MLB Game Preview: Detroit Tigers (78-56) vs. Athletics (62-72)

Game Details

First pitch is scheduled for 10:05 p.m. ET (7:05 p.m. PT).

Pitching Matchup

The Tigers will hand the ball to right-hander Casey Mize, who boasts a 12–4 record, a 3.68 ERA, a 1.27 WHIP and 103 strikeouts on the season. Opposing him for the A’s is rookie Luis Morales, who is 1–0 with a stingy 1.72 ERA, a 1.15 WHIP and 15 punchouts in limited action.

Team Overviews

The Athletics have gone 28–37 at home and ranks fourth in the American League with a .319 on-base percentage, but sits fifth in the AL West with its 62–72 mark. Detroit is 34–31 on the road and leads the AL Central at 78–56, including a sterling 20–9 record in one-run games. This is the sixth meeting of the season, with the A’s holding a 3–2 edge in the series.

Recent Form

The Athletics have won seven of their last ten, hitting .241 as a unit while their pitchers have posted a 4.01 ERA and outscored opponents by eight runs over that span. The Tigers are 6–4 in their last ten, batting .265 and logging a 4.04 team ERA, also outscoring foes by eight runs.

Players to Watch

• Brent Rooker (OAK): Leads the A’s with 32 doubles, three triples, 26 homers and 74 RBI.
• Shea Langeliers (OAK): 10-for-46 with two doubles, five homers and 12 RBI in his last ten games.
• Riley Greene (DET): Slugging .517 with 32 home runs—Detroit’s primary power threat.
• Dillon Dingler (DET): 10 hits in 35 at-bats (three doubles, one triple, five RBI) over his last ten contests.

Casey Mize’s strong repertoire and Detroit’s bullpen depth should outlast the A’s scrappy lineup. Look for the Tigers to jump out early and hold on late.