Detroit Tigers vs San Diego Padres Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 03/26/26

An intriguing Opening Day matchup awaits on Thursday when the Detroit Tigers take on the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. The Tigers own arguably the deepest rotation in the American League with back-to-back Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal leading the way and Framber Valdez and Justin Verlander joining the party. Skubal is set to take the ball on Opening Day, and he should be able to put forth a strong outing. The overpowering left-hander tossed 6.0 shutout innings against the White Sox on Opening Day last year, and has typically been very good out of the gate. He owns a 3.16 ERA and 1.105 WHIP in March/April in his career, and figures to present plenty of matchup nightmares for the Padres.

Nick Pivetta is scheduled to take the mound for the home team. Pivetta shined in his first season with San Diego a year ago, as he posted an impressive 2.87 ERA and 0.99 WHIP through 31 starts and 181.2 innings of work. The Tigers didn’t do much to bolster their lineup over the offseason, and Pivetta is more than capable of giving them some issues. AJ Hinch knows how to utilize his bullpen effectively, and it will be interesting to see how Craig Stammen handles San Diego’s bullpen in his managerial debut. This matchup has the makings of a low-scoring affair. Make it a small play, but look to the under.

Tigers vs Padres prediction: Under 7 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.