Athletics vs. Tigers prediction and odds for Tuesday, July 4 (Back Detroit in Skubal’s return)

The Detroit Tigers are seeking a third straight win on Tuesday, July 4, and they have a new face on the mound – at least this season. 

Lefty Tarik Skubal will make his season debut for the Tigers against the Oakland Athletics on Independence Day. This is Skubal’s first start in the majors since Aug. 1, 2022. 

The young lefty missed the final two months of last season and the first three months of the 2023 campaign while recovering from flexor tendon surgery.

He’ll face off with JP Sears (1-6, 4.43 ERA) who was on the wrong side of Domingo German’s perfect game the last time he toed the rubber. 

Who has the edge in this matchup? 

The A’s are simply the worst team in baseball, so it’s hard to justify betting on them at any point, but especially in this pitching matchup.

While Skubal is making his first start of the season, he was great in 2022 – posting a 2.96 Fielding Independent Pitching and 3.52 ERA in 21 starts. 

He should be able to slow down arguably the worst offense in Major League Baseball. 

Meanwhile, Sears has struggled in 2023, posting a 5.14 FIP and leading the A’s to a 4-12 record in his 16 appearances. 

Oakland’s offense is worse against lefties (26th in OPS) than Detroit’s (21st in OPS), so I’ll back the better starter to get it done on Tuesday.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.