MLB Predictions: Detroit Tigers vs. Oakland Athletics

The Detroit Tigers (28-18) and Oakland Athletics (30-20) will open up an American League series on Monday afternoon at the O.co Coliseum, with the first pitch scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET

Detroit Tigers vs. Oakland Athletics

The Detroit Tigers are 11-3 in their last 14 road games

Detroit hits the road after dropping three of four home games against the Texas Rangers, including a 12-4 setback as -161 favorites Sunday, while going OVER the betting total in each of those affairs. The Tigers have allowed more runs over their past five games than in any five-game stretch since June 28-July 2, 2011. Outfielder Torii Hunter will lead the offense, as he’s 4 for 7 in his career against today’s opposing starter. Detroit is 12-9 in day games this season.

Tigers starting pitcher Drew Smyly (2-2, 2.97 ERA) pitched a scoreless inning out of the bullpen last Thursday versus the Rangers. The left-hander is 1-0 with a 1.71 ERA in four road appearances—ranking seventh in ERA among AL pitchers when taking the hill away from home. Dating back to 2012, Smyly’s 2.70 ERA in day games ranked ninth among active players in the Junior Circuit. In three career relief appearances versus the Athletics, Smyly has allowed five runs and five hits over 2.1 innings.

Oakland went 5-4 on its recently completed nine-game road trip, which ended with a 3-1 setback to the Toronto Blue Jays Sunday. The Athletics have thrived against AL Central opponents at this ballpark since May 17, 2013—going 30-9 over that span. It’s important to point out that the club entered yesterday’s game 28 for 31 in stolen base attempts, which is the best percentage in all of baseball. Oakland is 5-2 as home favorites of -125 to -150 this season, with the OVER going 4-3 in that situation.

Athletics starting pitcher Tommy Milone (2-3, 3.99 ERA) picked up a 3-2 road victory over the Tampa Bay Rays last time out, as he surrendered two runs and five hits over 5.2 innings of work. The left-hander is 1-0 with a 1.80 ERA in three home outings, with opposing hitters batting .174 against him. Milone has compiled a 2-0 record and 3.24 ERA in three starts versus the Tigers.