The Oakland Athletics (84-62) and Detroit Tigers (77-69) will open up a three-game American League series on Tuesday night at Comerica Park, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 ET

Oakland Athletics at Detroit Tigers

Oakland has won 47 of its last 67 games despite missing out on a chance of picking up a three-game sweep of the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday, suffering a 9-5 setback after winning the first two contests.  “It’s great,” commented Athletics manager Bob Melvin.  “Going into this series you got a chance to take two of three, you’ll take that.”  The club enjoyed an off day to set up its pitching staff, as it will close the year with 16 games in 16 days.  Oakland is 10-6 after a day off and the “under” is 10-5 in that situation, something to think about when making your pro baseball picks.

Athletics starting pitcher A.J. Griffin (6-0, 1.94 ERA) has won three consecutive starts, including a 4-1 road victory over the Los Angeles Angels last time out, allowing six hits over eight shutout frames.  The right-hander is 4-0 with a 1.15 ERA in five road outings, issuing six walks and striking out 31 batters in 31.1 combined innings.  Griffin will be making his first career start against the Tigers.

Detroit is now three games out of first place in the AL Central standings, as it was handed a 5-4 setback on the road to the Chicago White Sox on Monday afternoon.  The Tigers have now lost 10 consecutive one-run games since Aug. 24.  “There’s plenty of time,” commented Tigers manager Jim Leyland.  Outfielder Austin Jackson landed back in the leadoff spot in yesterday’s loss, going 1-for-5 after sitting out Sunday with a sore left ankle.  Detroit is 11-19 versus AL West opponents this year.

Tigers starting pitcher Max Scherzer (16-6, 3.77 ERA) has led the club to eight victories in his last 10 outings, including an 8-6 road win over the Chicago White Sox, allowing one run and four hits over six innings.  The right-hander is 7-2 with a 3.36 ERA in 12 home starts, issuing 19 walks and striking out 98 batters in 75 combined frames.  In three career efforts versus the Athletics, Scherzer has compiled a 2-1 record and 3.71 ERA.

Sports bettors will likely back the Athletics due to their 10-1 record versus AL Central opponents, while the Tigers are 1-9 at home following a road trip of seven or more days.

Make sure to check out our Major League Baseball picks all season long and get the most up-to-date betting odds at Bookmaker