success. In Comerica Park, a pitcher-friendly venue, Mize has an added advantage, as he can pitch to contact without the fear of the ball flying out of the yard too often.

Key to watch: If Mize can limit the Angels’ middle-of-the-order power threats, the Tigers should be in prime position to control the game early.

Los Angeles Angels – Jack Kochanowicz (3-9, 5.85 ERA, 1.63 WHIP)

It’s been a rough year for the 24-year-old right-hander. Kochanowicz has struggled with both command and home run prevention, allowing far too many baserunners and failing to escape big innings. While he has shown flashes of promise in certain outings, inconsistency remains the story of his season. Against a disciplined Detroit lineup, he’ll need to be precise in the strike zone and avoid leaving pitches over the middle.

Key to watch: Whether Kochanowicz can survive the first two trips through Detroit’s order without giving up multiple runs.

Team Performance Snapshot

Detroit Tigers (67-51, 1st in AL Central)

The Tigers have exceeded preseason expectations, thanks to a combination of solid starting pitching, timely hitting, and a revamped bullpen. The recent trade deadline acquisitions of Kyle Finnegan, Paul Sewald, and veteran starter Charlie Morton have addressed depth concerns, especially in late-game situations. Detroit’s offense isn’t the most powerful in the league, but their balance and ability to manufacture runs have been a huge asset.

Los Angeles Angels (56-61, 4th in AL West)

The Angels entered the season hoping to be playoff contenders, but inconsistency and injuries have derailed their progress. While their offense has been streaky, their biggest issue has been pitching — both starting rotation depth and bullpen reliability have been problems all year. With the season slipping away, games like this are more about evaluating young talent than chasing postseason dreams.

Key Players to Watch

Detroit Tigers

Riley Greene (CF) – The two-time All-Star is in the midst of a career year, providing both power and on-base skills. Greene has been especially dangerous at Comerica, where he uses the spacious outfield to his advantage.
Kerry Carpenter (OF/DH) – Currently on the injured list but expected back soon, Carpenter has been a big run producer when healthy. His absence has forced others in the lineup to step up.
Javier Báez (SS) – Still a streaky hitter, but his defense and occasional clutch hits give Detroit an edge in tight games.

Los Angeles Angels

Mike Trout (OF) – Even though injuries have shortened some of his recent seasons, Trout remains one of the game’s most feared hitters. If he’s in the lineup, he can change the game with one swing.
Nolan Schanuel (1B) – A young bat with strong plate discipline who could be a long-term building block for LA.
Logan O’Hoppe (C) – One of the more promising young catchers in the league, capable of producing power from behind the plate.

Tactical Breakdown

Why Detroit Has the Edge

Starting Pitching Advantage – Mize has been far superior to Kochanowicz in 2025, and Detroit’s bullpen is now reinforced after the trade deadline.
Home Field Advantage – Comerica Park plays to the Tigers’ strengths, especially for contact-oriented hitters and pitchers who rely on fly ball outs.
Recent Form – Detroit has maintained a winning record in their last 10 games, while LA has struggled to string together consecutive victories.

Paths to an Angels Upset

Kochanowicz must deliver his best start of the season, limiting walks and keeping Detroit’s bats in check.
The Angels’ offense needs early production, ideally chasing Mize from the game before the 7th inning.
Defensive sharpness — the Angels cannot afford unforced errors, as giving Detroit extra outs could be fatal.

Betting & Projection Insights

Vegas Odds: Tigers -207 favorites; Angels +170 underdogs.
Projected Score: Tigers 5 – Angels 4.
Total Runs Line: 9 (slight lean toward the under given Mize’s presence).
Win Probability (ESPN): Tigers 68.8%, Angels 31.2%.

Final Prediction

The most likely outcome here is a Detroit win. Mize’s consistency, combined with a balanced offense and a now-improved bullpen, should be enough to hold off the Angels. While LA certainly has the talent to steal a game if their bats come alive, the pitching matchup heavily favors the home team. Expect a competitive game, but the Tigers are projected to take it by a narrow margin, perhaps 5-3 or 5-4.

Predicted Winner: Detroit Tigers
Key Player of the Game: Riley Greene – projected for multiple hits and at least one RBI.