Spencer Torkelson, the former No. 1 overall pick for the Detroit Tigers, is finally beginning to realize his potential in his fourth MLB season. Currently slashing .237/.346/.498 with 16 home runs and 47 RBIs over 68 games, Torkelson has established himself as a core player in a first-place lineup. His OPS against left-handed pitching is impressive at 1.051, making him a strong candidate for home run bets as he faces Wade Miley of the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday. His improved discipline has reduced his chase rate to 20.6%, ranking him in the 90th percentile among MLB hitters, a crucial factor in his recent success.

With Torkelson's recent form and favorable splits against Miley, sportsbooks have set his odds at +390 for a home run, which is notable considering that 168 of the 196 homers Miley has allowed were to right-handed batters. Torkelson, along with other players like Brent Rooker and Brandon Lowe, is featured in various home run prop bets this Sunday. With a proven projection model backing these picks, there’s potential for significant value in betting this weekend.

The New York Yankees are on a scoring spree, averaging 7.8 runs over the last five games. Despite Ben Rice's impressive 12 home runs this season, he hasn't connected in this series. However, he may find success against Royals pitcher Seth Lugo, who has yielded five home runs in his last three outings. Rice's better performance against right-handed pitchers, with eight of his homers against them, adds to his potential. Currently, his odds to hit a home run are pegged at +525, marking him as a favored pick for bettors.

In addition to Rice, other players also present strong betting value. Spencer Torkelson from the Tigers, with a line of +475, is on a five-game hitting streak, while Carlos Correa of the Twins shows promise at +575, particularly against left-handers. The upcoming games on June 12 feature a plethora of home run prop bets, bolstered by SportsLine's computer model insights, which has been markedly successful in its predictions.

Colt Keith has officially made his debut as a starting third baseman for the Detroit Tigers, marking a significant milestone in his MLB career. At just 23 years old, Keith stepped onto the field at Oriole Park to take on the position for the first time since being drafted in 2020. His versatility allows the Tigers to maximize their lineup, as he can also play first and second base, crucial for accommodating other players including Spencer Torkelson and Gleyber Torres.

Manager A.J. Hinch expressed optimism about Keith's potential, indicating that his past experiences at various positions could be beneficial for both the Tigers and Keith's career longevity. The team has struggled at third base, ranking near the bottom in offensive production, making Keith's performance critical. With a solid minor league track record at third base prior to his promotion, fans are hopeful that he can provide the offensive and defensive boost the Tigers have needed.

The Detroit Tigers have surged to the top of the American League, boasting a remarkable 44-25 record, reminiscent of their 2006 World Series run. This performance stems from a blend of young talent and seasoned veterans like Javier Báez, who has reinvented himself as a versatile player after a challenging stint. Despite setbacks, including Tommy John surgeries for key pitchers like Tarik Skubal, the team’s resilience shines through.

Spencer Torkelson, the first overall pick in 2020, has emerged as a critical slugger, adapting his mindset after a demotion in 2024. Riley Greene emphasizes the importance of learning through struggles, reflecting the team’s philosophy of perseverance and collaborative success. With a robust pitching rotation and a commitment to teamwork, the Tigers aim to maintain their winning momentum as they navigate the competitive landscape of the AL Central.

The Detroit Tigers secured a 5-3 victory over the Baltimore Orioles, led by Spencer Torkelson's impressive performance, including his 16th home run of the season. Torkelson's two-run blast in the fifth inning capped off a pivotal three-run inning, helping the Tigers maintain their lead. Zach McKinstry also contributed significantly with two triples, while Riley Greene and Dillon Dingler provided key hits in the same inning.

Despite some late-game pressure from the Orioles, with Jordan Westburg homering in the ninth, the Tigers' bullpen, particularly Tommy Kahnle and Will Vest, held strong, ensuring the win. Sawyer Gipson-Long, making his second MLB appearance since recovering from surgery, showcased excellent command, striking out five in 4⅔ innings of work.